Ken Iwao

Ken Iwao (岩尾 憲, born 18 April 1988) is a Japanese professional footballer who plays as a defensive midfielder for J2 League club Tokushima Vortis.^[2]

Ken Iwao
岩尾 憲

Personal information
Full name	Ken Iwao[1]
Date of birth	(1988-04-18) 18 April 1988 (age 37)[1]
Place of birth	Tatebayashi, Japan
Height	1.75 m (5 ft 9 in)[1]
Position(s)	Defensive midfielder
Team information
Current team	Tokushima Vortis
Number	6
Youth career
2000	Tonan SC
2001–2003	Tatara Junior High School
2004–2006	Nishiora High School
College career
Years	Team	Apps	(Gls)
2007–2010	Nippon Sport Science University
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps	(Gls)
2011–2015	Shonan Bellmare	40	(0)
2015	→ Mito HollyHock (loan)	41	(1)
2016–2022	Tokushima Vortis	239	(25)
2022	→ Urawa Red Diamonds (loan)	29	(1)
2023–2024	Urawa Red Diamonds	40	(1)
2024–	Tokushima Vortis	10	(0)
* Club domestic league appearances and goals as of 23 July 2024 @ 14:23(AEST)

Primarily known for his time at Tokushima Vortis, where he is currently captain, Iwao has made over 400 J League appearances.

Career

Born in Tatebayashi City, Iwao joined Shonan Bellmare from Nippon Sport Science University for the 2011 season.^[3]

On 7 December 2014, Iwao was announced at Mito HollyHock on a one year loan deal.^[4]

On 28 December 2015, Iwao was announced at Tokushima Vortis on a permanent transfer.^[5] At the start of the 2017 season, he was appointed as captain.^[6] Iwao was named as "one to watch" ahead of the 2021 season.^[7]

On 7 January 2022, Iwao was announced at Urawa Reds on a one year loan deal.^[8]

On 17 November 2022, Iwao was announced at Urawa Reds on a permanent transfer.^[9] On 6 May 2023, Iwao won the 2022 AFC Champions League.^[10] In August 2023, Iwao won the 2023 July Meiji Yasuda J.LEAGUE KONAMI Monthly Best Goal award for his 38th minute goal against Sagan Tosu.^[11] Iwao was also part of the Urawa Reds team called up for the 2023 FIFA Club World Cup.^[1]

On 27 June 2024, Iwao was announced at Tokushima Vortis on a permanent transfer.^[12] On 14 September 2024, he played his 400th match in the J League pyramid against Oita Trinita.^[13] Iwao renewed his contract with the club ahead of the 2025 season.^[14] On 4 February 2025, he was appointed as captain ahead of the 2025 season.^[15]

Style of play

Iwao is described as having "outstanding" leadership and tactical knowledge of the game.^[16]

Club statistics

As of 18 April 2024^{[17][18][19][20]}

Appearances and goals by club, season and competition

Club	Season	League			National cup		League cup		Other		Total
		Division	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals
Japan			League		Emperor's Cup		J. League Cup		Other		Total
Shonan Bellmare	2011	J2 League	8	0	3	0	–		–		11	0
	2012		2	0	0	0	–		–		2	0
	2013	J1 League	7	0	2	0	3	0	–		12	0
	2014	J2 League	23	0	0	0	–		–		2	0
	Total		40	0	5	0	3	0	0	0	48	0
Mito Hollyhock (loan)	2015	J2 League	41	1	2	0	–		–		43	1
Tokushima Vortis	2016	J2 League	39	1	1	0	–		–		40	1
	2017		41	4	0	0	–		–		41	4
	2018		39	5	1	0	–		–		40	5
	2019		41	6	0	0	–		3[a]	0	44	6
	2020		42	6	2	1	–		–		44	7
	2021	J1 League	37	3	2	1	0	0	–		39	4
	Total		239	25	6	2	0	0	3	0	248	27
Urawa Reds (loan)	2022	J1 League	29	1	2	0	4	0	8[b][c]	0	43	1
Urawa Reds	2023		33	1	2	0	7	0	11[d][e]	0	53	1
	2024		7	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	7	0
	Total		40	1	2	0	7	0	11	0	60	1
Career total			389	28	17	2	14	0	22	0	442	30

1. Appearances in the J1/J2 Play-offs
2. 1 appearance in the Super Cup
3. 7 appearances in the AFC Champions League
4. 8 appearances in the AFC Champions League
5. 3 appearances in the FIFA Club World Cup

Honours

Club

Urawa Red Diamonds

• Japanese Super Cup: 2022
• AFC Champions League: 2022^[21]