BIRMINGHAM, AL (Jan. 21, 2019) – Birmingham Legion FC announced today the signing of midfielder Daigo Kobayashi, pending league and federation approval. The 35-year-old spent three seasons, from 2014 to 2017, with Legion FC Head Coach Tom Soehn and President/General Manager Jay Heaps playing for the New England Revolution in Major League Soccer.

“Daigo is the epitome of a true professional,” said President and GM Jay Heaps. “He is someone that Coach Soehn and I have worked closely with, and we expect his vast professional experience to really help not only on the field but also in the locker room as we build our team in this inaugural season.”

Kobayashi joins Legion FC after spending 2018 with fellow USL Championship team Las Vegas Lights, where he made 34 appearances, scored four goals, and added three assists. Prior to joining New England, he played with Vancouver Whitecaps FC in 2013, appearing in 32 games that season and adding three goals and four assists.

Before coming to North America, Kobayashi had already built up an impressive resume, making more than 300 appearances for clubs across the world. He began his career in the J1 League in Japan for Tokyo Verdy and went on to play for Japanese sides Omiya Ardija and Shimizu S-Pulse, for Stabæk Fotball in Norway, and for Iraklis Thessaloniki in Greece.

In 2015, Kobayashi received his U.S. green card, which qualifies him as a domestic player for USL Championship roster purposes.

Transaction: On January 21, 2019, Legion FC signed midfielder Daigo Kobayashi to a contract, pending league and federation approval.

Player Profile:
Name: Daigo Kobayashi
Position: Attacking Midfielder
Height: 5’ 10”
Weight: 159 lbs.
Birthdate: February 19, 1983 (age 35)
Birthplace: Fuji, Shizuoka, Japan
Citizenship: Japan
Previous Club: Las Vegas Lights (USL Championship)

Career Highlights:
     - MLS Cup Runner-Up – 2014
     - U.S. Open Cup Runner-Up – 2016
     - Norwegian Super Cup Champion - 2009
     - Japanese Super Cup Champion – 2005
     - Emperor’s Cup Champion – 2004

About Birmingham Legion FC
Set to debut as an expansion member of the United Soccer League in 2019, Birmingham Legion FC is the Magic City’s first and only locally owned and operated professional soccer franchise. The club will play home matches at a newly renovated BBVA Compass Field, on the campus of the University of Alabama at Birmingham, beginning in the Spring of 2019. For ticket information and to purchase official Legion FC merchandise, please visit bhmlegion.com. Supporters are encouraged to follow @bhmlegion on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for the latest club news.