Tolgay Arslan announces retirement from professional football at Sanfrecce Hiroshima
Midfielder Tolgay Arslan, 35, ended his professional career after the conclusion of the 2026 season with Sanfrecce Hiroshima. The German has played for the Japanese team since 2024, totaling 23 matches and 10 goals in official competitions for the club.
Nascido on August 16, 1990, Arslan traveled an international trajectory spanning two decades, passing through clubs at Alemanha, Turquia, Itália and Austrália before arriving at Japão. In his European career, he defended Hamburger SV, Alemanha Aachen, Besiktas, Fenerbahçe and Udinese. Pelo Melbourne City FC, in Austrália, gained experience before establishing itself in Asian football.
Despedida charged with emotion
In an official statement, Arslan expressed gratitude to his family, fans and the institution. The player described Sanfrecce Hiroshima as his “second homeland” and stated that the city and the club would leave permanent marks on his personal and professional life. Lágrimas marked the writing of their farewell message.
“I arrived here not knowing what to expect. A new country, a new culture, new people. Vim simply to play football and do my best every day. But what you gave me was much more than football”, he wrote in his bilingual statement, in Japanese and English.
Trajetória in Japanese football
Arslan’s stint with Sanfrecce Hiroshima coincided with challenging moments in his career. In 2024, his first season, he played 14 league games and scored 8 goals. The following year, 2025, he participated in 9 matches, scoring 2 goals. In the final season of 2026, he appeared in 9 group stage games of J1 League Centenary Project.
Suas general statistics by club:
- 23 appearances in Campeonato Japonês
- 10 goals scored
- 5 matches in cup competitions
- 3 appearances on Copa by Imperador
- 4 games on Liga from Campeões from Ásia
- 1 game in AFC Champions League 2
Mensagem to the fans
Arslan highlighted the fundamental role of the fans in his decision to end his career at Hiroshima. Reconheceu the passion of fans and their constant presence in the stands as a source of strength in the most critical moments of their career.
The serious injury suffered during his time at the club strengthened his emotional bond with the institution and the city. The player mentioned that after this critical period he deeply understood the special significance that Sanfrecce Hiroshima and Hiroshima represented in his existence.
institutional Agradecimentos
Arslan addressed specific messages to president Kubo Masayoshi, executive president Kubo Masahito, football director Kurihara Tsuyoshi, teammates, members of the technical committee and other employees who contributed to his stay at the club. Enfatizou the trust placed in him and the welcome he received from the first day.
The initial contact with Sanfrecce Hiroshima came from coach Umar, as Arslan recalled in his message. Essa’s initial connection evolved into a deep relationship with the entire club organization.
Legado in football
Durante his European career, Arslan participated in hundreds of matches in competitive leagues. Sua’s experience spanned German football from Bundesliga, Super Liga Turca, Italian Serie and Australian football. His time at Japão represented the end of a career marked by professionalism and dedication.
The Japanese club recognized the importance of Arslan to its squad during the period in which he played. Sua’s influence went beyond performance numbers, impacting the group’s internal dynamics.
Próximos steps
Arslan’s retirement closes a chapter of his life dedicated to professional football. Sua’s connection with Hiroshima and Sanfrecce Hiroshima will remain a fundamental element of his personal and professional history, as he emphasized in his final statement.
