Daizo Horikoshi

is a Japanese professional footballer who plays as a winger for Australian NPL NSW club NWS Spirit.

Club career Albirex Niigata (S) After graduating from Tokai University, Horikoshi signed for Albirex Niigata (S) of the Singapore Premier League (SPL) for their 2019 season. He scored the opening goal on their 2–1 away league win over Warriors FC on 13 April.

Kaya–Iloilo In February 2020, it was announced that Horikoshi had signed for Kaya–Iloilo of the Philippines Football League (PFL). He make his debut for the club on 12 February during the 2020 AFC Cup group stage match against Myanmar club Shan United in a 2–0 win.

On 26 June 2021, Horikoshi make his AFC Champions League debut in a 4–1 lost against Thailand club BG Pathum United.He scored his first goal for the club on 7 November 2021 in their Copa Paulino Alcantara opening match, a 2–0 win over the Azkals Development Team. He was named the man of the match that night. Kaya went on to win the 2021 Copa Paulino Alcantara.

Horikoshi was the top goalscorer in the 2022 Copa Paulino Alcantara with six goals in the tournament, earning him the Golden Boot award. Kaya finished as the competition's runners-up.

In the 2022–23 PFL season, he won the league's Golden Ball (best player of the season) and Golden Boot awards, scoring 15 goals and providing 19 assists as Kaya won the league title for the first time. Kaya went on to complete a domestic double by winning the 2023 Copa Paulino Alcantara. Horikoshi registered the most assists in the Copa, with 15, and was awarded the Golden Ball.

In the 2023–24 AFC Champions League group stage, he scored an equalizer against J1 League champions Yokohama F. Marinos. However, the match ended as a 2–1 home lost. Horikoshi departed Kaya in January 2024.

Trat On 18 January 2024, Horikoshi joined Thai League 1 club Trat for the second half of the 2023–24 season. He make his debut for the club on 11 February in a 1–1 draw against Sukhothai. Horikoshi then scored his first goal for the club on 4 March in a 2–2 draw against Ratchaburi. On 28 April, Horikoshi assisted twice where he was instrumental in the match helping his team to defeat Police Tero in a 4–2 league win.

Return to Kaya–Iloilo On 5 September 2024, Kaya–Iloilo announced the return of Horikoshi to the club. On 3 October, he scored the opening goal during the 2024–25 AFC Champions League Two group stage match against Australian club Sydney FC, however, the club lost to the visitors 4–1.

Personal life Horikoshi's younger brother, Tamon, is also a footballer. He also attended Tokai University and had been Daizo's teammate at Kaya in 2023.

Career statistics Club

Honours Kaya–Iloilo Philippines Football League: 2022–23 Copa Paulino Alcantara: 2021, 2023; runner-up: 2022

Individual Philippines Football League Golden Ball: 2022–23 Philippines Football League Golden Boot: 2022–23 Copa Paulino Alcantara Golden Ball: 2023 Copa Paulino Alcantara Golden Boot: 2022