Japanese footballer
Toshihiro Hattori (服部 年宏, Hattori Toshihiro, born 23 September 1973) is a Japanese former professional footballer who played as a midfielder or defender. He played for the Japan national team. He currently manager of FC Imabari.
Club career
Hattori was born in Shizuoka on 23 September 1973. After he dropped out from Tokai University, he joined Júbilo Iwata in 1994. He played in many defensive positions. He was a central player in golden era in club history. The club won the champions at J1 League three times (1999, 1999, 2002). The club also won 1998 J.League Cup and 2003 Emperor's Cup. In Asia, the club won the 1998–99 Asian Club Championship and came second place at 1999–2000 and 2000–01 Asian Club Championship. He played the club until 2006. Toward end of his career, he played for Tokyo Verdy (2007–09), Gainare Tottori (2010–11) and FC Gifu (2012–13). He retired end of 2013 season.
International career
In July 1996, Hattori was selected Japan U23 national team for 1996 Summer Olympics. He played in all three matches. Although Japan won two matches, Japan lost at First round. At this time, Japan won Brazil in first game. It was known as "Miracle of Miami" (マイアミの奇跡) in Japan.
On 11 September 1996, Hattori debuted for Japan national team against Uzbekistan. He was selected Japan for 1996 Asian Cup and 1998 World Cup, but he did not play in the match both competition. After 1998 World Cup, he came to be well selected for Japan by new manager Philippe Troussier. He played at 1999 Copa América, 2000 Asian Cup, 2001 Confederations Cup and 2002 World Cup. At 2000 Asian Cup, he played in all matches and Japan won the champions. At 2001 Confederations Cup, Japan won 2nd place. After 2002 World Cup, he played as regular player under new manager Zico. He was also selected Japan for 2003 Confederations Cup, but he did not play in the match. He played 44 games and scored 2 goals for Japan until 2003.[1]
Managerial career
On 11 December 2023, Hattori announcement officially manager of FC Imabari from 2024 season.[2]
