Seiya Maikuma

Seiya Maikuma is a Japanese defender who developed in Nagasaki before progressing through the university football system. At Higashi Fukuoka High School, he helped win the Inter High and National Championships in 2015, then continued his education at Momoyama Gakuin University. Maikuma began his professional career with V-Varen Nagasaki in 2020, initially arriving as a forward before being converted into a right-back. His performances in the J2 League led to a move to Cerezo Osaka, where he established himself in the J1 League. In 2023, Maikuma was named in the J1 League Best XI and made his debut for Japan. He represented Japan at the 2023 AFC Asian Cup before joining AZ Alkmaar in June 2024. At AZ, Maikuma has continued as a versatile right-sided defender, contributing energetic running, recovery work and build-up play.