Naoki Kuriyama

Naoki Kuriyama (栗山 直樹, Kuriyama Naoki; born 8 December 1990), more commonly known as Kuriyama, is a Japanese retired footballer who played as a centre-back or left-back.

Naoki Kuriyama
栗山 直樹

Naoki Kuriyama with Hougang United in 2023
Personal information
Full name	Naoki Kuriyama
Date of birth	(1990-12-08) 8 December 1990 (age 34)
Place of birth	Shizuoka, Shizuoka, Japan
Height	1.78 m (5 ft 10 in)
Position(s)	centre-back, left-back
Youth career
2006–2008	Shimizu Higashi High School
2009–2012	Senshu University
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps	(Gls)
2013–2015	JEF United Chiba	7	(0)
2014	→ Machida Zelvia (loan)	0	(0)
2016–2021	Montedio Yamagata	114	(9)
2021	→ Ehime (loan)	18	(1)
2022	Ehime	24	(1)
2023	Hougang United	19	(0)
* Club domestic league appearances and goals as of 5 January 2024, 19:32 (UTC)

Club career

JEF United Chiba

In 2012, he joined JEF United Chiba after completing his university.^[1]

Machida Zelvia

In 2014, he joined Machida Zelvia on loan.^[2]

Montedio Yamagata

In 2016, he joined J2 League side, Montedio Yamagata for more playing time.^[3]

Ehime

After 5 season with Montedio Yamagata making 114 league appearances with the club, Kuriyama moved to Ehime in 2021 ^[4][5] initially on loan before making the move permanent in 2022.^[6] He was released at the end of the season.^[7]

Hougang United

On 25 January 2023, Kuriyama move overseas to play in the Singapore Premier League for Hougang United. He make a total of 32 appearance for the club before announcing his retirement on 18 January 2024.

Club statistics

Updated to end of 2022 season.^[8][9]

Club performance			League		Cup		AFC Cup		Total
Season	Club	League	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals
Japan			League		Emperor's Cup		AFC Cup		Total
2013	JEF United Chiba	J2 League	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
2014			0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
2014	Machida Zelvia	J3 League	0	0	–		0	0	0	0
2015	JEF United Chiba	J2 League	7	0	3	0	0	0	10	0
2016	Montedio Yamagata		16	1	2	0	0	0	18	1
2017			10	2	2	0	0	0	12	2
2018			36	3	3	0	0	0	39	3
2019			40	2	0	0	0	0	40	2
2020			8	0	0	0	0	0	8	0
2021			4	1	1	0	0	0	5	1
2021	Ehime FC		18	1	0	0	0	0	18	1
2022		J3 League	24	1	0	0	0	0	24	1
Singapore			League		Singapore Cup		AFC Cup		Total
2023	Hougang United	Singapore Premier League	19	0	7	0	6	0	32	0
Career total			163	11	11	0	0	0	206	11

Honours

Hougang United

• Singapore Cup Runner-ups (1): 2023