Takeo Takahashi (footballer)

Takeo Takahashi (高橋 武夫) (former name; Takeo Kimura, 木村 武夫) is a former Japanese football player and manager. He played for Japan national team.

Club career
Takahashi was born in Shinagawa, Tokyo on May 13, 1947. After graduating from high school, he joined Furukawa Electric in 1966. In 1967 season, he scored 15 goals and became a top scorer. He was 20 years old, this is the youngest top scorer in Japan Soccer League. He left the club in 1973 and entered Tokyo University of Agriculture. After graduating from Tokyo University of Agriculture, he joined Division 2 club Toshiba in 1979. In 1979, the club won the champions in Division 2. He retired in 1982.

National team career
In December 1966, Takahashi was selected Japan national team for 1966 Asian Games. At this competition, on December 17, he debuted against Thailand. He also played at 1970 Asian Games. This competition was his last game for Japan. He played 14 games and scored 4 goals for Japan until 1970.

Coaching career
After retirement, Takahashi became a manager for Toshiba (later Consadole Sapporo) in 1987. In 1989, he led the club to won the champions in Division 2 and promoted to Division 1. He managed the club until 1996.

Personal honors

 * Japan Soccer League Top Scorer: 1967
 * Japan Soccer League Best Eleven: 1967
 * Japan Soccer League Fighting Spirit Award: 1967