Michael Fitzgerald

is a New Zealand professional footballer who plays as a centre-back and currently play for club Albirex Niigata.

Early life Fitzgerald received his secondary education at St Peter's College, Auckland (1999–2005). He is the brother of Isaac Fitzgerald.

Fitzgerald's application for Japanese citizenship was approved in May 2013. This means he can no longer play for the All Whites. His former name is Fitzgerald Michael James (フィッツジェラルド・マイケル・ジェームズ).

Club career Youth career Fitzgerald went through the football academy at St Peter's College, in Auckland, New Zealand before moving to Japan. In 2005, Fitzgerald began his career at Seiritsu Gakuen High School with the youth team until he graduated in 2007.

Senior career In 2008, after he had graduated from high school, Fitzgerald began his career in the J1 League, with J1 club, Albirex Niigata as part of the first team. After 2009, he transferred to JSC Niigata, Zweigen Kanazawa and V-Varen Nagasaki on loan until 2013. He made his debut for Nagasaki on 31 March 2013, coming on in the 88th minute for Shoma Mizunaga as they won 3-1.

He returned to Albirex Niigata in 2016.

In 2017, Fitzgerald transferred to Kawasaki Frontale until 2019. However, he was only able to play 3 matches in the J1 league.

In 2019, he returned to his former club, Albirex Niigata. On 23 October 2022, he helped bring his club promotion to the J1 League during the 2023 season. Albirex were crowned champions of the J2 League in 2022. On 27 December 2023, Fitzgerald's contract was extended for the 2024 season.

International career Fitzgerald made his international New Zealand debut in a 1–1 draw with China on 25 March 2011. He later made two more appearances for New Zealand in friendly matches including a 3–0 loss to Mexico and another 3–0 loss to Australia.

Personal life Fitzgerald became a naturalized Japanese citizen in 2013.

Career statistics

Club .

International

Honours Club Kawasaki Frontale J1 League: 2017, 2018 J.League Cup Runner-up: 2017 Japanese Super Cup Runner-up: 2018

V-Varen Nagasaki Japan Football League: 2012

Albirex Niigata J2 League: 2022

Individual Japan Football League Team of the Year : 2012 J2 League Team of the Year : 2022