12 Facts About Daigo Kobayashi

Daigo Kobayashi is a Japanese professional footballer who plays as a midfielder.

Daigo Kobayashi signed for Omiya Ardija at the start of the 2006 season and quickly became their star player.

Daigo Kobayashi's trial was a success, and in February 2009 he was loaned out to the Norwegian champions.

Daigo Kobayashi was given the number 10 shirt, which had recently been worn by Veigar Pall Gunnarsson.

Daigo Kobayashi played an important part, getting on the score-sheet with a free kick and showing trickery with the ball.

On 27 January 2010, Daigo Kobayashi signed on a free transfer to the Greek team Iraklis Thessaloniki for 18 months.

Daigo Kobayashi impressed during his trial stint and signed with the club for the 2013 season.

In late 2015, Daigo Kobayashi received his US green card, which qualified him as a domestic player for MLS roster purposes.

Daigo Kobayashi represented Japan U-20 national team at the World Youth Championship in 2003, where they reached the quarter-finals before being beaten by eventual champions Brazil.

Daigo Kobayashi did not start their first group game, a loss against Colombia, but he started the next two which they won to secure a top spot, including a win against England.

Daigo Kobayashi further played in the round of 16 win against South Korea, but had to be replaced early in the quarter finals.

Daigo Kobayashi earned his first cap for Japan in a friendly match against Trinidad and Tobago on 9 August 2006, coming on as a 56th-minute substitute for Koji Yamase.