Michael Fitzgerald (footballer)

Michael James Fitzgerald (フィッツジェラルド 舞行龍 ジェームズ) is a professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for Albirex Niigata. He has spent his entire professional club career in Japan, predominantly playing for Albirex Niigata.

Born in New Zealand, Fitzgerald became a naturalized Japanese citizen in 2013. He debuted for the New Zealand national football team in 2011 and earned 3 caps.

Early life
Fitzgerald received his secondary education at St Peter's College, Auckland (1999–2005). He is the brother of Isaac Fitzgerald.

Fitzgerald's application for Japanese citizenship was approved in May 2013. This means he can no longer play for the All Whites. His former name is Fitzgerald Michael James (フィッツジェラルド・マイケル・ジェームズ).

Youth career
Fitzgerald went through the football academy at St Peter's College, in Auckland, New Zealand before moving to Japan. In 2005, Fitzgerald began his career at Seiritsu Gakuen High School with the youth team until he graduated in 2007.

Senior career
In 2008, after he had graduated from high school, Fitzgerald began his career in the J1 League, with J1 club, Albirex Niigata as part of the first team. After 2009, he transferred to JSC Niigata, Zweigen Kanazawa and V-Varen Nagasaki on loan until 2013. He made his debut for Nagasaki on 31 March 2013, coming on in the 88th minute for Shoma Mizunaga as they won 3-1.

He returned to Albirex Niigata in 2016.

In 2017, Fitzgerald transferred to Kawasaki Frontale until 2019. However, he was only able to play 3 matches in the J1 league.

In 2019, he returned to his former club, Albirex Niigata. On 23 October 2022, he helped bring his club promotion to the J1 League during the 2023 season. Albirex were crowned champions of the J2 League in 2022.

International career
Fitzgerald made his international New Zealand debut in a 1–1 draw with China on 25 March 2011. He later made two more appearances for New Zealand in friendly matches including a 3–0 loss to Mexico and another 3–0 loss to Australia.

Club
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Club
Kawasaki Frontale
 * J1 League: 2017, 2018
 * J.League Cup Runner-up: 2017
 * Japanese Super Cup Runner-up: 2018

V-Varen Nagasaki
 * Japan Football League: 2012

Albirex Niigata
 * J2 League: 2022

Individual

 * Japan Football League Team of the Year : 2012
 * J2 League Team of the Year : 2022