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.
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.
On 7 December 2014, Iwao was announced at Mito HollyHock on a one year loan deal.
On 28 December 2015, Iwao was announced at Tokushima Vortis on a permanent transfer. At the start of the 2017 season, he was appointed as captain. Iwao was named as "one to watch" ahead of the 2021 season.
On 7 January 2022, Iwao was announced at Urawa Reds on a one year loan deal.
On 17 November 2022, Iwao was announced at Urawa Reds on a permanent transfer. On 6 May 2023, Iwao won the 2022 AFC Champions League. 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. Iwao was also part of the Urawa Reds team called up for the 2023 FIFA Club World Cup.
On 27 June 2024, Iwao was announced at Tokushima Vortis on a permanent transfer. On 14 September 2024, he played his 400th match in the J League pyramid against Oita Trinita. Iwao renewed his contract with the club ahead of the 2025 season. On 4 February 2025, he was appointed as captain ahead of the 2025 season.
Style of play
Iwao is described as having "outstanding" leadership and tactical knowledge of the game.
Club statistics Nippon Sports Kikaku Publishing inc./日本スポーツ企画出版社, "J1&J2&J3選手名鑑ハンディ版 2018 (NSK MOOK)", 7 February 2018, Japan, (p. 179 out of 289)Nippon Sports Kikaku Publishing inc./日本スポーツ企画出版社, "2017 J1&J2&J3選手名鑑 (NSK MOOK)", 8 February 2017, Japan, (p. 187 out of 289)Nippon Sports Kikaku Publishing inc./日本スポーツ企画出版社, "2016J1&J2&J3選手名鑑", 10 February 2016, Japan, (p. 211 out of 289)
+ 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 TotalShonan Bellmare2011J2 League8030––11020122000––202013J1 League702030–1202014J2 League23000––20Total400503000480Mito Hollyhock (loan)2015J2 League41120––431Tokushima Vortis2016J2 League39110––401201741400––414201839510––405201941600–30446202042621––4472021J1 League3732100–394Total2392562003024827Urawa Reds (loan)2022J1 League291204080431Urawa Reds2023331207011053120247000000070Total4012070110601 Career total3892817214022044230
Honours
Club Urawa Red Diamonds Japanese Super Cup: 2022 AFC Champions League: 2022
References
External links Profile at Tokushima Vortis Profile at Urawa Reds