Naoki Matsuda

was a Japanese football player. He played for the Japan national team.
Biography.
Matsuda was born in Kiryu on March 14, 1977. After graduating from Maebashi Ikuei High School, he joined Yokohama Marinos (later "Yokohama F. Marinos") in 1995. From first season, he became a regular player and played as right back of three defense with Japan national team players Masami Ihara and Norio Omura. The club won the champions in 1995 J1 League. In 2000s, he mainly played as center back with Yuji Nakazawa or Yuzo Kurihara, also played defensive midfielder. The club won the champions in 2001 J.League Cup, 2003 and 2004 J1 League. Although he played as central player of Marinos in 16 seasons, he was sacked end of 2010 season.
In August 1993, Matsuda was selected the Japan U-17 national team for 1993 U-17 World Championship. He played full-time in all 4 matches and scored 1 goal. In April 1995, he was also selected the Japan U-20 national team for 1995 World Youth Championship and he played full-time in all 4 matches.
In July 1996, Matsuda was selected the Japan U-23 national team for 1996 Summer Olympics and he played full-time in all 3 matches. Although Japan won 2 matches, Japan lost at First round. At this time, Japan won Brazil in first game. It was known as "Miracle of Miami" () in Japan.
On 5 February 2000, Matsuda debuted for the Japan national team against Mexico. After the debut, he played many matches as one of three backs defense. In September, he was selected U-23 Japan for 2000 Summer Olympics 2nd time. However he played only 2 matches instead Koji Nakata got injured in the third game.
In October 2000, Matsuda was selected Japan for 2000 Asian Cup. He played 3 matches and Japan won the champions. In 2001, he was also selected Japan for 2001 Confederations Cup. He played 4 matches and Japan won the 2nd place. At 2002 World Cup, he played full-time in all 4 matches. After 2002 World Cup, he did not play in many matches. He was selected Japan for 2004 Asian Cup. Although Japan won the champions, he played only 5 minutes. On 29 January 2005, he played and scored a goal against Kazakhstan. Although this goal is his first goal for Japan, this game became his last game for Japan. He played 40 games and scored 1 goal for Japan until 2005.
In 2011, Matsuda moved to Japan Football League club Matsumoto Yamaga FC. Although he played for qualify for promote to J2 League, in August 2, he collapsed for myocardial infarction during training. On August 4, he died at the age of 34. His last match against Honda on July 23 was his400th game in the league. At the end of the season, the club won promotion to the J2 League.
During practice on August 2, 2011, he collapsed from a heatstroke and a heart attack. He was rushed to hospital. He was put on life support, but died from "sudden cardiac failure" on August 4.
Statistics.
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