Shinji Murai(村井 慎二, Murai Shinji; born December 1, 1979) is a former Japanese football player. He played for Japan national team.

Club career

Murai was born in Chiba on December 1, 1979. He joined his local club JEF United Ichihara (later JEF United Chiba) from youth team in 1998. He became a regular player as left midfielder from 2001. The club won the 3rd place 2001 and 2003 J1 League. He moved to Júbilo Iwata with team mate Takayuki Chano in 2005. He played many matches until 2009 except when he injured in 2006. He left the club with Chano end of 2009 season for generational change and he returned to JEF United Chiba with Chano in 2010. He moved to Oita Trinita in 2012 and played until 2013.

National team career

In July 2005, Murai was selected Japan national team for 2005 East Asian Football Championship, where Japan finished second. At this tournament, on August 3, he debuted against China. He played 5 games for Japan until 2006.

Club statistics

Club performanceLeagueCupLeague CupContinentalTotal
SeasonClubLeagueAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
JapanLeagueEmperor's CupJ.League CupAsiaTotal
1998JEF United IchiharaJ1 League410000-41
1999100020-30
2000200020-40
20012513050-331
20022620052-314
20032923330-355
20042911050-351
2005Júbilo IwataJ1 League300301040380
20061110021-132
20072320050-282
20082400020-260
20092411040-290
2010JEF United ChibaJ2 League4120--61
201118220--202
2012Oita TrinitaJ2 League37500--375
2013J1 League700030-100
Career total294191533934035225

National team statistics

Japan national team
YearAppsGoals
200530
200620
Total50

External links

  • at National-Football-Teams.com
  • at J.League () (in Japanese)