Clifford Yuma, called Hiroshi Jito in Japanese, stands as a formidable defender within the *Captain Tsubasa* series. His past included seeking out gang fights, driven by a desire for strong opponents until their weakness dimmed his interest. Mitsuru Sano, his friend, drew him into soccer by demonstrating Tsubasa Ozora's skill, prompting him to join his school's soccer club. An early duel with Tsubasa showcased his raw power and size; though defeated, it cemented his dedication to the sport. He played for Hirado Middle School and later Kunimi High School. As a professional, he joined Avispa Fukuoka. For Japan's national teams, he wore jersey #5, primarily operating as a center back. His early career featured effective combination plays, first with Sano and then with the Tachibana twins, Masao and Kazuo, strengthening his defensive impact. In the *World Youth* arc, Coach Gamo temporarily cut him from the U-20 Japanese team, citing slowness. To overcome this, he undertook rigorous marathon training, significantly boosting his speed and reclaiming his spot. During a critical match against Uruguay, he scored an accidental own goal. Seeking atonement, he offered his back as a platform for Kojiro Hyuga's powerful Raiju Shot, risking injury; Hyuga scored without harming him. His defensive approach often involved marking the tallest opponents, exemplified by his matchup against China's Sho Hi, despite his limited jumping ability. His journey continued in the *Golden-23* and *Rising Sun* arcs, representing Japan at U-22 level and participating in the Madrid Olympics tournament. Physically imposing, he stands 185 cm tall and weighs 84 kg as a professional. His speech carries a distinctive Nagasaki dialect, ending sentences with "-tai." He is also known for an extremely firm handshake, which nearly crushed Tsubasa's hand during their first meeting. Key relationships include his close friendship with Sano and familial connection to his cousin, Yukari Nishimoto. His technical contributions include press zone defense and coordinated plays with teammates, defining his role as a resilient and physically powerful defender across all official media.

Titles

Clifford Yuma

Guest