Akihiro Ienaga

is a Japanese professional footballer who plays as a winger for Kawasaki Frontale. He also formerly played for the Japan national team.

Club career Born in Hyogo Prefecture, Ienaga began his career as a trainee with Gamba Osaka, one of the leading clubs in Japan's J1 League. He broke into the senior squad in 2004 and helped the club to their first J1 League title the following year. Ienaga joined J1 League rivals Oita Trinita on a season-long loan in 2007. In December 2008, Ienaga joined English club, Plymouth Argyle, on trial. Plymouth attempted to sign the player in January 2009 but he was denied a work permit so they were forced to withdraw from talks. In December 2010, he signed with Spanish Primera Division club RCD Mallorca in a five-year deal. And scored his first goal for the club in home game against Sevilla on 9 April 2011.

International career In June 2005, Ienaga was selected Japan U-20 national team for 2005 World Youth Championship. At this tournament, he played all 4 matches as left midfielder.

Ienaga made his international debut as a substitute in Japan's 2–0 win against Peru in March 2007.

Career statistics

Club

1Includes other competitive competitions, including the Japanese Super Cup, A3 Champions Cup, Suruga Bank Championship and Pan-Pacific Championship.

International

International goals Scores and results list Japan's goal tally first.

Under-23 Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition 1. 28 March 2007 National Stadium, Tokyo, Japan 2008 Summer Olympics qualification

Appearances in major competitions

Awards and honours

Club Gamba Osaka J1 League: 2005 J.League Cup: 2007 Japanese Super Cup: 2007

Oita Trinita J.League Cup: 2008

Omiya Ardija J2 League: 2015

Kawasaki Frontale J1 League: 2017, 2018, 2020, 2021 Emperor's Cup: 2020, 2023 J.League Cup: 2019 Japanese Super Cup: 2019, 2021, 2024

International Japan Kirin Cup: 2011

Individual J.League MVP Award: 2018 J.League Best XI: 2018, 2020, 2021, 2022