Ken Iwao
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| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Ken Iwao[1] | ||
| Date of birth | 18 April 1988[1] | ||
| Place of birth | Tatebayashi, Japan | ||
| Height | 1.75 m (5 ft 9 in)[1] | ||
| Position | 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 | 45 | (1) |
| 2024– | Tokushima Vortis | 13 | (0) |
| * Club domestic league appearances and goals as of 1 January 2026 | |||
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]
Primarily known for his time at Tokushima Vortis, where he is currently captain, Iwao has made over 400 J League appearances.
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]