Jiro Barriga

Jiro Barriga Toyama is a Panamanian footballer who plays as a midfielder.

Career

In his youth, Barriga played for, and was a member of the youth academy of JEF United Chiba until 2013. In 2014, he was selected to be one of the 28 finalists of the "Nike Chance" Japan round. He moved to the United States to attend Barton Community College, making 25 appearances and scoring 7 goals in two seasons for the Cougars. In 2015, he transferred to Florida Gulf Coast University, where he played for the Eagles until 2016, scoring twice in 31 appearances.

Barriga appeared for the Brooklyn Italians between 2014 and 2015, and managed to score a goal in the 2014 U.S. Open Cup against Jersey Express S.C. In 2016, he made two appearances and scored a goal for FC Wichita in the NPSL. In 2017, he made ten appearances in the PDL for K–W United FC. He returned to the NPSL in 2018, making one appearance for Laredo Heat.

After graduating in 2018, Barriga joined Minnesota United FC on trial during the 2019 pre-season. On 29 January, he scored a hat-trick in a friendly against FC Tucson. Minnesota United opted not to sign him, though he was noticed by the club's affiliate Forward Madison FC. On 5 March 2019, he signed with Madison, joining the club's inaugural season in USL League One.

On 1 March 2022, Barriga made the move to USL Championship side Monterey Bay. His contract option was declined by the club at the end of the season.

Barriga was born in Panama City, Panama, to a Colombian father and Japanese mother. He moved to Japan at the age of 2.