Biography
Who is Hisato Sato?
Early life and career beginnings
Hisato Sato was born in Kasukabe, Japan, on March 12, 1982. He grew up alongside his twin brother Yuto Sato, who also became a professional football player. Hisato started his development in the youth system of JEF United Ichihara.
He earned a promotion to the top team of JEF United Ichihara in the year 2000. His very first league appearance took place on April 15, 2000, in a match against Júbilo Iwata. Not long after, he scored his first league goal on March 21, 2001, against the same opponent.
Club career and records
Looking for more playing time, Hisato Sato transferred to the J2 League club Cerezo Osaka in 2002. At the beginning of that season, he dealt with Guillain-Barre syndrome. Despite this health hurdle, the club finished second and earned promotion to the J1 League.
Hisato later joined Vegalta Sendai on a loan deal for the 2003 season. He became a primary forward, making 30 appearances and scoring 9 goals. His loan contract eventually became permanent, and he continued to score goals for the squad.
In 2005, Hisato transferred to the J1 side Sanfrecce Hiroshima. During his first season with the club, he netted 18 goals, which included two hat-tricks. On April 22, 2006, he set a well-known record for the fastest goal in J1 League history by scoring just 8 seconds after kick-off against Cerezo Osaka.
On November 22, 2015, Hisato equalled Masashi Nakayama as the all-time top scorer in the J1 League by reaching 157 goals. After spending 12 years with Hiroshima, he moved on to play for Nagoya Grampus and later returned to JEF United Chiba before retiring at the end of the 2020 season.
International career
In June 2001, Hisato Sato joined the Japan under-20 national team squad for the World Youth Championship. He participated in 2 matches during this international tournament.
Hisato made his senior international debut for the Japan men's national football team on February 11, 2006, in a friendly match against the United States. He scored his first international goal on February 22, 2006, during a 2007 Asian Cup qualification match against India.
He was selected as a member of the Japan squad for the 2007 Asian Cup finals, where he played four games as a substitute. Hisato made 31 appearances and scored 4 goals for the national team until 2010.
Birthday and age
Hisato Sato was born on March 12, 1982, which makes Hisato 44 years old today. That birthday falls under the Pisces sign. Hisato shares the date with 33 other famous people.
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