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Full Name: Zion Suzuki
Date of Birth: August 21, 2002 (Age 22)
Place of Birth: Newark, New Jersey, United States
Height: 1.90 m (6 ft 3 in)
Position: Goalkeeper
Current Team: Parma

Career Overview

A Masterpiece

Born to a Ghanaian father and a Japanese mother, Suzuki was raised in Urawa, Japan, where his football journey began with Urawa Red Diamonds’ academy. At just 16 years and five months, he became the youngest player in the club’s history to sign a professional contract.

Suzuki made his senior debut for Urawa in 2021, quickly establishing himself as a reliable shot-stopper, securing multiple clean sheets, and contributing to Urawa’s 2021 J.League Cup victory. By 2022, he had helped the team clinch both the AFC Champions League and the Japanese Super Cup, solidifying his reputation as a rising talent.

A loan spell at Belgian Pro League side Sint-Truiden in 2023 proved pivotal, as Suzuki’s commanding performances earned him the starting role and caught the attention of European giants, including Manchester United. Ultimately, Serie A side Parma secured his services in 2024 for €7.5 million, a testament to his growing reputation. He debuted for Parma on August 17, 2024 against Fiorentina and has since become the team’s first-choice goalkeeper.

Serie A • Parma • 2024-25

Matches Played

Assists

Goals

Strength

A Goalie Powerhouse

Zion Suzuki stands out as a modern goalkeeper with a comprehensive skill set. His towering height of 1.90 m gives him an advantage in aerial duels, where he ranks in the 97th percentile among Serie A goalkeepers. His agility and reflexes make him an exceptional shot-stopper, often denying opponents in one-on-one situations or close-range efforts.

What sets Suzuki apart is his proficiency with the ball at his feet. He leads Serie A in forward passes, passes to the final third and through passes among goalkeepers. His distribution, whether short or long, is precise, allowing Parma to transition quickly into attack. Defensively, Suzuki excels in interceptions and commanding his area during set pieces, contributing to Parma’s stability at the back.

Notable Attributes

Excellent Shot Stopper

• Shot-Stopping Excellence: Suzuki’s reflexes are world-class, ranking in the 100th percentile for shot-stopping metrics.

• Aerial Dominance: His height and timing make him almost unbeatable in aerial duels, crucial during set pieces.

• Distribution: Suzuki’s passing ability is unparalleled among goalkeepers, allowing Parma to build attacks from the back efficiently.

• Composure Under Pressure: His calm demeanor and decision-making enable him to excel even in high-pressure situations, whether saving penalties or organizing the defence.

• Work Ethic: Suzuki’s dedication to improving his craft, including learning Italian to integrate better at Parma, highlights his professionalism.

Professional Journey

Made in Japan

Zion Suzuki’s rise began with Urawa Red Diamonds, where he made history as their youngest-ever professional signing. He debuted in the J.League Cup in 2021, keeping a clean sheet and went on to contribute to Urawa’s domestic and continental success.

In 2023, Suzuki moved on loan to Sint-Truiden in the Belgian Pro League, where he quickly became a regular starter. During his time there, Suzuki reportedly turned down an offer to join Manchester United as a backup goalkeeper, opting instead for consistent game time to continue his development. His performances earned him a permanent move to Parma in 2024.

Since joining Parma, Suzuki has adapted seamlessly to Serie A. His debut against Fiorentina saw him make six crucial saves in a 1-1 draw, and he followed it up with a standout performance against AC Milan, helping Parma secure a memorable 2-1 victory. While Parma has faced challenges in their campaign, Suzuki has been a consistent bright spot, solidifying his status as one of Serie A’s top young goalkeepers.

Internationally, although he was eligible to play for Japan, USA and Ghana, he chose to represent Japan. Zion Suzuki began representing Japan at the U-15 level, showcasing his talent early on. In 2018, he played a pivotal role in Japan’s U-16 team, helping them reach the final of the AFC U-16 Championship and secure qualification for the 2019 FIFA U-17 World Cup.

At the U-17 World Cup, Suzuki impressed with his composure and reflexes, competing against elite global talent. He also featured in the U-20 setup during the AFC U-19 Championship qualifiers in 2020, though the main tournament was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In 2021, Suzuki was included in Japan’s U-23 squad for the Tokyo Olympics, serving as a dependable backup as the team finished in fourth place.

Suzuki received his first senior team call-up in 2021 at just 18 years old, marking him as one of Japan’s youngest goalkeepers to join the squad. He made his senior debut in 2022 during a friendly against Hong Kong, keeping a clean sheet.

Since then, Suzuki has been a regular member of the national team, contributing in AFC Asian Cup qualifiers and World Cup qualification matches. His consistent performances have made him a trusted option in Japan’s senior setup.

Conclusion

The Future of Goalkeeping

Zion Suzuki’s rise from a young talent in Urawa to a standout goalkeeper in Europe is a testament to his determination, skill and adaptability. At just 22 years old, he represents the future of goalkeeping, combining traditional shot-stopping prowess with modern distribution and defensive attributes. As he continues to develop at Parma and with the Japan national team, Suzuki is poised to become one of the world’s top goalkeepers.


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