Japanese international striker Masato Kudo, who was the champion of his country and also played in MLS and Australia, died on Friday on operating table before his brain surgery. Kudo was a player who had “no arrogance and was always very nice to his teammates, the club, and the fans,” said Tegevajaro Miyazaki, from the Japanese third division, where he was currently playing. Kudo began his career with Tokyo Verdy in 2010 before moving to Vancouver Whitecaps in 2016.
He then returned to Japan to play for Shimizu S-Pulse in 2018. In 2020, he went to Australia to play for Central Coast Mariners.
Kudo won the Japanese title with Tokyo Verdy in 2011 and was part of the Vancouver Whitecaps team that reached the MLS playoffs in 2016. He also played four times for Japan between 2014 and 2015.
How Did Masato Kudo Die?
Masato Kudo was just 32 years old when he died on the operating table on Friday, after having to undergo brain surgery. The former Japanese national team player had a rapid illness after the brain surgery and passed away.
Kudo was a four-time Japanese international, and won the Japanese league with Kashiwa Reysol in 2011. He also had short experiences in the North American MLS, with the Vancouver Whitecaps, and in Australia, with the Brisbane Roar.
Kudo was loved by his teammates and coaches alike for his wonderful personality and beaming smile. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him.