Yoshihiro Shoji

is a Japanese former professional football player who played as a midfielder.

Known for his leadership skills and passing skills, Shoji has served as captain in three different seasons. He has appeared in over 400 career matches.

Career

On 24 January 2014, Shoji was announced at Renofa Yamaguchi on a permanent transfer. For the 2016 season, he swapped his shirt number to 10. Shoji won the April 2016 Meiji Yasuda J.League Monthly MVP award for his number of passes and highest pass success rate.

On 8 February 2017, Shoji was appointed captain ahead of the 2017 season. During the 2017 J2 season, he recorded 4,101 passes, the most in the league, and 901 more than second place.

In 2018, Shoji was announced at Vegalta Sendai on a permanent transfer. Ahead of the 2018 season, he was selected as a "player to watch" in the J1 League.

On 14 July 2018, Shoji was announced at Kyoto Sanga on a six month loan deal. On 19 December 2018, he was announced at Kyoto Sanga on a permanent deal. On 3 December 2021, the club announced that Shoji's contract would expire at the end of the 2021 season.

On 27 December 2021, Shoji was announced at FC Gifu on a permanent transfer. He was appointed captain ahead of the 2023 season, and was kept as captain ahead of the 2024 season.

On 12 November 2024, Shoji announced his retirement at the end of the 2024 season.

Style of play

He has been described as having "outstanding passing ability" by former Japan national team midfielder Hideo Hashimoto.

Club statistics Updated to end of 2018 season.