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 who competed in leagues across Brazil, Portugal, the United States, and Hong Kong. Following his playing career, he became a motivational speaker, author, and fashion model based in New York City.

Early life

Umeda was born on February 15, 1998, in Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan. He later moved to the United States, where he attended Mayfield High School before playing collegiate soccer at the University of Louisville.

Career

Umeda began his professional soccer career with Joinville Esporte Clube in Brazil’s Campeonato Brasileiro, becoming the first Asian American player to sign for the club in its history.

He later played for 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.

During his career, Umeda won the Campeonato Catarinense in 2021 and the United Soccer League championship in 2022.

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Personal life

After retiring from professional soccer, Umeda transitioned into motivational speaking and writing. He has published multiple books focused on discipline, identity, and mental resilience and has spoken to audiences internationally. He is also active as a fashion model and has been represented in New York Fashion Week and by international brands.

Umeda is based in New York City.

Career statistics

Career statistics and match data for Umeda are documented by football databases including Transfermarkt, FBref, and Global Sports Archive.