Gen Shoji

Awards & Honours

Awards Won

Records

Gen Shoji has built a distinguished career defined by team success and unwavering consistency. As a central pillar of Kashima Antlers' defense, he helped secure the club's first AFC Champions League title in 2018, a historic achievement for Japanese football. His ability to maintain peak performance over more than a decade in the J1 League has earned him respect as one of the most dependable defenders in the competition's history. Leading Machida Zelvia as captain in 2026 further cements his status as a veteran leader who prioritizes team cohesion over individual glory.

AwardsGen Shoji's accolades are primarily team-based rather than individual awards. He was a key figure in Kashima Antlers' 2016 J1 League championship victory and played a pivotal role in their historic 2018 AFC Champions League triumph. He was also part of the squad that won the Emperor's Cup multiple times during his tenure at Kashima. On the international stage, he was a member of the Japan national team squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup and the 2019 AFC Asian Cup.

Records & Feats

Rare Goal for a Defender

Career Milestone·2017

Scored a crucial goal against China in the 2017 EAFF E-1 Football Championship, a rare feat for a center-back in high-stakes international play.