Tokyo, 14 September 2010 – The Japan 2022 Bid Committee today named Patrick Mboma a Bid Ambassador.

Playing for the Cameroon National Team and a range of clubs including three J.League teams, Patrick has been a hugely positive force in global football. The Bid Committee is delighted to have secured backing for Japan’s bid from such a major international star.

Patrick came to Gamba Osaka in 1997 after seven years at French clubs like LB Châteauroux, FC Metz, and Paris Saint-Germain. He then moved on to play for Cagliari, Parma, and other teams in Europe and North Africa before returning to Japan to wear the colours of Tokyo Verdy in 2003 and Vissel Kobe in 2004.

Overall, Patrick appeared in 79 J.League matches and notched up an impressive tally of 48 goals. 1997 saw him honoured as J.League Top Scorer and nominated to the J.League Best Eleven. He represented his country in the 1998 World Cup, the 2000 Olympics, and the 2002 World Cup. He was named African Footballer of the Year in 2000.

The Bid Ambassadors explain the significance of Japan’s bid to the domestic and international audience. They play a crucial role, communicating Japan’s standpoint to FIFA, the football confederations, and the global media, while also winning the support of the Japanese public for the bid. The Bid Committee is currently approaching players, coaches, and other members of the football family to join its Bid Ambassador team.