Biography
Who is Yuki Abe?
Early life and club debut
Yuki Abe was born in Ichikawa, Japan, on September 6, 1981. Growing up in the area, he joined the youth side of JEF United Ichihara, which later became known as JEF United Chiba.
He made his senior club debut on August 5, 1998. At the time, this appearance set a record for the youngest Japanese professional player and J1 League participant.
Domestic and international success
Yuki became the captain of JEF United and led the squad to victory in the J.League Cup tournaments held in 2005 and 2006. During this period, he earned selection to the league Best Eleven squad.
On January 22, 2007, the player transferred to Urawa Reds for a domestic record fee. He helped his new team secure the AFC Champions League title later that same year.
English club career and return to Japan
In August 2010, the athlete moved to England to join Championship club Leicester City on a three-year contract. He scored his first goal for the team during a match against Ipswich Town in May 2011.
After experiencing homesickness, his contract was cancelled by mutual consent in January 2012. He then returned to Japan to sign once again with Urawa Reds.
Later career and retirement
Following his return to Urawa Reds, Yuki continued to achieve significant milestones on the field. The team won the J.League Cup in 2016 and claimed the AFC Champions League title in 2017.
He also contributed to an Emperor's Cup victory in 2018. On November 14, 2021, he announced his retirement from professional football at the conclusion of the 2021 season.
International matches and height
Yuki made his senior national team debut for Japan on January 29, 2005, in a friendly match against Kazakhstan. He scored his first international goal against Yemen in September 2006.
He participated in all matches for Japan during the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Standing at 178 cm tall, he finished his international career with 53 appearances and 3 goals.
Birthday and age
Yuki Abe was born on September 6, 1981, which makes Yuki 45 years old today. That birthday falls under the Virgo sign. Yuki shares the date with 68 other famous people.
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