Biography
Who is Tadanari Lee?
Early life and background
Tadanari Lee was born in Tanashi, which is present-day Nishitokyo in Tokyo, Japan. He grew up with third generation Zainichi Korean parents and holds Byeokjin Lee ancestry. His father also played football as a member of Yokohama Tristar FC in the Japan Soccer League.
During his youth, he played football at Komine FC before moving to Yokogawa Electric. In 2001, he joined the youth team for FC Tokyo and reached second place at the Prince Takamado Cup, the J.League Youth tournament, and the All Japan Club Youth Soccer tournament.
Club career in Japan and England
Tadanari Lee was promoted to the FC Tokyo senior team in 2004. He subsequently moved to Kashiwa Reysol in 2005 and later transferred to Sanfrecce Hiroshima in 2009. His performances for Sanfrecce Hiroshima helped him establish a strong reputation as a striker and attacking midfielder.
In January 2012, he secured a work permit and joined English club Southampton on a free transfer. He scored his first goal for Southampton in a victory over Derby County, earning the club's Goal of the Season Award. After experiencing injuries and returning on loan to FC Tokyo, he left Southampton in January 2014.
International success with Japan
Tadanari Lee represented the Japan national under-23 football team at the 2008 Summer Olympics, playing in all three matches during the tournament. After strong performances for his club, he earned a call-up to the senior Japan national team for the 2011 Asian Cup.
He made his full international debut against Jordan in January 2011. In the final of the tournament against Australia, he came on as a substitute in the 109th minute and scored his first international goal. This secured a 1-0 win and gave Japan their fourth AFC Asian Cup title.
Later career and executive role
In January 2022, Tadanari Lee moved to Singapore to join Albirex Niigata on a one-year deal. He helped the team win the Singapore Premier League title in 2022 and 2023. He later announced his retirement from playing at the end of the 2023 season.
In December 2025, the Singapore Premier League club Tampines Rovers announced that he would become the club vice chairman and sporting director. In this role, he managed player recruitment and led the team through the group stage of the AFC Champions League Two.
Birthday and age
Tadanari Lee was born on December 19, 1985, which makes Tadanari 40 years old today. That birthday falls under the Sagittarius sign. Tadanari shares the date with 36 other famous people.
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