Ryuho Kikuchi

is a Japanese professional footballer who plays as a centre back for Machida Zelvia.

Early career

During his third year at Aomori Yamada High School, Kikuchi contributed to the team's top four position in the Inter-High School Championships and was selected as the tournament's outstanding player. He started out as a midfielder, but was converted to a defender. Kikuchi later went on to join Osaka University H&SS on 19 November 2017. During his time at Osaka University H&SS, he was selected in the 2017 Summer Universiade squad, and was part of the team that defeated France in the final.

Career

On 9 December 2018, Kikuchi joined Renofa Yamaguchi.

On 24 December 2019, Kikuchi was announced at Vissel Kobe. During the 2021 season, he held the record for most duels won, with over 70% of duels won as of 26 May 2021. At the end of the season, Kikuchi was announced as one of the 31 J.League Outstanding Player Award winners. On 19 February 2022, he was not selected in the Kobe squad due to poor health. He was injured on 16 July 2022 against Kashima Antlers, and would spend eight weeks out with an injury to the posterior cruciate ligament in his right knee. Kikuchi was further injured on 4 March 2023 against Gamba Osaka, and suffered an ACL injury that would keep him out for eight months. Vissel Kobe would go on to win the 2023 J1 League. From 2024, he changed his jersey number to 81, to represent his hard work from zero after his injury. Vissel Kobe would go on to win the 2024 J1 League.

On 4 January 2025, Kikuchi was announced at Machida Zelvia.

Style of play

Kikuchi is known for yelling loudly during headers and blocking shots. His passionate yelling during defending was heard more during the 2021 season, where supporters were not allowed to cheer due to the Covid-19 outbreak.

Personal life

Whilst at university, Kikuchi started a blog, which received responses from fellow footballers Shoto Suzuki, Shunya Yoneda and Seiya Nakano. He is known by the nickname David Ryuho, as he respects David Luiz.

Honours Vissel Kobe J1 League: 2023, 2024 Emperor's Cup: 2024 Machida Zelvia Emperor's Cup: 2025