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Shinzo Koroki, a legendary player in the Meiji Yasuda J.League, will retire at the end of the 2024 season.
Koroki is one of the best players in J.League history, with 524 appearances and 168 goals. He is the only player to score in 18 consecutive J1 seasons.
Koroki began his professional career in 2005 with Kashima Antlers. He became a key player for the team, helping them win three consecutive J1 titles. He also won the Emperor’s Cup twice and the J.League Cup once with Kashima. Koroki made his debut for the Japan National Team during this time.
In 2013, Koroki moved to Urawa Reds and became even more successful. He scored double-digit goals in his first eight seasons with the Reds and was named to the J.League Best XI team in 2017.
With Urawa, Koroki won an Emperor’s Cup and a J.League YBC Levain Cup. He also excelled in continental play, scoring four goals to help Urawa win the 2017 AFC Champions League title. In 2022, he scored in the final as Urawa won a record third Asian crown.
Throughout his 20-year career, Koroki has achieved great success with two AFC Champions League championships, three J1 titles, four Emperor’s Cups, and three J.League Cups. He will retire as one of the giants of the J.League after the 2024 season, ending a remarkable career.