Kotaro Umeda

Kotaro Umeda
Birth date	February 15, 1998
Birth place	Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
Nationality	Japanese-American
Occupation	Former professional soccer player, motivational speaker, author, fashion model
Education	Mayfield High School; University of Louisville
Website	https://www.kotaroumeda.com

Kotaro Umeda (born February 15, 1998) is a former professional soccer player, motivational speaker, and author. He competed professionally in multiple countries and leagues, including Brazil, Portugal, the United States, and Hong Kong. Umeda is a United Soccer League champion and the first Asian American player to sign with Joinville Esporte Clube.

Early life

Umeda was born in Tokyo, Japan, and later developed his soccer career in the United States. During his youth career, he was ranked among the top 160 recruits nationally and the No. 4 overall recruit in the state of Ohio for the class of 2016.

He chose to attend the University of Louisville after considering several collegiate programs.

Career

Umeda played collegiate soccer for the Louisville Cardinals before beginning his professional career. He later competed for Joinville Esporte Clube in Brazil’s Campeonato Brasileiro, Pevidem SC in the Campeonato de Portugal, South Georgia Tormenta FC in the United Soccer League, Michigan Stars FC in the National Independent Soccer Association, and Resources Capital FC in the Hong Kong Premier League.

On May 5, 2022, Umeda signed with South Georgia Tormenta FC.

At the age of 22, he sustained a significant hamstring injury that impacted his professional career.

Umeda won the Campeonato Catarinense in 2021 and the United Soccer League Championship in 2022.

On August 13, 2025, Umeda announced his retirement from professional soccer.

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Personal life

Umeda left college at 20 years old after signing his first professional contract. He decided to come back later on to complete his bachelors degree, which was provided through the NCAA Division I Degree Completion Award Program.