Japan former international striker Masato Kudo dies at 32
The striker, who was playing for Tegevajaro Miyazaki in Japan's third division, dies after being in intensive care following brain surgery.
Masato Kudo, a Japanese international football player who also played in Major League Soccer and Australia, died at the age of 32 following a brief illness.
The striker, who was currently playing for Tegevajaro Miyazaki in Japan's third division, died on Friday after being in intensive care following brain surgery.
Kudo won the J-League with Kashiwa Reysol in 2011 and made four appearances for Japan, scoring twice.
He also played for the MLS's Vancouver Whitecaps and the A-Brisbane League's Roar.
Tegevajaro described him as a "very successful player" with "no arrogance and a great attitude of cherishing his teammates, club, and fans."
Brisbane coach Warren Moon said: "He had such a wonderful personality and always turned up to training every morning with a beaming smile on his face.
"He will be greatly missed and our hearts go out to his wife and young daughter at this sad time," he added.