Shinya Kato

Shinya Kato (加藤 慎也, Katō Shin'ya, born September 19, 1980) is a former Japanese football player.

Kato was born in Kashima on September 19, 1980. He joined J1 League club Kashima Antlers youth team in 1999. However he could not play at all in the match behind Daijiro Takakuwa and Hitoshi Sogahata. In 2002, he moved to JEF United Ichihara in July and Yokohama F. Marinos in October on loan. However he could not play at all in the match in both clubs. Although he returned to Kashima Antlers in 2003, he could not play at all in the match and was released from the club end of 2003 season. After 1 year blank, he joined Kashiwa Reysol. On November 23, he debuted against Sanfrecce Hiroshima. However he could hardly play in the match behind Yuta Minami until 2009. In June 2009, he moved to Ehime FC. He played many matches under manager Kazuhito Mochizuki. However Mochizuki was sacked and Kato he could not play at all in the match under new manager Ivica Barbarić from September. In 2010, he moved to Ventforet Kofu. However he could not play at all in the match. In 2011, he moved to Japan Football League club AC Nagano Parceiro. Although he played many matches, he retired end of 2011 season.