Takafumi Yoshimoto

Takafumi Yoshimoto is a Japanese football manager and former player who play as a Defender. He currently manager of Kochi United.

Playing career

Yoshimoto was born in Kochi Prefecture on May 13, 1978. After graduating from Fukuoka University, he joined J1 League club Nagoya Grampus Eight in 2001. On November 17, he debuted as substitute center back from the 89th minute against JEF United Ichihara. However he could only play this match at the club. In June 2002, he moved to J2 League club Yokohama FC. He played many matches as center back with Shinya Sakoi. In 2003, he moved to J2 club Mito HollyHock. He became a regular player as center back and played many matches until 2007. In 2008, he moved to J2 club Yokohama FC again. Although he played many matches, he could not become a regular player and retired end of 2009 season. In 2012, he signed with Prefectural Leagues club Blancdieu Hirosaki FC and became a player manager. He played many matches as regular player and the club was promoted to Regional Leagues from 2013. He retired end of 2017 season.

In 2012, Yoshimoto signed with Prefectural Leagues club Blancdieu Hirosaki FC and became a player manager. The club was promoted to Regional Leagues from 2013. He managed the club until end of 2017 season.
In 2020, he was assistant manager of his hometown club, Kochi United SC. In 2022, he was promoted from assistant manager to manager of his hometown club Kochi United SC. On 7 December 2024, Yoshimoto led his club to promotion to J3 League for the first time in their history after defeating YSCC Yokohama 0-2 in the second leg of the J3/JFL play-offs winning 1-3 on aggregate. Yoshimoto left from the club in 2024 after his contract ended, but returned for a second spell starting from the 2026 season.