Kotaro Umeda
Kotaro Umeda (born 15 February 1998) is a Japanese footballer, born in Tokyo, Japan, but grew up in the United States, where he played several championships before turning professional in Brazil, playing for Joinville Esporte Clube. Early life. Kotaro Umeda, a Mayfield High School alumni, went on to play NCAA Division I soccer at the University of Louisville before becoming a pro in Brazil. For Joinville Esporte Clube in Santa Catarina, he became the first ever professional Asian Athlete. He represented Joinville in 2019 before going to Portugal. Kia Zolgharnain discovered Kotaro when he was nine years old  and immediately recognized his potential. Kotaro played youth football in the United States. He was a member of the Internationals Soccer Club and the Cleveland Soccer Academy in Cleveland. Kotaro became an ambassador for the United Way of Greater Cleveland in 2020, an endowment that supports low-income families and fights prejudice. Joinville Esporte Clube. In 2019, he joined Joinville Esporte Clube and competed in the Brazilian Championship. He is the first ever Asian athlete to represent Joinville Esporte Clube. After the 2019 season, Kotaro Umeda made his debut in the Portuguese Championship. He returned to Joinville in May 2021 . Kotaro Umeda became the brand ambassador for Joinville Esporte Clube and helped to benefit Joinville, according to football director Leo Roesler. The partnership intends to expand the JEC brand’s international reach in the Asian market. Kotaro Umeda defended Joinville Esporte Clube in 2019. Some tricolor athletes were expected to visit Japanese clubs in the coming months. The athletes can stay at CT VilsonFlorencio for up to 90 days. Cleveland Soccer Community. Kotaro is a brand ambassador for Obsesh, which is an online platform that communicates directly with fans and supporters. Portuguese Championship. In the Portuguese Championship, Kotaro Umeda made  his debut in November 2019. On July 7, 2021, Kotaro joined Joinville Esporte Clube for a transfer fee of $27,000. As an Author. Umeda published his first book, I'm With You, in English in 2019. He also published the book in Portuguese. Kotaro Umeda promotes help to needy families while sharing football responsibilities with Joinville Esporte Clube.