Junichi Inamoto (foto: Instagram)
Junichi Inamoto, the first Japanese player in the Premier League, retires at 45 after an extraordinary career spanning decades, including 82 caps for Japan.
In Japan, football players often defy conventional age limits, with some stars extending their careers far beyond what’s common elsewhere. The country has produced remarkable examples of longevity in the game, including Kazuyoshi Miura, who is still playing at 57 in Japan’s fourth division, and Shunsuke Nakamura, who played until the age of 44.
Now, Junichi Inamoto, the first Japanese player to appear in the Premier League, has officially announced his retirement at the age of 45. The former midfielder shared the news on Instagram, marking the end of an illustrious career that spanned decades.
Inamoto became a trailblazer in 2002, making history as the first Japanese player to feature in a Premier League match while wearing the Fulham jersey. He later played for clubs such as West Bromwich Albion, Cardiff City, Galatasaray, and Rennes. In total, he earned 82 caps for the Japanese national team, contributing significantly to the country’s footballing history.
In his later years, Inamoto continued to play in Japan’s lower divisions, most recently in the fifth tier, before finally hanging up his boots. His career serves as a testament to the enduring spirit and longevity of Japanese footballers, who often continue playing well into their 40s.