Yasunobu Matsuoka (松岡康暢, Matsuoka Yasunobu; born 2 May 1986) is a Japanese professional athlete best known for his involvement in association football. In Japanese usage the family name customarily appears first; in this case the family name is Matsuoka. For background on Japanese name order and conventions see Japanese naming and name order resources.
Public references list Matsuoka as a professional athlete with a career in association football (commonly called soccer). Basic biographical entries and brief profiles can be found through athlete directories and official team listings; consult a player profile or league database for verified club history, position, and statistics.
Overview of association football
Association football is a team sport played worldwide and is the most popular sport in Japan by participation and spectatorship. Players are typically described by position (goalkeeper, defender, midfielder, forward) and by attributes such as technical skill, tactical awareness, stamina, and speed. A professional listed as a footballer usually trains within a club structure and competes in league and cup competitions.
Player development and Japanese football structure
Japan’s organized pathway for footballers often includes school teams, university programs, and youth academies affiliated with professional clubs. The professional domestic system is broadly known as the J.League, made up of tiers (J1, J2, J3). Many professionals also gain experience in regional leagues, corporate teams, or overseas clubs before, during, or after time in top divisions.
Typical career patterns and post-playing options
Careers vary widely: some players establish themselves in top-tier teams, others play mainly in lower divisions or overseas. After retiring from playing, common pathways include coaching, scouting, sports administration, media work, or roles in grassroots development. For up-to-date confirmation of a specific player’s current activities consult official team announcements, league records, or the player’s verified profile.
Research and notable points
- Recorded biographical facts such as birth date and name kanji are often stable; club affiliations and statistics change seasonally.
- Because many athletes share similar names, use the kanji form (松岡康暢) and birth date to distinguish records.
- Authoritative information is best obtained from league databases, club websites, and national association listings; generic sports pages may lack full detail.
For broader context on athletes and professional records see general sports directories and national association pages via the referenced athlete and football resources.