Biography
Who is Marcus Tulio Tanaka?
Early life and education
Born in Palmeira d'Oeste, Japan in 1981, Marcus Tulio Tanaka is a retired professional footballer. He moved to Japan at the age of 15 to finish his high school education. He attended Makuhari High School in Chiba Prefecture. After graduating in 2001, he began his professional career in the J1 League.
Professional club career
His club career began with Sanfrecce Hiroshima in 2001. He made his debut on 11 March 2001 as a substitute defender and scored a goal during that match. In 2003, he moved to Mito HollyHock. He scored ten goals during that single season while playing as a centre-back. In 2004, he transferred to Urawa Red Diamonds. This team won the J1 League title in 2006, which was their first in history. He also helped the team win the AFC Champions League in 2007.
In 2009, he moved to Nagoya Grampus. During his six seasons there, he played 168 games and scored 37 goals. Nagoya Grampus won the 2010 J1 League title during his first season with the club. He left the team in 2016 and later joined Kyoto Sanga FC during the 2016-17 off-season.
International career
Marcus Tulio Tanaka obtained his Japanese citizenship on 10 October 2003. He represented Japan at the 2004 Olympic Games as part of the under-23 national team, where he played as a centre-back in all three matches. He made his senior national team debut on 9 August 2006 against Trinidad and Tobago.
He scored his first international goal on 15 November 2006 during an Asian Cup qualifier match against Saudi Arabia. He was a key member of the Japan squad for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. He played all four matches for Japan as a centre-back, helping the team reach the knockout stage. He finished his international career with 43 appearances and 8 goals for Japan.
Awards and recognition
Throughout his professional career, he received numerous accolades. He was named the J.League Most Valuable Player in 2006. He was also selected for the J.League Best Eleven for nine consecutive years from 2004 to 2012. Also, he was recognized as the Japanese Footballer of the Year in 2006.
His domestic achievements include winning the Emperor's Cup in 2005 and 2006, and the Japanese Super Cup in 2006 and 2011. He was also named to the J.League 30th Anniversary Team.
Birthday and age
Marcus Tulio Tanaka was born on April 24, 1981, which makes Marcus 45 years old today. That birthday falls under the Taurus sign. Marcus shares the date with 67 other famous people.
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