Masashi Nakayama

Masashi Nakayama (中山　雅史 Nakayama Masashi; born September 23, 1967, Shizuoka) is a professional footballer for Jubilo Iwata of the J. League, the top professional football league in Japan. As a youth, Nakayama attended Fujieda Higashi High School and Tsukuba University before he joined Jubilo Iwata of the Japan Football League, a precursor to the J. League, which consisted of company sponsored teams.

Related Topics:
September 23 - 1967 - Shizuoka - Footballer - Jubilo Iwata - J. League - Japan - Fujieda - Higashi - High School - Tsukuba - University

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Playing as a forward, Nakayama made his J. League debut on March 11, 1994. Since that time, he has been an ever-present part of the Jubilo lineup as they have consistently been one of the top teams in the J. League since its inception. With a strikerate of more than a goal every two games throughout his career, Nakayama is the inspirational and talismanic leader for both Jubilo Iwata and the Japanese national team.

Related Topics:
Forward - March 11 - 1994 - Japanese national team

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At the {{Wc|1998}} finals in France, Nakayama scored the only goal of the tournament for Japan against Jamaica on June 26, 1998. As of 2003, he has scored 21 goals in 53 appearances for the Japanese national team, which places him 5th all-time among goalscorers for his country.

Related Topics:
France - Jamaica - June 26 - 1998 - 2003

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Affectionately known as Gon, Nakayama is a fan favorite among many casual Japanese football fans for his outspoken and humorous nature. Now in the twilight of his career, injuries and age have taken a toll on Nakayama's skills but he still remains a favorite of the Jubilo faithful, as evidenced by the fact that he draws the loudest cheers by far from the home crowd at Yamaha Stadium when his name is announced during warm-ups or when he comes on as a substitute.

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