Ryūichi Sugiyama


Ryuichi Sugiyama is a Japanese former professional football player and manager. He played for the Japan national team.

Club career

Sugiyama was born in Shizuoka. After graduating from Meiji University, he joined Japan Soccer League club Mitsubishi Motors in 1966. The club won the champion in 1969 and 1973. The club also won 1971 and 1973 Emperor's Cup. He retired in 1973. In his 8 seasons, he played all matches except one game in 1970 season. He was selected in the Best Eleven in every single one of these seasons. He was also selected Japanese Footballer of the Year 3 times.

National team career

On May 28, 1961, during Rōnin for university, Sugiyama debuted for Japan national team against Malaya. He played at 1964 Summer Olympics in Tokyo and [Football at the 1968 Japan Soccer League|1968 Summer Olympics|1968 Summer Olympics] in Mexico City. At 1964 Summer Olympics, he played 3 games and scored 2 goals against Argentina and Ghana. At 1968 Summer Olympics, he played 6 matches and assisted 5 goals and Japan won bronze medal. In 2018, this team was selected Japan Football Hall of Fame. He also played at 1962, 1966 and 1970 Asian Games. At 1972 Summer Olympics qualification in 1971, Japan's failure to qualify for 1972 Summer Olympics. This qualification was his last game for Japan. He played 56 games and scored 15 goals for Japan until 1971.

Coaching career

After retirement, Sugiyama became a manager for Yamaha Motors in 1974. He led the club to the Japan Soccer League Division 1. He is their longest-serving manager, having led the club from 1974 to 1987.
In 2005, Sugiyama was selected Japan Football Hall of Fame.

Awards