JFA Hall of Fame Inductee

Sergio ECHIGO

Special Selection: 19th Japan Football Hall of Fame in 2023

Born in Sao Paulo, Brazil on 28 July 1945

Born and raised in Sao Paulo, Brazil, he played for a number of clubs, including the illustrious Sport Club Corinthians Paulista. He came to Japan in 1972 and played for Towa Real Estate SC, the predecessor team of Shonan Bellmare, becoming the first former professional player to play in the JSL.

Following his retirement, he worked as a coach for JSL first division side Eidai. Since 1978, he has travelled around the country as a special coach for the “Sawayaka Soccer Clinic,” conducting more than 1,000 sessions over 25 years and coaching more than 500,000 children.

His masterful techniques, which he developed in Brazil, inspired many children, and countless participants later went on to play in the J.League and for the Japan National Team. He sowed the seeds of football throughout the country and contributed greatly to the subsequent development of Japanese football. He also served as a member of the JFA Technical Committee.

He currently works as a football commentator, conveying the joy and appeal of the game. He is well known for his scathing criticism and frequently takes a strict stance when tackling issues. Serving on the boards of the professional ice hockey team H.C. Tochigi Nikko Ice Bucks and the Japan Amputee Football Association, he is also involved in the promotion of sports other than football.

Awarded the Lifelong Sports Achievement Award (Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology) in 2006, Foreign Minister’s Commendations for FY 2013, and the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays in 2017.

• 
  DAINI Kuniya
• TAKAHASHI Yoichi