Birthday:October 29th 1973
Birth Place:Kagoshima
Official website: http://zono.net/

After graduating from High School in 1992, Maezono joined J-League soccer team Yokohama Flügels. In 1994 he was selected for the under-21 national team to represent Japan at the Atlanta Olympics, and subsequent drafting by A-level national team Coach Falcão saw Maezono playing for two national teams at once. Maezono was leader and a main contributor in the first Japanese team to play in the Olympic Games in 28 years, and in 1996, was a key member of the team responsible for the “Miracle of Miami”, beating Brazil and becoming the focus of attention from all over the world.

Maezono later played for Verdy Kawasaki (Tokyo Verdy 1969 at the time), Santos F.C., Goiás EC (Brazil), Shonan Belmare, Tokyo Verdy, Anyang LG Cheeters and Incheon United.

Having announced his retirement on the 19th of May 2005, Maezono is now active in the promotion of youth soccer in Japan, as well as being in high demand as a television match commentator, taking on roles such as main soccer presenter and commentator for TV Tokyo throughout the 2006 FIFA Germany World Cup. Mezono keeps his work as a socder presenter and recently concentrates to spread soccer among children who is going to be representatives of Japan in future.