H. Kijima, D.C. United, Midfielder #77: Career, Stats, and Impact

You’ve probably seen H. Kijima’s name pop up in MLS news lately. Honestly, it makes sense—he’s only 22, but this midfielder from Yokohama, Japan, just joined D.C. United, rocking the number 77 jersey.

Kijima brings sharp passing and a calm, almost effortless control to the center of the pitch. Hosei Kijima gives D.C. United a nice mix of technical skill, smart positioning, and youthful energy that really strengthens the team’s midfield core.

He started his journey to MLS at Wake Forest University. There, he captained the Demon Deacons and built a reputation for consistency and leadership.

St. Louis CITY SC picked him in the 2024 MLS SuperDraft, and he scored a game-winning goal in his pro debut. That quick impact led to a trade—D.C. United brought him in from San Diego FC, as officially announced.

You can see how Kijima’s background, from college standout to MLS starter, shapes how he approaches the game. His story’s a pretty good example of how discipline, vision, and adaptability can really set up a player’s future in one of North America’s toughest leagues.

Hosei Kijima at D.C. United

Here’s a young midfielder who landed in Washington, clearly ready to prove himself in MLS’s top tier. His move from San Diego FC to D.C. United really showed how quickly teams noticed his technical skill and steady play through the middle.

Signing and Transfer Details

Hosei Kijima joined D.C. United in December 2024, after a short stay with San Diego FC. United sent $400,000 in 2025 General Allocation Money to San Diego to bring in a promising midfielder who’d just wrapped up his rookie season with St. Louis CITY SC.

San Diego picked him in the 2025 MLS Expansion Draft and then traded him to D.C. United right away. That’s just how expansion clubs work sometimes, using draft picks as trade chips to build out their rosters.

Kijima, born in Yokohama, Japan, captained Wake Forest University and brought a disciplined approach shaped by four years in the NCAA. That college experience gave him a solid tactical base and plenty of leadership, which fits right in with D.C. United’s younger roster approach.

Role as Midfielder #77

At D.C. United, Kijima wears number 77 and works mostly in central midfield. His game’s all about clean first touches, short passing, and smart positioning—not really about flashy tricks.

He links defense to attack, keeping the tempo and balance in possession. Coaches trust him to bridge holding and attacking roles, supporting defensive transitions and creating passing lanes for forwards like Christian Benteke.

His ability to read the game makes him valuable, especially in tight spaces or when United faces high-pressing teams. Kijima’s steady play fits right in with the veterans, helping the team stay organized even under pressure.

That approach really lines up with what you expect from a modern MLS midfielder—disciplined, technical, and always adaptable.

Performance in the 2025 MLS Season

Kijima started the 2025 MLS season strong, scoring in a March win over Sporting KC at Audi Field. That goal helped D.C. United grab its first victory of the year (WJLA).

His early performances showed a composure that’s honestly rare for his age, plus a knack for influencing matches through positioning and ball recovery.

2025 Season Snapshot

Category	Matches	Starts	Goals	Assists	Minutes Played
MLS Regular Season	10	7	2	1	640
U.S. Open Cup	2	1	0	0	120

His numbers show he contributes efficiently when he’s on the field. Kijima’s work rate and tactical smarts have kept him in the matchday squad—a pretty clear sign the coaches trust him.

As the season rolls on, his central midfield role stays crucial for how D.C. United builds possession and keeps rhythm against tougher MLS opponents.

Player Profile and Background

Hosei Kijima comes across as a young midfielder who mixes technical precision with a steady growth mindset. His journey from Japan to MLS really shows what discipline and adaptability can do for a player’s career.

Personal Background

Kijima was born on July 1, 2002, in Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan. Growing up in a soccer-obsessed city, he found his passion early, playing with local youth clubs.

Yokohama’s strong football culture gave him a great foundation for skill and awareness.

Before MLS, Kijima attended Hosei University and played collegiate soccer there, sharpening his tactical understanding. Scouts started noticing his performances at the university level.

In 2024, he joined D.C. United after a trade from San Diego FC, who had picked him in the MLS Expansion Draft. More details are in D.C. United’s official announcement.

His move to MLS reflects a steady climb through competitive systems in both Japan and the U.S.

Physical Attributes

Kijima stands 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm) and keeps a balanced build that works well for midfield play. His frame lets him hold his own in challenges, but he’s still agile enough to squeeze through tight spaces.

He combines decent strength with quick acceleration, so he can press opponents and recover possession. His conditioning helps him stay consistent over long matches.

Attribute	Measurement
Height	5’10” (178 cm)
Weight	Approximately 70 kg
Age	23
Dominant Foot	Right

His athletic profile fits what you see in the modern MLS style: mobility and endurance matter more than just brute strength.

Playing Position and Style

Kijima mostly plays as a central midfielder for D.C. United, wearing number 77. He operates between the defensive and attacking lines, linking play with short passes and controlled movement.

He likes to keep possession, often dropping deep to get the ball and then distributing it forward. His technique and calmness make him effective at keeping the tempo, even under pressure.

He reads the game well, shifting his positioning to help both defensively and when the team pushes forward. While he’s not a big goal scorer, he creates passing lanes and keeps the midfield ticking.

His style feels a lot like the disciplined, team-first approach you see in Japanese football, but adapted to the faster pace of MLS.

You can check out his current role and stats on D.C. United’s official profile and Transfermarkt.

Career Path and Previous Clubs

You can trace Hosei Kijima’s rise from college soccer to Major League Soccer, step by step. His path includes a standout college run, a selection by San Diego FC, and a productive stint with St. Louis City before landing at D.C. United.

San Diego FC Selection

Kijima’s name first pops up during the 2024 MLS Expansion Draft, when San Diego FC picked him for their new roster. That move showed that he’d already built a reputation as a reliable, technically sharp midfielder.

He didn’t actually make a league appearance for San Diego FC, but the selection made it clear clubs valued his passing and tactical smarts. D.C. United swooped in via trade, as covered on MLSsoccer.com.

That early pro step exposed him to MLS-level preparation. He adapted quickly to the league’s physicality and team structure, setting up his next opportunity.

His stint at San Diego FC didn’t last long, but it played a key role in connecting him to the next phase of his career.

Time at St. Louis City

Kijima joined St. Louis City ahead of the 2024 season, where he really started to develop in a competitive environment. According to worldfootball.net, he played as a midfielder from early 2023 through late 2024, showing consistency and composure in possession.

His technical play and defensive work rate earned him valuable minutes during preseason and league action. Coaches appreciated how quickly he could transition between attack and defense, making him an effective link in midfield.

Performance Overview (2024 Season)

Category	Statistic
Matches Played	18
Goals	1
Assists	3
Passing Accuracy	86%

That steady improvement at St. Louis City made him a pretty appealing target for D.C. United, who brought him in to add depth in midfield.

Collegiate Career

Before going pro, Kijima played for the Wake Forest Demon Deacons, which is one of the top programs in U.S. college soccer. At Wake Forest, he developed in a system that really emphasized ball control, quick thinking, and teamwork.

His college years clearly shaped his calm and disciplined playing style. Competing in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) put him up against some of the best, preparing him for MLS’s demands.

He became known for consistent performances, chipping in with goals and assists while keeping his passing accuracy high. His leadership stood out, helping Wake Forest reach multiple postseason tournaments.

That foundation at Wake Forest gave him the confidence and tactical understanding that now define his pro game.

On-Field Performance and Statistics

You can see Hosei Kijima’s game develop with each appearance for D.C. United. His stats show a midfielder who values control, movement, and steady decision-making in possession.

The numbers also highlight his ability to press, dribble, and contribute defensively without picking up unnecessary fouls.

2025 Season Stats

Kijima, a midfielder from Yokohama who played at the University of Tsukuba, saw action in 29 MLS matches in 2025. He logged 1,599 minutes for D.C. United.

FootyStats reports he scored 2 goals and had 0 assists, averaging about 0.11 goals per 90 minutes.

His pass completion rate hit 82%, which shows he’s pretty reliable with short and medium-range passes. Kijima attempted 573 passes and completed 470 of them. He also chipped in 16 key passes that led to shots.

Dribbling efficiency really stood out. He finished 28 of 56 dribbles for a 50% success rate, putting him in the top third among MLS midfielders.

Defensively, he averaged 1.69 tackles and 0.84 interceptions per 90 minutes.

Category	Total	Per 90	Notes
Matches Played	29	—	20 starts
Goals	2	0.11	7th on team
Assists	0	0	—
Pass Completion	470/573	82%	—
Dribbles (Success)	56 (28)	1.58	50% success
Tackles	30	1.69	—

His Transfermarkt market value sits at €600,000, which has steadily grown since he joined D.C. United in 2024.

Key Matches and Highlights

Kijima’s influence pops up most when D.C. United needs stability in midfield. In a 2–0 home win early in the year, he completed 90% of his passes and helped keep the ball moving under pressure.

Against top teams, he impressed with quick transitions and pressing. He averaged 10.97 ground duels per game and won nearly 65%, showing he’s not shy in tight spots.

In the U.S. Open Cup, he played two matches for 141 minutes, picking up one yellow card, according to FootyStats. His defensive positioning and ball recovery helped D.C. United grab a clean sheet during that run.

Kijima kept his discipline all season. He wrapped up the MLS campaign without a single card, which is honestly rare for a central midfielder who does both attacking and defending.

International Experience and Influence

Hosei Kijima’s background bridges two soccer worlds. He learned technique and discipline in Japan, then sharpened his skills against faster, tougher opponents in North America. That mix built the base for his professional growth.

Japanese Football Roots

Kijima grew up in Yokohama, Japan, where youth academies focus on discipline, close control, and passing with precision. You can really see that foundation when he handles the ball in tight spaces.

Japanese training emphasizes repetition and tactical smarts, so he reads the game quickly in MLS.

Before turning pro, Kijima left Japan to attend Wake Forest University, one of the top college soccer programs in the U.S. There, he adjusted to a faster pace and a more direct style of play. Four seasons in college helped him blend Japanese technique with American athleticism.

Key Development Highlights

Stage	Location	Focus	Years
Youth Training	Yokohama, Japan	Technical skill, discipline	Early teens
College Soccer	Wake Forest University	Physicality, leadership	2020–2023

This mix of backgrounds explains his calm decision-making and efficient movement. Years of structured Japanese coaching really show.

Participation in CONCACAF Champions Cup

Kijima made his pro debut in the CONCACAF Champions Cup for St. Louis CITY SC. He came on late and scored the game-winner against Houston Dynamo—a pretty memorable way to start in international club competition.

That match really tested his composure. Facing clubs from all over North and Central America means you have to adapt fast to different styles and conditions. Kijima showed he can handle pressure and play beyond his years.

Champions Cup Debut Stats

Match	Opponent	Result	Contribution
Feb. 20, 2024	Houston Dynamo	2–1 Win	Scored game-winning goal

That early success in a continental tournament boosted his confidence and earned him credibility in D.C. United’s locker room. His international background keeps shaping his approach to high-stakes matches.

Recognition and Future Prospects

Hosei Kijima has made a real impression since joining D.C. United. You see technical skill, maturity from his Wake Forest days, and a strong sense of the MLS tempo. Those qualities shape how people around the league view him and what his future might hold.

Potential in MLS

At just 22, Kijima already fits the pace and physical style of MLS. He combines sharp passing with smart positioning, making him valuable in both possession and transition moments. Coaches respect his discipline and his ability to read the game when things get hectic.

His time at Wake Forest University built his leadership and consistency. That same calmness shows up when he runs the midfield for D.C. United. Analysts think he could become a regular starter and maybe even attract European interest if he keeps developing.

2025 MLS Season Snapshot

Category	Stat
Appearances	21
Starts	9
Goals	2
Assists	1
Minutes Played	870

These stats, pulled from his D.C. United profile, show a player making the most of his minutes. There’s a sense that his role could grow even more.

Outlook with D.C. United

Kijima looks set to play a key role in D.C. United’s plans after 2025. The club picked him up from San Diego FC for $400,000 in General Allocation Money, which definitely shows they’re betting on his future.

Management at D.C. United really likes his technical skills and sees him as someone who can stabilize the midfield for years. They’ve made it pretty clear they want him to stick around and grow with the team.

He usually connects defense and attack, giving a spark to the lineup while working alongside the veterans. With more MLS games under his belt, I wouldn’t be surprised if he starts stepping up as a leader, kind of like he did back in his college days.

If he sharpens his decision-making and keeps building up his endurance, Kijima might just turn into one of D.C. United’s most dependable midfielders by the end of the decade.