Former Vancouver Whitecaps and Japan national team striker Masato Kudo has died at age 32.
Kudo’s team Tegevajaro Miyazaki confirmed the news in a statement, with the Whitecaps releasing a statement of their own later on Friday.
“Kudo was loved by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. He was kind, gracious, and his smile would light up the room,” the Whitecaps statement said.
“A Japanese international who represented his national team, Kudo joined Whitecaps FC for the 2016 MLS season.
“In-between his time in MLS, the striker played in his native Japan for Kashiwa Reysol, Sanfrecce Hiroshima, Renofa Yamaguchi FC, and most recently Tegevajaro Miyazaki, as well as in Australia with Brisbane Roar.
“Whitecaps FC offer our condolences to Kudo’s family and friends at this difficult time.”
According to Tegevajaro Miyazaki, Kudo had been in the ICU since Monday after complications from brain surgery on October 11.
Kudo earned four caps for Japan during his career and played one season in MLS with the Whitecaps before moving back to his home country with Sanfrecce Hiroshima.