S.C. Sagamihara have announced that goalkeeper Daichi Sugimoto has decided to retire from professional football following the MEIJI YASUDA J2/J3 100 YEAR VISION LEAGUE.
Sugimoto was promoted to the Kyoto Sanga F.C. first team from the club’s U-18 side in 2012. He later played for Tokushima Vortis, Yokohama F. Marinos, Jubilo Iwata, Vegalta Sendai and Nagoya Grampus before joining S.C. Sagamihara in 2026.
Across his 15-year professional career, Sugimoto made four J1 appearances, 37 J2 appearances and one J3 appearance.
Sugimoto commented through the club:
“I have decided to retire from professional football following the 100 YEAR VISION LEAGUE. I started playing football at the age of seven, and since then I have poured everything I have into the game. Over the past 15 years, I have been fortunate to play professionally for Kyoto Sanga F.C., Tokushima Vortis, Yokohama F. Marinos, Jubilo Iwata, Vegalta Sendai, Nagoya Grampus and S.C. Sagamihara.
“I’ve played for a number of clubs, but I can still remember my time at each one as vividly as if it were yesterday. The joy, the frustration, the times things went well and the times they didn’t—every one of those moments was special to me and helped shape the person I am today. Above all, at every club I was supported by wonderful teammates, managers, coaches and staff. Looking back, I feel incredibly fortunate to have been surrounded by so many great people throughout my career.
“I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to all the fans and supporters, my teammates, managers and coaches, club staff, sponsors, my family and friends, and everyone who has been part of my journey. Your support and encouragement helped me keep moving forward through the difficult times and allowed me to continue playing football for as long as I did. I am truly proud to have spent 15 years as a professional footballer—a special profession that can move people and bring them joy and inspiration. I could never have done it on my own; it was only possible because of everyone who stood by me along the way.
“The people I met over those 15 years, the teammates I fought alongside, the sights I saw, and all the joy and frustration I experienced are memories I will treasure for the rest of my life. From here, I will continue taking on new challenges and hope to give something back to the football world that has given me so much. I couldn’t have asked for a better playing career. Thank you so much for these 15 years.”
