Shōgo Taniguchi

is a Japanese professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for Belgian Pro League club Sint-Truiden and the Japan national team.

Club career Born in Kumamoto, Kumamoto Prefecture, Taniguchi began his career with Tsukuba University.

Taniguchi began his professional career with Kawasaki Frontale in 2014. He lifted the J1 League Trophy four times in 2017, 2018, 2020 and 2021 respectively. He announced his departure from the club after nine years at Kawasaki in 2022 season making a total of 377 appearances for the club.

On 28 December 2022, Taniguchi joined Al Rayyan in Qatar. He scored his first and only goal on 24 April 2024 against Al Ahli in a 4–1 home win.

On 19 July 2024, Taniguchi signed for Belgian side Sint-Truiden. He scored his first goal for the Belgian side on 21 September 2024 in a 3–0 away win against Beerschot.

On 8 November 2024, during a home game against KV Mechelen (2–1) he was forced off due to injury at the 14th minute, being replaced by Zineddine Belaid.

International career On 7 May 2015, Japan's coach Vahid Halilhodžić called him for a two-days training camp. On 23 July 2015, he was called again for 2015 EAFF East Asian Cup. He was called again for 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

On 15 May 2026, Taniguchi was selected in the 26-man squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Personal life On 25 June 2025, actress Rika Izumi announced her marriage to Taniguchi.

Career statistics Club

International

Scores and results list Japan's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Taniguchi goal.

+ List of international goals scored by Shōgo TaniguchiNo.DateVenueOpponentScoreResultCompetition1 15 June 2023 Toyota Stadium, Toyota, Japan 1–0 6–0 2023 Kirin Challenge Cup

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

Japan EAFF Championship: 2022

Individual J.League Best XI: 2018, 2020, 2021, 2022 EAFF Championship Best Defender: 2022