Overview
Teiichi Matsumaru (松丸 貞一, born 28 February 1909, died 6 January 1997) was a Japanese football player who earned recognition by representing the Japan national team. Though detailed match records for many players of his generation are incomplete, membership of the national side indicates he was among the leading Japanese footballers of his era.
Historical context
Matsumaru played during a formative period for football in Japan, when organized competitions and international fixtures were becoming more frequent. The Japan Football Association and university and company teams were central to the sport's growth, providing the infrastructure through which players developed and were selected for the national team. Players from this period helped to establish a footing for Japanese football on the regional and global stage.
Significance and role
Being capped by the Japan national team placed Matsumaru among a relatively small cohort of athletes who represented their country in international matches. Such players contributed not only on the pitch but also by promoting the sport domestically, inspiring younger players and strengthening the culture of organized football in Japan.
Legacy and research
Biographical and statistical details for many early 20th-century footballers can be fragmentary. For those seeking further information about Matsumaru or his contemporaries, national association archives, contemporary newspapers and specialized football histories are useful starting points. The Japan Football Association and dedicated football history resources often maintain compilations of early national team members and match reports.
Further reading
- Japan Football Association resources — official records and historical summaries.
- General articles on the history of football in Japan — context about the sport's development.
- Databases of international players — for match lists and player appearances where available.
Because many early records are incomplete, researchers should corroborate details across multiple sources when compiling a fuller biography of Teiichi Matsumaru.