Goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima Returns to J-League After 14 Years

Jan 13, 2024 | News On Japan

TOKYO - Jubilo Iwata has announced the signing of former Japan national team goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima, who has been selected for the national team in four consecutive World Cups, marking his return to J.League since 2010.

Kawashima, a 40-year-old from Saitama City, is known for his high defensive ability and accurate predictions in stopping shots. He has played in 95 matches for the Japan national team and selected for four consecutive World Cups, including the most recent one in Qatar.

After transferring from Kawasaki Frontale to Lierse in the Belgian first division in 2010, he played in Scotland and other locations, and was part of Strasbourg in the French first division last season.

At Jubilo, former national team goalkeeper Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi, who has 116 caps for Japan, serves as the goalkeeper coach, meaning that two long-serving national team goalkeepers will now be working together on the same team as coach and player. Kawashima expressed his excitement, stating, "I am looking forward to wearing the Jubilo uniform and meeting everyone out there on the pitch."

Source: NHK

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