One of the squad’s fastest members, Daizo Horikoshi was a constant threat for opposing defences during the 2021 AFC Champions League Group Stage. Deciding to re-sign earlier this year following a shortened but successful first season, the speedster will continue to be relied upon to create scoring chances for the Iloilo side.
Horikoshi was born and raised in the Kanagawa prefecture of Japan, graduating from Tokai University before making his professional debut with Albirex Niigata Singapore in 2019. At the end of his rookie season, the winger finished among the nominees for the Singapore Premier League Best Eleven.
Daizo was then recruited by Coach Yu Hoshide ahead of the 2020 PFL season. Carrying nothing more than a backpack, he flew in and impressed everyone in his walk-on tryout. Needless to say he was asked to come back, and it wasn’t long before he cemented his place as a key figure on Kaya’s frontline.
Some facts you may not have known about the Kanagawa Speedster:
- His talent outside of football is cooking Tinola.
- His favorite movie is Hugh Jackman’s robot-boxing film Real Steel.
- His favorite animated movie is the Pixar classic Toy Story.
- His favorite songs are September by Earth, Wind & Fire and Shut Up and Dance by Walk the Moon.
- His favorite cheat day meal is a Big Mac with cheesecake for dessert, and his favorite junk food is donuts.
- If he could have superpowers, he’d choose teleportation.
- He has a fear of ghosts.
- His biggest pet peeves are long lines and queues.
- His celebrity crush is Emma Watson.
- His favorite teammate is Masanari Omura.
- His favourite footballers growing up were Figo and Isco.
- He’s had a chance to meet Keisuke Honda in person.
- He’s been wearing #20 ever since his time in junior high.
- If he wasn’t a footballer, he thinks he’d be an excellent tennis player.
- If he ever got the chance, he’d tell his younger self to study English more.
His speed and dribbling prowess on the right flank have been crucial for Kaya’s attack, though he’s proven to be just as dangerous while playing inside. With the experience gained going up against champion-level competition as well having just turned 25 years old, there’s still room for Daizo to grow—an instrumental factor for the club’s return to the ACL stage.
