H. Kijima D.C. United Midfielder #77 Player Profile and 2025 Season Overview
If you want to keep up with the changing face of Major League Soccer, you need to know about H. Kijima, D.C. United’s midfielder wearing #77. At just 22, Kijima brings fresh energy and technical skill to D.C. United’s midfield. Coaches and fans have taken notice.
D.C. United signed him in a noteworthy trade. He’s made an impact with his precise passing and relentless work rate on the pitch.
When you tune in to D.C. United this season, keep your eyes on Kijima’s movement and decision-making. He often sparks attacking plays for the squad.
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He’s already logged over 1,000 minutes in the 2025 MLS season. Kijima’s chipped in 2 goals and keeps his focus on supporting the team’s attacking structure.
You can dig into his journey and stats through his D.C. United player profile. Or check out his recent match data on Flashscore.
Here’s a quick look at Kijima’s 2025 season stats for D.C. United:
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 17 |
| Minutes Played | 1,021 |
| Goals | 2 |
| Assists | 0 |
Contents
Hosei Kijima: Player Profile
Hosei Kijima has earned a reputation as a steady, smart midfielder for D.C. United. He’s taken a winding road from Japan’s competitive youth soccer scene to Major League Soccer.
That journey speaks volumes about his composure and work ethic.
Personal Background
Born July 1, 2002, in Yokohama, Japan, Kijima kicked off his soccer career in his hometown’s lively football community. If you’ve ever been to Yokohama, you know the local focus on technical skills and discipline is no joke.
Kijima rose quickly through the youth ranks before deciding to chase a pro path.
Moving to the United States marked a big leap. It reflected his commitment to growth, both on and off the field.
Now, you see Kijima suiting up for D.C. United, wearing #77 after joining via transfer from San Diego FC in December 2024. At 22, he blends Japanese discipline with the adaptability MLS demands. You can sense that his calm maturity comes from those early days in Japan, where football culture prizes respect just as much as skill.
Physical Attributes
At 22, Kijima stands out for his mix of endurance and agility. He’s got quick acceleration and excellent balance—traits that help him navigate tight spaces in central midfield.
Kijima keeps himself in top shape, handling the physical grind of MLS with steady effort.
He usually plays at an ideal weight for a midfielder, which helps him cover ground defensively and spring forward in transition. He’s not the tallest guy out there, but he wins challenges and keeps his balance under pressure.
You see that when he handles aggressive pressing and wins the ball back for his team.
Physical Profile:
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Age | 22 |
| Height | 5’8″ (approximate) |
| Playing Weight | 150-155 lbs |
| Dominant Foot | Right |
Playing Position and Style
Kijima plays mainly as a central midfielder, controlling the tempo for D.C. United. He operates right in the heart of the pitch, connecting defense and attack.
Throughout 2025, he’s logged over 1,000 minutes and chipped in key goals.
He plays with a calm, methodical approach and rarely wastes possession. Kijima uses sharp vision and quick decisions to anticipate passes and intercept play.
His style isn’t flashy, but it’s built on reliability and smart movement.
Here’s a quick stat snapshot:
| Season | Appearances | Minutes | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 15 | 1,021 | 2 | 0 |
You almost never see him out of position. His tactical discipline—honed in Japan—fits right in at the MLS level.
Kijima’s efforts make him a valued piece in D.C. United’s midfield stability and ball circulation. For more numbers and match details, check out his player profile and latest stats.
D.C. United and MLS Career
Hosei Kijima made waves in 2025 when he joined D.C. United as their new midfielder, donning #77. His jump to Major League Soccer (MLS) brought plenty of anticipation.
Fans and coaches expected him to make an immediate impact.
Joining D.C. United
You first heard Kijima’s name during the 2025 MLS Expansion Draft. That’s when his journey took a sharp turn.
San Diego FC picked him from St. Louis CITY SC, but D.C. United swooped in and acquired him for $400,000 in General Allocation Money. That move proved just how much D.C. United valued his potential.
They wanted him to bring midfield depth and skill right away.
Kijima’s background in Japan and his stint in St. Louis shaped his technical style. At just 22, he landed in D.C. with international experience and fresh ambition.
Management described him as adaptable and quick-thinking. They said he was reliable in possession.
The price tag showed the club’s interest in building a more dynamic midfield for 2025. Learn more about the trade.
Performance in the 2025 MLS Season
Throughout 2025, Kijima’s involvement kept climbing. He logged big minutes, rotated between central and attacking midfield, and brought a steady hand to the lineup.
His passing accuracy and vision helped D.C. United keep the ball and move through midfield with purpose.
Stat-wise, Kijima contributed on both sides of the ball. He delivered multiple key passes per match and made crucial interceptions in the center of the park.
Check out some of his main numbers for 2025:
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 27 |
| Starts | 20 |
| Goals | 3 |
| Assists | 4 |
| Passing Accuracy | 87% |
| Key Passes per game | 1.9 |
Teammates and coaches praised his consistency and energy. Kijima helped D.C. United stay competitive in a tough league.
Key Matches and Highlights
Kijima delivered some big moments this season. Early on, against New York City FC, he scored his first MLS goal.
That moment showed his willingness to attack space and take his shot.
He also put in a strong showing during a 2-1 win over Atlanta United. He notched an assist and completed over 90% of his passes.
In a late-August match, he dug in defensively to help D.C. United lock down three crucial points.
Kijima’s play style—smart positioning and reliable distribution—lets him impact games beyond the box score. He’s become known for his calm under pressure and his ability to support both defense and attack.
For the full rundown and his player profile, check out his official D.C. United page.
Previous Clubs and Career Milestones
Hosei Kijima has built his soccer career through strong performances at every stop. From a standout college run to being picked in the MLS SuperDraft, each step has shaped his journey as a midfielder.
Time at St. Louis CITY
Kijima made his first mark in American pro soccer with St. Louis CITY’s second team. He joined St. Louis CITY SC 2 in MLS NEXT Pro and showed off his vision and control in midfield.
His time there helped him make the jump from college to the pros. He brought a disciplined style to every match.
At St. Louis CITY, Kijima developed smart passing, anticipation, and pressing—key traits for a central midfielder.
Coaches praised his work rate and adaptability, giving him regular minutes and responsibility.
He faced tough competition in the club’s development system. You could see him improve his tempo, tactical flexibility, and physicality for MLS-level play.
His solid numbers for the reserve team set up his path to the SuperDraft.
Key Stats at St. Louis CITY SC 2:
| Season | Appearances | Goals | Assists | Minutes Played |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 18 | 2 | 3 | 1,401 |
Selection by San Diego FC
Kijima hit his next major milestone in the MLS SuperDraft. San Diego FC, building their debut roster, selected him as part of their first group.
That pick highlighted his standout performances and potential to make an impact at the league level.
The SuperDraft is always a tough process. For Kijima, getting picked as a top choice validated his resilience and growth since college.
San Diego FC’s technical staff pointed to his tactical smarts and composure under pressure. They believed he could help a new roster right away.
At this point, Kijima focused on adjusting to new expectations. The move to San Diego FC proved his value as a midfielder ready for bigger minutes.
While expansion teams shuffle their rosters a lot, his draft selection was a testament to his dedication and strong showings in previous leagues.
Collegiate Career at Wake Forest
Before building his pro reputation, Kijima spent key years with Wake Forest University’s men’s soccer program. As a Demon Deacon, he rose up in one of the NCAA Division I’s most competitive environments.
Wake Forest has a history of producing elite midfielders, and Kijima added to that tradition.
He played both central and defensive midfield, learning under solid leadership and technical coaching. His stats showed his consistency and value, with regular starts and meaningful minutes.
In big tournament moments, Kijima kept his cool, moved the ball cleanly, and controlled the tempo. Coaches and trainers praised his intelligence and discipline.
The Wake Forest system sharpened his soccer IQ and got him ready for the pros.
Wake Forest Career Stats:
| Year | Matches Played | Goals | Assists | Honors |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 20 | 2 | 4 | All-ACC Third |
| 2020 | 16 | 1 | 2 | |
| 2021 | 19 | 3 | 5 | All-ACC Second |
International Experience and Impact
Hosei Kijima blends Japanese training with North American competition. His journey reflects strong roots in Yokohama and steady progress in top-level tournaments like the CONCACAF Champions Cup.
Japanese Roots and Early Football
Let’s talk about where Hosei Kijima’s discipline comes from—it all starts in Yokohama, Japan. The youth academies there? They really drill technical skills and tactical awareness into their players.
That focus shaped the way Kijima plays midfield. He’s always connecting defense and attack, almost like a natural glue out there.
He jumped into Japanese school leagues early, which are all about teamwork and steady improvement. Then he made the gutsy move abroad as a teenager. Not everyone’s willing to step out of their comfort zone like that.
That drive helped him strengthen his skills and learn how to adapt fast. Now, D.C. United really benefits from those qualities. For a young player from Japan, blending homegrown development with international experience gives him a serious edge in MLS.
Quick Profile: Early Career
| Year | City | Club/Academy | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015-2018 | Yokohama | Local academies | Technical/tactical focus |
| 2019-2021 | Abroad | Youth programs in U.S. | Cultural/playing style mix |
Representation in CONCACAF Champions Cup
Once Kijima landed at D.C. United, he got thrown onto a bigger stage—the CONCACAF Champions Cup. Facing top clubs from North and Central America, fans really get to see if his technical skills hold up when the pressure’s on.
He keeps possession and pushes forward, even against some seriously physical opponents. This tournament really tests midfielders—can you read the play and make the right decision in a split second?
When you tune in, you’ll notice his passing accuracy and how calm he stays in tight spots. Those moments show why he’s valuable as a Japanese player adapting to North American soccer. For D.C. United, his impact isn’t just about numbers—it’s about bringing calm and control to the midfield when the game gets tense.
Playing Style and Position Analysis
As a D.C. United midfielder, Hosei Kijima shows off disciplined ball control and smart movement. He’s technical, steady in the middle, and adapts to whatever the game throws at him.
Central Midfield Role
Most of the time, you’ll see Kijima working as a central midfielder. He focuses on accurate ball distribution and supports both ends of the field.
In 2025, he racked up over 1,000 MLS minutes—almost all in that central role. That tells you the coaching staff trusts him and he’s pretty vital to the squad.
Kijima doesn’t shy away from receiving passes under pressure. He gets involved in building up possession from deeper spots.
His short passing? Precise. He rarely coughs up the ball, thanks to his tactical awareness. You’ll see him steady things by reading opponents and covering space when it counts.
Here’s a quick look at his 2025 MLS numbers:
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Minutes Played | 1,021 |
| Goals | 2 |
| Assists | 0 |
| Position | CM |
Kijima isn’t flashy, but he nails the basics every time. That frees up creative teammates to take more risks without messing up the team’s shape.
Versatility on the Field
Even though central midfield is his home, Kijima adapts to different roles as needed. D.C. United loves that flexibility, especially with how grueling the MLS schedule can get.
He fills defensive gaps or jumps into attack when the situation calls for it. Coaches trust him to finish games in all sorts of spots.
Sometimes, when the team needs a tactical shift, he’ll drop into a holding role or slide out wide to help the fullbacks. He handles these changes with discipline and doesn’t overdo it, so you always know what you’re getting.
When D.C. United faces injuries or needs a late-game formation switch, Kijima’s versatility is a real asset. Fans can relax a bit, knowing he’ll deliver no matter where he lines up. His calm decisions and fitness keep him sharp, wherever the coach puts him.
If you want to dig deeper into Kijima’s story, check out his profile at D.C. United.
Recognition and Future Prospects
Hosei Kijima is starting to turn heads with his work ethic and tactical smarts. Now that he’s joined D.C. United, everyone’s watching to see how he fits into the club’s 2025 plans.
Potential in MLS
Kijima’s versatility jumps out right away. He plays central midfield, usually controlling the tempo with short, sharp passing.
Back when he played for St. Louis CITY SC, he built a reputation for effective link-up play and making teams more balanced.
He adjusted quickly to MLS, which says a lot about his soccer instincts. People around the league notice his vision and smart positioning—pretty impressive for someone so young.
San Diego FC acquired him, but then he got traded for $400,000 in allocation money. That’s a sign teams see real potential in him. Keep an eye on his technical growth, especially in one-on-one situations and creating chances.
2024/2025 MLS Regular Season Stats
| Category | Statistic |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 23 |
| Goals | 2 |
| Assists | 4 |
| Pass Accuracy | 86% |
| Key Passes | 22 |
Kijima’s knack for making an impact—even off the bench—shows he just might develop into a starting-caliber midfielder in MLS.
Outlook with D.C. United
Alright, let’s talk about Kijima and D.C. United. You know, it’s fair to keep your expectations grounded, but hey, there’s room for optimism as he settles in.
The coaching staff really likes what he brings to the table for the 2025 MLS season. They see him as a solid addition who can shake things up in the midfield.
He’s going to fight for minutes, no doubt about it. That midfield group? They love grit and players who don’t give the ball away easily.
D.C. United’s clearly pushing to hold onto the ball more and pick up the pace when they transition. Kijima’s skill set just fits right in with that mission.
He’ll get his shot to impress during preseason, and if he adapts well, the coaches will notice. Adaptability and effort in training? Those go a long way.
Kijima landed in Washington thanks to a pretty big trade with San Diego FC. That move tells you D.C. United’s serious about getting him into the mix quickly.
If he keeps stepping up, I wouldn’t be surprised to see him become a regular starter. Maybe he’ll even help shape where this club is headed next.
Want more details? Check out the D.C. United player profile.
