Ryo Fujii (born August 7, 1996) is a Hong Kong-born Japanese professional soccer player who currently plays for Kaya–Iloilo in the Philippines Football League.
Personal information | |||
---|---|---|---|
Date of birth | (1996-08-07) August 7, 1996 (age 26) | ||
Place of birth | Hong Kong | ||
Height | 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) | ||
Position(s) | Midfielder | ||
Club information | |||
Current team | Kaya–Iloilo | ||
Number | 14 | ||
Youth career | |||
2011–2012 | Chivas USA | ||
2013–2014 | LA Galaxy | ||
2010–2014 | South High School | ||
College career | |||
Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
2014 | UC Santa Barbara Gauchos | 19 | (0) |
Senior career* | |||
Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
2015–2017 | LA Galaxy II | 59 | (4) |
2018 | Nyköpings BIS | 28 | (0) |
2020 | Global | 0 | (0) |
2021– | Kaya–Iloilo | 0 | (0) |
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of March 29, 2019 |
Fujii was born August 7, 1996, in Hong Kong to a Japanese father and a Korean mother.[1][2][3][4] At a young age, Fujii and family relocated to Torrance, California, where he was raised.[2][3] Fujii attended South High School and played for the school's varsity team for all 4 years.[5] He joined and played with Chivas USA's youth side for the 2011–2012 U.S. Soccer Development Academy season before appearing with LA Galaxy's youth side for the 2013–2014 season.[5][6][7]
With his background, Fujii was considered a top collegiate soccer prospect.[8][9] Fujii elected to attend the University of California, Santa Barbara after being recruited by head coach Tim Vom Steeg.[2][10] While there, he played college soccer as a member of the UC Santa Barbara Gauchos men's soccer team.[11] He appeared in 19 games for the Gauchos and added 2 assists.[11] He was named to the Big West Conference All-Freshman Team following the conclusion of the season.[1][2]
In February 2015, Fujii turned professional by signing with LA Galaxy II of the United Soccer League.[12][13] By turning professional, he forfeited his amateur status and scholarship with UC Santa Barbara, but Fujii was the first player to sign for LA Galaxy under a new partnership with California State University, Dominguez Hills that provided additional financial resources for schooling.[2][12][14][15] Jovan Kirovski, the one responsible for Fujii's path, is unaware of any previous similar agreements and that this may be the first of its kind.[3] During his first professional season, he made twelve appearances for LA Galaxy II with 1 assist.[16]
On 1 March 2018, Fujii joined Nyköpings BIS in Division 1 Norra, the Swedish third tier.[17]
On 25 February 2020, Fujii reportedly signed a deal with the Philippines Football League club Global but the club was banned by the Philippine Football Federation before the season could start.
Philippines Football League club Kaya–Iloilo announced on April 8, 2021 that they have signed in Fujii.[4]