Eiji Kawashima

Eiji Kawashima (川島 永嗣, Kawashima Eiji, born 20 March 1983) is a Japanese professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for Strasbourg and the Japan national team.

He played in Japan for Omiya Ardija, Nagoya Grampus Eight and Kawasaki Frontale before joining Lierse S.K. in Belgium in 2010. He then played for another Belgian club, Standard Liege, from 2012 to 2015, and Dundee United in Scotland from 2015 to 2016. He played for Japan at the 2010, 2014 and 2018 World Cups, earning over 90 caps.

Club Career

Early career in Japan

Kawashima started his professional career at Omiya Ardija in J2 League after graduating Urawa Higashi High School. On 6 April 2002, he made his Omiya Ardija debut. He went on to make 41 appearances for the side during his three-year spell. During his time at Omiya Ardija, Kawashima went on trial at Serie A side Parma.

In 2004, Kawashima joined Nagoya Grampus Eight in Japan's J1 League. Over the three seasons, he competed with veteran goalkeeper Seigo Narazaki and served as the club's second choice goalkeeper. At times, Kawashima was given a chance of first team appearances, due to Narazaki suffered an injury. However, Kawashima himself suffered an injury concern after injuring his hand towards the end of the season and was sidelined for four weeks. He went on to make 17 appearances for the side.

Kawasaki Frontale

It was announced on 29 December 2006 that Kawasaki Frontale had signed Kawashima for a transfer fee of 150 million yen. The move was, at the time, the largest transfer fee for a player in the J.League.

Kawashima made his Kawasaki Frontale debut as a starter in a 1–0 win over Kashima Antlers in the opening game of the season, keeping a clean sheet. He then made his AFC Champions League debut, in a 3–1 win over Arema. After establishing himself as a first choice goalkeeper he soon received praises for his performances. That season, Kawasaki Frontale became the first Japanese club to qualify for

This page also has a version in other languages :  Эйдзи Кавасима (russian)