Naoki Soma (相馬 直樹,Sōma Naoki; born July 19, 1971) is a Japanesefootball manager and former player. He played for theJapan national team until 1999. He is currently the manager ofKagoshima United.
Soma was born inShizuoka on July 19, 1971. After graduating fromWaseda University, he joinedKashima Antlers in 1994. He played as left-back and became one of the main player in a successful era of the club. In the 1990s, the club won several titles: the1996 J.League,1998 J.League,1997 J.League Cup and1997 Emperor's Cup. He was also selected for the Best Eleven for four years in a row (1995-1998). In 2000, the club won all three major titles in Japan:J1 League,J.League Cup andEmperor's Cup. However at Emperor's Cup in December 2000, he sustained an injury and he could not play for about a year. Although he came back in the latter half of 2001, his opportunity to play decreased behindAugusto. In 2002, he moved toTokyo Verdy on loan. He returned to Kashima Antlers in 2003 and moved toKawasaki Frontale in 2004. At Kawasaki Frontale, he played as defensive midfielder and sweeper. He retired at the end of the 2005 season.
On May 28, 1995, Soma debuted for theJapan national team againstEcuador. After his debut, he became a regular player as left-back and left midfielder. In 1996, he played in all matches included1996 AFC Asian Cup. In the1998 FIFA World Cup qualification in 1997, Japan achieved qualification for1998 FIFA World Cup first time Japan's history. He played in all matches at the 1998 World Cup. He also played at1999 Copa America. He played 58 games and scored 4 goals for Japan until 1999.[1]
Soma retired at the end of the 2005 season. After working as a TV pundit, Soma managed theJapan Football League sideFC Machida Zelvia in 2010. He held a managerial post in charge ofJ1 League sideKawasaki Frontale prior to the 2011 season. On April 12, 2012, Kawasaki dismiss coach Naoki Soma after performing 'far below expectations'. The 40-year-old coach was sacked with the club's president stating the team were performing 'far below expectations' having aimed to win the title this term. In 2014, he signed withJ3 League sideFC Machida Zelvia again. He led the club to won the 2nd place in 2015 and promoted toJ2 League. On 14 November 2024, Soma announcement officially appointment manager ofKagoshima United from 2025.
