Naomichi Ueda

{{short description|Japanese footballer (born 1994)}} {{Use dmy dates|date=December 2023}} {{Infobox football biography | name = Naomichi Ueda {{nobold|植田直通}} | image = Naomichi Ueda Japan (2).jpg | caption = Ueda with Japan in 2018 | full_name = Naomichi Ueda<ref name="FCWC 2016">{{cite web |title=FIFA Club World Cup Japan 2016: List of Players: Kashima Antlers |url=http://www.fifadata.com/document/FCWC/2016/pdf/FCWC_2016_SquadLists.pdf |publisher=FIFA |page=5 |date=14 December 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201033347/http://www.fifadata.com/document/FCWC/2016/pdf/FCWC_2016_SquadLists.pdf |archive-date=1 December 2017 |url-status=dead}}</ref> | birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1994|10|24|df=y}} | birth_place = Uto, Kumamoto, Japan | height = 1.86 m<ref>{{cite web |url=https://tournament.fifadata.com/documents/FWC/2018/pdf/FWC_2018_SQUADLISTS.PDF |title=2018 FIFA World Cup Russia – List of Players |website=FIFA.com |publisher=Fédération Internationale de Football Association |date=4 June 2018 |access-date=19 June 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180619164139/https://tournament.fifadata.com/documents/FWC/2018/pdf/FWC_2018_SQUADLISTS.PDF |archive-date=19 June 2018 |url-status=dead }}</ref> | position = Centre-back | currentclub = Kashima Antlers | clubnumber = 55 | youthyears1 = {{0|0000}}–2006 | youthclubs1 = Midorikawa SSS | youthyears2 = 2007–2009 | youthclubs2 = Sumiyoshi Junior High School | youthyears3 = 2010–2012 | youthclubs3 = Ohzu High School | years1 = 2013–2018 | clubs1 = Kashima Antlers | caps1 = 96 | goals1 = 4 | years2 = 2014–2015 | clubs2 = → J. League U-22 (loan) | caps2 = 4 | goals2 = 0 | years3 = 2018–2021 | clubs3 = Cercle Brugge | caps3 = 48 | goals3 = 0 | years4 = 2021 | clubs4 = → Nîmes (loan) | caps4 = 9 | goals4 = 0 | years5 = 2021–2022 | clubs5 = Nîmes | caps5 = 29 | goals5 = 0 | years6 = 2023– | clubs6 = Kashima Antlers | caps6 = 122 | goals6 = 9 | nationalyears1 = 2011 | nationalteam1 = Japan U17 | nationalcaps1 = 5 | nationalgoals1 = 1 | nationalyears2 = 2016 | nationalteam2 = Japan U23 | nationalcaps2 = 9 | nationalgoals2 = 1 | nationalyears3 = 2017– | nationalteam3 = Japan | nationalcaps3 = 18 | nationalgoals3 = 1 | medaltemplates = {{Medal|Team|Kashima Antlers}} {{Medal|W|J.League Cup|2015}} {{Medal|W|J1 League|2016}} {{Medal|W|Emperor's Cup|2016}} {{Medal|W|Japanese Super Cup|2017}} {{Medal|RU|J1 League|2017}} {{Medal|W|AFC Champions League|2018}} {{Medal|Country|{{Fb|JPN}}}} {{Medal|Competition|AFC U-23 Championship}} {{Medal|G|2016 Qatar|}} | club-update = 27 April 2026 | nationalteam-update = 15 July 2025 }} {{nihongo|'''Naomichi Ueda'''|植田直通|''Ueda Naomichi''|born 24 October 1994}} is a Japanese professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for J1 League club Kashima Antlers<ref name="Ueda Cercle Brugge Transfer" /> and the Japan national team.

==Club career==

===Early career=== Born in Uto, Kumamoto, Japan, Ueda began playing football when he was at third grade elementary school.<ref name="Ueda Interview">{{cite news|title=植田直通（鹿島アントラーズ）「継続は力なり」|url=http://www.soccer-king.jp/sk_column/article/119198.html?pn=3|publisher=Soccer King|date=26 June 2013|access-date=13 April 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=鹿島、暑さ対策は万全？夏に弱いイメージ払拭へ|url=https://www.nikkansports.com/soccer/news/1877537.html|publisher=Nikkan Sports|language=ja|date=25 August 2017|access-date=13 April 2020}}</ref> Ueda then attended Uto City Sumiyoshi Junior High School and Kumamoto Prefectural Ohzu High School.<ref name="Ueda Interview"/><ref name="Ueda Interview 2">{{cite news|title=高く、強く、そして速い。鹿島の"モノノフ"『植田直通』の真価とは？|url=https://j-ron.jp/post/53|publisher=J-Ron|language=ja|date=1 August 2014|access-date=13 April 2020}} {{cite news|title=[U-17W杯]U-17日本代表特別名鑑:DF植田直通|url=https://web.gekisaka.jp/news/detail/?86099-80674-fl|publisher=Web Gekisaka|language=ja|date=17 June 2011|access-date=13 April 2020}}</ref> While at high school, he started in a forward but switched to a centre–back position.<ref name="Ueda Interview 4">{{cite news|title=超高校級ＤＦ・植田直通が持つ唯一無二の才能|url=https://sports.yahoo.co.jp/column/detail/201212290001-spnavi|publisher=Sports Yahoo|language=ja|date=29 December 2012|access-date=13 April 2020}}</ref> Ueda was impressed by Manager Kazunori Hiraoka, who described him as "a very rare material in Japan".<ref>{{cite news|title=エース封じ、任せろ…熊本・大津のＤＦ植田|url=https://www.yomiuri.co.jp/sports/hsfb/2013/feature/20121219-OYT8T00390.htm|publisher=Yomiuri Online|language=ja|date=19 December 2012|access-date=13 April 2020}}</ref> Ueda, himself, spoke out about his development and playing in the centre–back position.<ref name="Ueda Interview 2"/><ref name="Ueda Interview 3"/><ref>{{cite news|title=[Y☆voice145]大津DF植田直通「代表ではまだまだ全然下の方、いいCBを見習っていきたい」|url=https://web.gekisaka.jp/news/detail/?96699-96113-fl|publisher=Web Gekisaka|language=ja|date=15 March 2012|access-date=13 April 2020}} {{cite news|title=[マリノスカップU-17]新2年の山本が決勝ループ含む2発!大津が4-3で横浜FMユース撃破!|url=https://web.gekisaka.jp/news/detail/?97216-96852-fl|publisher=Web Gekisaka|language=ja|date=27 March 2012|access-date=13 April 2020}}</ref> He also became a captain for Kumamoto Prefectural Otsu High School.<ref>{{cite news|title=[総体]出場校紹介:大津(熊本)|url=https://web.gekisaka.jp/news/detail/?102657-104388-fl|publisher=Web Gekisaka|language=ja|date=29 July 2012|access-date=13 April 2020}} {{cite news|title=[総体]J争奪戦のU-19代表CB植田擁する大津、延長戦制し全国へ:熊本|url=https://web.gekisaka.jp/news/detail/?100406-101497-fl|publisher=Web Gekisaka|language=ja|date=6 June 2012|access-date=13 April 2020}} {{cite news|title=[マリノスカップU-17]新1年生10番背負うG大阪ユース、出岡ハットで大津に快勝|url=https://web.gekisaka.jp/news/detail/?97253-96921-fl|publisher=Web Gekisaka|language=ja|date=28 March 2012|access-date=13 April 2020}}</ref>

His performance at high school attracted clubs from J. League clubs, such as, Urawa Red Diamonds, Yokohama F. Marinos, Kawasaki Frontale, FC Tokyo, Nagoya Grampus and Kashima Antlers.<ref>{{cite news|title=プロ注目！Ｕ１９植田進路先を３クラブに絞り込む|url=https://www.sponichi.co.jp/soccer/news/2012/07/18/kiji/K20120718003700980.html|publisher=Sponichi Annex|language=ja|date=18 July 2012|access-date=13 April 2020}} {{cite web|url=https://www.sponichi.co.jp/soccer/news/2011/07/07/kiji/K20110707001161670.html|title=元テコンドー日本王者だった植田 "注目発言"で争奪戦さらに激化！？|publisher=Sponichi Annex|language=ja|date=7 July 2011|access-date=13 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110708200923/https://www.sponichi.co.jp/soccer/news/2011/07/07/kiji/K20110707001161670.html|archive-date=8 July 2011|url-status=dead}} {{cite news|title=J10クラブがU-17代表DF植田の獲得に乗り出す|url=https://web.gekisaka.jp/news/detail/?87063-81873-fl|publisher=Web Gekisaka|language=ja|date=7 July 2011|access-date=13 April 2020}}</ref> It was announced on 4 September 2012 that Shoji would be joining Kashima Antlers from 1 January 2013.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.antlers.co.jp/news/release/32683|title=植田直通選手の2013年加入内定について|publisher=Kashima Antlers|language=ja|date=4 September 2012|access-date=13 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200412081120/https://www.antlers.co.jp/news/release/32683|archive-date=12 April 2020|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Kashima Antlers=== Ueda made his first-team debut for Kashima Antlers in the J. League Cup on 23 March 2013 against F.C. Tokyo in which he started and played the whole 90 minutes as Kashima lost the match 4–2.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.antlers.co.jp/games/50487|title=Ｊリーグヤマザキナビスコカップ予選リーグ第2節|publisher=Kashima Antlers|language=ja|date=22 March 2013|access-date=13 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200412081327/https://www.antlers.co.jp/games/50487|archive-date=12 April 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> Two months later on 22 May 2013, Ueda made another appearance for the side, starting the whole game, in a 2–1 loss against Cerezo Osaka.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.antlers.co.jp/games/50517|title=Ｊリーグヤマザキナビスコカップ予選リーグ第7節|publisher=Kashima Antlers|language=ja|date=22 May 2013|access-date=13 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200412084819/https://www.antlers.co.jp/games/50517|archive-date=12 April 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> He later played a role against Sony Sendai in the second round of the Emperor's Cup on 7 September 2013, setting up the club's first goal of the game, in a 3–0 win.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.antlers.co.jp/games/50612|title=第93回天皇杯全日本サッカー選手権大会 2回戦|publisher=Kashima Antlers|language=ja|date=7 September 2013|access-date=13 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200412084815/https://www.antlers.co.jp/games/50612|archive-date=12 April 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> However, Ueda found his first team opportunities limited in his first season at Kashima Antlers and appeared as an unused substitute for most of the season.<ref>{{cite news|title=昌子を高さで圧倒し、そのポテンシャルを早くも披露した植田直通|url=https://news.livedoor.com/article/detail/7390089/|publisher=News Livedoor|language=ja|date=7 February 2013|access-date=13 April 2020}} {{cite web|url=https://www.antlers.co.jp/games/50256|title=2013Ｊリーグディビジョン１第10節|publisher=Kashima Antlers|language=ja|date=6 May 2013|access-date=13 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200412110146/https://www.antlers.co.jp/games/50256|archive-date=12 April 2020|url-status=live}} {{cite web|url=https://www.antlers.co.jp/games/50270|title=2013Ｊリーグディビジョン１第12節|publisher=Kashima Antlers|language=ja|date=18 May 2013|access-date=13 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200412110143/https://www.antlers.co.jp/games/50270|archive-date=12 April 2020|url-status=live}} {{cite web|url=https://www.antlers.co.jp/games/50445|title=2013Ｊリーグディビジョン１第31|publisher=Kashima Antlers|language=ja|date=10 November 2013|access-date=13 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200412110141/https://www.antlers.co.jp/games/50445|archive-date=12 April 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> At the end of the 2013 season, he went on to make three appearances for the side in all competitions.

At the start of the 2014 season, Ueda made his league debut for the club, coming on as a 78th-minute substitute, in a 4–0 win against Ventforet Kofu in the opening game of the season.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.antlers.co.jp/games/51436|title=2014Ｊリーグディビジョン１第1節|publisher=Kashima Antlers|language=ja|date=1 March 2014|access-date=13 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200412085927/https://www.antlers.co.jp/games/51436|archive-date=12 April 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> A month later on 16 April 2014, he set up the winning goal for Shuhei Akasaki, in a 2–1 win against Vegalta Sendai in the J.League Cup.<ref>{{cite news|title=鹿島Ｕ21代表植田が決勝点アシスト|url=https://www.nikkansports.com/soccer/news/f-sc-tp1-20140417-1286373.html|publisher=Nikkan Sports|language=ja|date=17 April 2014|access-date=13 April 2020}}</ref> Nine days later on 25 April 2014, Ueda made his first league starts for the side, keeping a clean sheet, in a 3–0 win against Sanfrecce Hiroshima.<ref>{{cite news|title=鹿島19歳ＣＢ植田、広島戦でＪ初先発濃厚|url=https://www.nikkansports.com/soccer/news/p-sc-tp1-20140425-1290348.html|publisher=Nikkan Sports|language=ja|date=25 April 2014|access-date=13 April 2020}} {{cite news|title=鹿島３発快勝で首位、昌子「勝ち続ける」|url=https://www.nikkansports.com/soccer/news/f-sc-tp1-20140426-1291596.html|publisher=Nikkan Sports|language=ja|date=26 April 2014|access-date=13 April 2020}}</ref> Having started the season on the substitute bench, he began to establish himself in the starting eleven, playing in the centre–back position, under the management of Toninho Cerezo.<ref>{{cite news|title=鹿島リオ世代豊川＆植田が合宿前アピール|url=https://www.nikkansports.com/soccer/news/f-sc-tp1-20140322-1273991.html|publisher=Nikkan Sports|language=ja|date=22 March 2014|access-date=13 April 2020}} {{cite web|url=https://www.antlers.co.jp/games/51161|title=2014Ｊリーグディビジョン１第14節|publisher=Kashima Antlers|language=ja|date=17 May 2014|access-date=13 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200412130640/https://www.antlers.co.jp/games/51161|archive-date=12 April 2020|url-status=live}} {{cite web|url=https://www.antlers.co.jp/games/51129|title=2014Ｊリーグディビジョン１第10節|publisher=Kashima Antlers|language=ja|date=29 April 2014|access-date=13 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200412130633/https://www.antlers.co.jp/games/51129|archive-date=12 April 2020|url-status=live}} {{cite news|title=1点に泣き敗戦…鹿島DF昌子「単純なミスからやられた」|url=https://web.gekisaka.jp/news/detail/?138029-138029-fl|publisher=Web Gekisaka|language=ja|date=3 May 2014|access-date=13 April 2020}}</ref> This lasted until Ueda missed one match due to fatigue on 16 August 2014.<ref>{{cite news|title=鹿島植田が先発復帰「落とせない試合」|url=https://www.nikkansports.com/soccer/news/p-sc-tp1-20140823-1355138.html|publisher=Nikkan Sports|language=ja|date=23 August 2014|access-date=13 April 2020}}</ref> He made his return to the first team on 23 August 2014 against Shimizu S-Pulse and started the match before being sent–off in the 63rd minute for a second bookable offence, in a 3–1 win.<ref>{{cite news|title=小笠原がPK&FK;弾!!鹿島が清水に3発逆転で3年ぶり4連勝|url=https://web.gekisaka.jp/news/detail/?145700-145700-fl|publisher=Web Gekisaka|language=ja|date=23 August 2014|access-date=13 April 2020}}</ref> After spending two months away from the club, due to international commitment, Ueda made his return to the starting line-up on 18 October 2014, starting the whole game, in a 3–2 loss against Kashiwa Reysol.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.antlers.co.jp/games/50922|title= 2014Ｊリーグディビジョン１第28節|publisher=Kashima Antlers|language=ja|date=17 October 2014|access-date=13 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200412135918/https://www.antlers.co.jp/games/50922|archive-date=12 April 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> He later regained his first team for the rest of the 2014 season and went on to make twenty–six appearances in all competitions.<ref>{{cite news|title=鹿島ＤＦ植田20歳の誓い首位浦和止める|url=https://www.nikkansports.com/soccer/news/p-sc-tp1-20141025-1386883.html|publisher=Nikkan Sports|language=ja|date=25 October 2014|access-date=13 April 2020}} {{cite news|title=鹿島植田先発復帰Ｃ大阪容赦なくつぶす|url=https://www.nikkansports.com/soccer/news/p-sc-tp1-20141128-1401793.html|publisher=Nikkan Sports|language=ja|date=28 November 2014|access-date=13 April 2020}} {{cite news|title=[アジア大会]燃える男、U-21代表DF植田「1点もやらない自信がある」|url=https://web.gekisaka.jp/news/detail/?147320-147320-fl|publisher=Web Gekisaka|language=ja|date=16 September 2014|access-date=13 April 2020}}</ref>

At the start of the 2015 season, Ueda made his AFC Champions League debut, starting the whole game, in a 3–1 loss against Western Sydney Wanderers on 25 February 2015.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.antlers.co.jp/games/51523|title= AFCチャンピオンズリーグ2015 グループステージ第1節|publisher=Kashima Antlers|language=ja|date=25 February 2015|access-date=13 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200412142625/https://www.antlers.co.jp/games/51523|archive-date=12 April 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> It wasn't until on 16 April 2015 when he scored his first goal for the club, in a 3–1 win against Kashiwa Reysol.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.antlers.co.jp/games/51553|title=２０１５明治安田生命Ｊ１リーグ１ｓｔステージ第6節|publisher=Kashima Antlers|language=ja|date=16 April 2015|access-date=13 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200412142933/https://www.antlers.co.jp/games/51553|archive-date=12 April 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> Ueda continued to receive a handful of first team football throughout the league's first stage.<ref>{{cite news|title=浦和、鮮やか逆転勝利で無敗継続…武藤&関根弾で鹿島撃破|url=http://web.gekisaka.jp/news/detail/?163625-163625-fl|publisher=Web Gekisaka|language=ja|date=23 May 2015|access-date=13 April 2020}} {{cite web|url=https://www.antlers.co.jp/games/51581|title=２０１５明治安田生命Ｊ１リーグ１ｓｔステージ第16節|publisher=Kashima Antlers|language=ja|date=20 June 2015|access-date=13 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200412150002/https://www.antlers.co.jp/games/51581|archive-date=12 April 2020|url-status=live}} {{cite news|title=鹿島vs松本試合記録|url=https://web.gekisaka.jp/news/detail/?164080-164080-fl|publisher=Web Gekisaka|language=ja|date=30 May 2015|access-date=13 April 2020}} {{cite news|title=鹿島のＵ22代表植田が御前１号ハリル好み肉体派|url=https://www.nikkansports.com/soccer/news/1462584.html|publisher=Nikkan Sports|language=ja|date=17 April 2015|access-date=13 April 2020}}</ref> However, his first team opportunities at the club became limited, due to the arrival of new signing, Hwang Seok-ho and spent time on the substitute bench as a result.<ref>{{cite news|title=松本vs鹿島試合記録|url=https://web.gekisaka.jp/news/detail/?167566-167566-fl|publisher=Web Gekisaka|language=ja|date=19 July 2015|access-date=13 April 2020}} {{cite news|title=甲府vs鹿島試合記録|url=http://web.gekisaka.jp/news/detail/?172206-172206-fl|publisher=Web Gekisaka|language=ja|date=19 September 2015|access-date=13 April 2020}} {{cite news|title=広島vs鹿島試合記録|url=https://web.gekisaka.jp/news/detail/?169546-169546-fl|publisher=Web Gekisaka|language=ja|date=12 August 2015|access-date=13 April 2020}} {{cite news|title=鹿島vs名古屋試合記録|url=https://web.gekisaka.jp/news/detail/?176961-176961-fl|publisher=Web Gekisaka|language=ja|date=22 November 2015|access-date=13 April 2020}}</ref> At the end of the 2015 season, he went on to make sixteen appearances and scoring once in all competitions. Following this, Ueda was linked a move away from Kashima Antlers, with Sagan Tosu and Vissel Kobe interested in signing him.<ref>{{cite news|title=Ｕ23日本１勝信頼される男、ＤＦ植田直通Ｖ弾|url=https://www.nikkansports.com/soccer/japan/u23/news/1591874.html|publisher=Nikkan Sports|language=ja|date=14 January 2016|access-date=13 April 2020}} {{cite web|url=http://www.hochi.co.jp/soccer/national/20151230-OHT1T50017.html|title=【鹿島】Ｕ２３代表・植田が残留決断「鹿島で勝負したい」|publisher=Hochi|language=ja|date=30 December 2015|access-date=13 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303200457/http://www.hochi.co.jp/soccer/national/20151230-OHT1T50017.html|archive-date=3 March 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref>

At the start of the 2016 season, Ueda started the season well when he helped Kashima Antlers keep two clean sheets in the first two league matches of the season.<ref>{{cite news|title=G大阪、新スタ公式戦初戦は黒星…交代策的中の鹿島が白星スタート|url=https://www.soccer-king.jp/news/japan/jl/20160228/405992.html|publisher=Soccer King|language=ja|date=28 February 2016|access-date=13 April 2020}} {{cite news|url=https://www.so-net.ne.jp/antlers/sp/games/51727/match_review|title=２０１６明治安田生命Ｊ１リーグ１ｓｔステージ第2節サガン鳥栖戦|publisher=Kashima Antlers|language=ja|date=5 March 2016|access-date=28 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200325190429/https://www.so-net.ne.jp/antlers/sp/games/51727/match_review|archive-date=25 March 2020|url-status=dead}}</ref> Ueda also managed to regain his first team place, playing in the centre–back position.<ref>{{cite news|title=鹿島vsFC東京試合記録|url=https://web.gekisaka.jp/news/detail/?185408-185408-fl|publisher=Web Gekisaka|language=ja|date=19 March 2016|access-date=13 April 2020}} {{cite news|title=被災地で「逆に元気もらった」鹿島DF植田、完璧な守備に幻のゴールも|url=https://web.gekisaka.jp/news/detail/?188469-188469-fl|publisher=Web Gekisaka|language=ja|date=30 April 2016|access-date=13 April 2020}} {{cite news|title=鹿島がJ1ホーム通算250勝目! 横浜FMの猛攻も金崎の先制点を守り抜く|url=https://web.gekisaka.jp/news/detail/?189448-189448-fl|publisher=Web Gekisaka|language=ja|date=14 May 2016|access-date=13 April 2020}}</ref> After the match in a 3–0 win against Shonan Bellmare on 16 April 2016, he was in tears in a post-match interview and dedicate the win to his family and people who were in situation at Kumamoto earthquakes.<ref>{{cite news|title=熊本出身の鹿島ＤＦ植田が完封演出！故郷思い涙|url=https://www.nikkansports.com/soccer/news/1632893.html|publisher=Nikkan Sports|language=ja|date=16 April 2016|access-date=13 April 2020}} {{cite news|title=Ｕ23植田、故郷熊本へ恩返し「戦う姿見せたい」|url=https://www.nikkansports.com/soccer/japan/news/1645204.html|publisher=Nikkan Sports|language=ja|date=30 April 2016|access-date=13 April 2020}} {{cite news|title=熊本入りした植田直通の涙と行動力。小笠原「何でもする」に背中を押され。|url=https://number.bunshun.jp/articles/-/825570|publisher=Number Bunshun|language=ja|date=26 April 2016|access-date=13 April 2020}}</ref> Ueda later helped the side finish first place in the first stage of the league.<ref>{{cite news|title=鹿島勝って第１ステージ制覇／Ｊ１優勝争い詳細|url=https://www.nikkansports.com/soccer/news/1668218.html|publisher=Nikkan Sports|language=ja|date=25 June 2016|access-date=13 April 2020}} {{cite news|title=キャプテンが見せた心遣い…トロフィーを高々と掲げた鹿島DF植田「本当に感謝」|url=https://web.gekisaka.jp/news/detail/?192591-192591-fl|publisher=Web Gekisaka|language=ja|date=26 June 2016|access-date=13 April 2020}}</ref> However, he soon found himself placed on the substitute bench for the rest of the 2016 season.<ref>{{cite news|title=鹿島植田、屈辱の途中交代ドゥドゥに対応できず|url=https://www.nikkansports.com/soccer/news/1680146.html|publisher=Nikkan Sports|language=ja|date=17 July 2016|access-date=13 April 2020}} {{cite news|title=「ファウルだと思ったけど…」笛鳴らず立ち上がって即シュート、鈴木優磨の決勝点で鹿島連勝!湘南は崖っ縁7連敗|url=https://web.gekisaka.jp/news/detail/?196808-196808-fl|publisher=Web Gekisaka|language=ja|date=20 August 2016|access-date=13 April 2020}} {{cite news|title=D・オリヴェイラ、3戦5発の大暴れ!!柏が1st王者・鹿島に"ダブル"達成|url=https://web.gekisaka.jp/news/detail/?198351-198351-fl|publisher=Web Gekisaka|language=ja|date=10 September 2016|access-date=13 April 2020}}</ref> Despite this, Ueda continued to be involved in the Kashima Antlers’ first team and helped the side finish at the top of the table.<ref>{{cite news|title=新潟vs鹿島試合記録|url=https://web.gekisaka.jp/news/detail/?199456-199456-fl|publisher=Web Gekisaka|language=ja|date=25 September 2016|access-date=13 April 2020}} {{cite news|title=CSでの下剋上を狙う鹿島DF植田「ここからは年間3位も関係ない」|url=https://web.gekisaka.jp/news/detail/?203473-203473-fl|publisher=Web Gekisaka|language=ja|date=17 November 2016|access-date=13 April 2020}}</ref> Although he made one appearance in the Championship stage, the club win the league after playing both legs to beat Urawa Red Diamonds 2–2 on aggregate through away goal.<ref>{{cite news|title=鹿島３連敗も収穫昌子「手応えかなり感じている」|url=https://www.nikkansports.com/soccer/news/1731041.html|publisher=Nikkan Sports|language=ja|date=29 October 2016|access-date=13 April 2020}} {{cite news|title= Jチャンピオンシップ決勝は浦和が鹿島に先勝|url=https://news.livedoor.com/article/detail/12349446/|publisher=Livedoor News|language=ja|date=29 November 2016|access-date=13 April 2020}} {{cite news|title=鹿島が逆転で浦和下し"下克上V"！ 7年ぶり8度目のJ1制覇達成|url=https://www.soccer-king.jp/news/japan/jl/20161203/523060.html|publisher=Soccer King|language=ja|date=3 December 2016|access-date=13 April 2020}}</ref> Ueda appeared three out of the four matches in the FIFA Club World Cup, as he helped Kashima Antlers reach the final, only to lose 4–2 against Real Madrid.<ref>{{cite news|title=前半シュートゼロからの逆襲…後半猛攻の鹿島、アフリカ王者撃破で準決勝進出!!|url=https://web.gekisaka.jp/news/detail/?205184-205184-fl|publisher=Web Gekisaka|language=ja|date=11 December 2016|access-date=28 March 2020}} {{cite news|title=鹿島がアジア勢初の決勝進出／クラブＷ杯準決勝詳細|url=https://www.nikkansports.com/soccer/news/1751523.html|publisher=Nikkan Sports|language=ja|date=14 December 2016|access-date=28 March 2020}} {{cite news|title=Ｃロナ３発でレアルが世界一／クラブＷ杯決勝詳細|url=https://www.nikkansports.com/soccer/news/1753272.html|publisher=Nikkan Sports|language=ja|date=18 December 2016|access-date=28 March 2020}}</ref> Despite losing in the final, both Ueda and Gen Shoji's centre-back partnership were praised by the media, both in and outside of Japan.<ref>{{cite news|title=Kashima Antlers come close to achieving 'Midwinter Night's Dream'|url=https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20161219/p2a/00m/0na/006000c|publisher=Mainichi|date=19 December 2016|access-date=13 April 2020}} {{cite news|title=「鹿島から多くの才能が現れた」伊紙が"目を奪われた"選手として柴崎などを紹介|url=https://www.footballchannel.jp/2016/12/20/post190816/|publisher=Goal.com|language=ja|date=20 December 2016|access-date=13 April 2020}} {{cite news|title=レアルを焦らせた鹿島守備陣にスペイン紙が高評価…一方で昌子にはやや厳しめ|url=https://www.goal.com/jp/news/3850/%E3%82%AF%E3%83%A9%E3%83%96%E3%83%AF%E3%83%BC%E3%83%AB%E3%83%89%E3%82%AB%E3%83%83%E3%83%97/2016/12/19/30646172/%E3%83%AC%E3%82%A2%E3%83%AB%E3%82%92%E7%84%A6%E3%82%89%E3%81%9B%E3%81%9F%E9%B9%BF%E5%B3%B6%E5%AE%88%E5%82%99%E9%99%A3%E3%81%AB%E3%82%B9%E3%83%9A%E3%82%A4%E3%83%B3%E7%B4%99%E3%81%8C%E9%AB%98%E8%A9%95%E4%BE%A1%E4%B8%80%E6%96%B9%E3%81%A7%E6%98%8C%E5%AD%90%E3%81%AB%E3%81%AF%E3%82%84%E3%82%84%E5%8E%B3%E3%81%97%E3%82%81|publisher=Goal.com|language=ja|date=19 December 2016|access-date=13 April 2020}}</ref> Ueda then featured for the next two matches by beating Sanfrecce Hiroshima and Yokohama F. Marinos to reach the Emperor's Cup Final.<ref>{{cite news|title="プロ1年目"を終えたFC東京DF室屋「来年は自分にとって勝負の年」|url=https://web.gekisaka.jp/news/detail/?206159-206159-fl|publisher=Web Gekisaka|language=ja|date=24 December 2016|access-date=13 April 2020}} {{cite news|title=横浜FMvs鹿島試合記録|url=https://web.gekisaka.jp/news/detail/?206557-206557-fl|publisher=Web Gekisaka|language=ja|date=29 December 2016|access-date=13 April 2020}}</ref> He then started in the final, starting the whole game, in a 2–1 win against Kawasaki Frontale.<ref>{{cite news|title=鹿島Ｖベテラン若手が融合…黄金時代再来の予感|url=https://www.nikkansports.com/soccer/news/1759867.html|publisher=Nikkan Sports|language=ja|date=1 January 2017|access-date=13 April 2020}}</ref> At the end of the 2016 season, Ueda went on to make thirty–one appearances in all competitions.

At the start of the 2017 season, Ueda started the whole match against Urawa Red Diamonds in the Japanese Super Cup, as he helped Kashima Antlers win 3–2 to win the trophy.<ref>{{cite news|title=相手のミスがなければ…勝って兜の緒を締める鹿島DF昌子「逆転されるムードだった」|url=https://web.gekisaka.jp/news/detail/?209787-209787-fl|publisher=Web Gekisaka|language=ja|date=18 February 2017|access-date=13 April 2020}}</ref> Ueda then helped the side keep three clean sheets in three matches between 4 March 2017 and 14 March 2017.<ref>{{cite news|title=決勝ゴールで勝利に貢献した鹿島MFレオ・シルバ「イメージどおり」|url=https://www.soccer-king.jp/news/japan/jl/20170304/558729.html|publisher=Soccer King|language=ja|date=4 March 2017|access-date=13 April 2020}} {{cite news|title=鹿島、鈴木のヘディング弾で今季ホーム初白星！齋藤不在の横浜FMは3連勝ならず|url=https://www.soccer-king.jp/news/japan/jl/20170310/561323.html|publisher=Soccer King|language=ja|date=10 March 2017|access-date=13 April 2020}} {{cite news|title=鹿島が３発快勝、鈴木は対外試合12戦９得点|url=https://www.nikkansports.com/soccer/news/1792244.html|publisher=Nikkan Sports|language=ja|date=14 March 2017|access-date=13 April 2020}}</ref> During which, he scored two goals, scoring against Shimizu S-Pulse and Brisbane Roar on 14 March 2017 and 18 March 2017.<ref>{{cite news|title=「もうちょいちゃんと決めたかった」鹿島DF植田が泥臭く2年ぶりゴール|url=https://web.gekisaka.jp/news/detail/?211430-211430-fl|publisher=Web Gekisaka|language=ja|date=14 March 2017|access-date=13 April 2020}} {{cite news|title=勝者のメンタリティ、ここにあり! 鹿島が2点ビハインドを跳ね返し清水に逆転勝利|url=https://web.gekisaka.jp/news/detail/?211674-211674-fl|publisher=Web Gekisaka|language=ja|date=18 March 2017|access-date=13 April 2020}}</ref> For his performance in the AFC Champions League, Ueda was named March's Young Player of the Month.<ref>{{cite news|title=AFC Champions League 2017: Young player of the month - Kashima Antlers' Naomichi Ueda|url=https://www.goal.com/en-ae/news/afc-champions-league-2017-young-player-of-the-month-kashima/lpdtamsvxn1l1d17mwa20iemb|publisher=Goal.com|date=2 April 2017|access-date=13 April 2020}}</ref> Ueda started in every match since the start of the season until he suffered a thigh injury in mid–May.<ref>{{cite news|title=土居聖真の決勝点で鹿島が4連勝!最下位大宮は泥沼開幕5連敗|url=https://web.gekisaka.jp/news/detail/?212697-212697-fl|publisher=Web Gekisaka|language=ja|date=1 April 2017|access-date=13 April 2020}} {{cite news|title=浦和vs鹿島試合記録|url=https://web.gekisaka.jp/news/detail/?215367-215367-fl|publisher=Web Gekisaka|language=ja|date=4 May 2017|access-date=13 April 2020}} {{cite news|title=鹿島首位陥落…レオ・シルバ左膝負傷で松葉づえ姿に|url=https://www.nikkansports.com/soccer/news/1823521.html|publisher=Nikkan Sports|language=ja|date=14 May 2017|access-date=13 April 2020}}</ref> It wasn't until on 4 June 2017 when Ueda returned to the starting line-up, in a 3–1 win against Sanfrecce Hiroshima.<ref>{{cite news|title=2連敗中の鹿島、大岩監督の初陣を勝利で飾る！レアンドロが2得点をマーク|url=https://www.soccer-king.jp/news/japan/jl/20170604/596366.html|publisher=Soccer King|language=ja|date=4 June 2017|access-date=13 April 2020}}</ref> He appeared in the next two matches, keeping a clean sheet against Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo and Albirex Niigata before suffering another thigh injury.<ref>{{cite news|title=鹿島vs札幌試合記録|url=https://web.gekisaka.jp/news/detail/?219039-219039-fl|publisher=Web Gekisaka|language=ja|date=17 June 2017|access-date=13 April 2020}} {{cite news|title=鹿島vs新潟試合記録|url=https://web.gekisaka.jp/news/detail/?219687-219687-fl|publisher=Web Gekisaka|language=ja|date=25 June 2017|access-date=13 April 2020}} {{cite news|title=鹿島昌子が柏戦完封宣言「０で抑えられるように」|url=https://www.nikkansports.com/soccer/news/1847632.html|publisher=Nikkan Sports|language=ja|date=29 June 2017|access-date=13 April 2020}}</ref> After missing two matches, Ueda returned to the starting line-up, keeping a clean sheet, in a 3–0 win against Ventforet Kofu on 29 July 2017.<ref>{{cite news|title=鹿島vs甲府試合記録|url=https://web.gekisaka.jp/news/detail/?222157-222157-fl|publisher=Web Gekisaka|language=ja|date=29 July 2017|access-date=13 April 2020}}</ref> He helped Kashima Antlers keep three clean sheets between 19 August 2017 and 9 September 2017.<ref>{{cite news|title=鹿島が清水に快勝で首位キープ…レアンドロ弾で先制、終盤には金崎が追加点|url=https://www.soccer-king.jp/news/japan/jl/20170819/629785.html|publisher=Soccer King|language=ja|date=19 August 2017|access-date=13 April 2020}} {{cite news|title=C大阪との首位対決を鹿島が制す！横浜FMが2位浮上／J1第24節|url=https://www.soccer-king.jp/news/japan/jl/20170827/634412.html|publisher=Soccer King|language=ja|date=27 August 2017|access-date=13 April 2020}} {{cite news|title=金崎が"鬱憤"晴らす今季10点目!!首位鹿島が大宮に貫禄勝ちで3連勝|url=https://web.gekisaka.jp/news/detail/?225595-225595-fl|publisher=Web Gekisaka|language=ja|date=9 September 2017|access-date=13 April 2020}}</ref> Ueda then scored his third goal of the season, in a 2–1 win against Gamba Osaka on 23 September 2017.<ref>{{cite news|title=鹿島連覇へ前進植田気迫のＶ弾に大岩監督目頭熱く|url=https://www.nikkansports.com/soccer/news/201709240000053.html|publisher=Nikkan Sports|language=ja|date=24 September 2017|access-date=13 April 2020}}</ref> His fourth goal of the season came on 21 October 2017, in a 3–2 loss against Yokohama F. Marinos.<ref>{{cite news|title=首位鹿島、横浜に敗れ尻に火…昌子「自滅やった」|url=https://www.nikkansports.com/soccer/news/201710210000780.html|publisher=Nikkan Sports|language=ja|date=21 October 2017|access-date=13 April 2020}}</ref> He later helped Kashima Antlers keep three clean sheets in the last three remaining matches but the club finished second place behind Kawasaki Frontale.<ref>{{cite news|title=鹿島DF昌子、2連覇王手も「まだ何も成し遂げていない」|url=https://web.gekisaka.jp/news/detail/?230099-230099-fl|publisher=Web Gekisaka|language=ja|date=5 November 2017|access-date=13 April 2020}} {{cite news|title=鹿島の連覇決定はお預け…柏とドローで最速Vは29日に|url=https://web.gekisaka.jp/news/detail/?231829-231829-fl|publisher=Web Gekisaka|language=ja|date=26 November 2017|access-date=13 April 2020}} {{cite news|title=昌子が、三竿が、号泣立ち上がれず…20冠目前でV逸、常勝鹿島にプレッシャー|url=https://web.gekisaka.jp/news/detail/?232287-232287-fl|publisher=Web Gekisaka|language=ja|date=2 December 2017|access-date=13 April 2020}}</ref> At the end of the 2017 season, Ueda went on to make thirty–nine appearances and scoring four times in all competitions.

Ahead of the 2018 season, 2. Bundesliga side Union Berlin was interested in signing Ueda.<ref>{{cite news|title=1. FC Union Berlin: Japaner Naomichi Ueda im Visier? |url=https://www.liga-zwei.de/1-fc-union-berlin-japaner-naomichi-ueda-im-visier/|publisher=Liga Zwei|language=de|date=5 December 2017|access-date=13 April 2020}}</ref> Although the move never took place, he continued to reaffirm his commitment at Kashima Antlers and helped the club keep two clean sheets in the first two league matches of the season.<ref>{{cite news|title=鹿島ＧＫスンテ好守でドロー、内田「首の皮一枚」|url=https://www.nikkansports.com/soccer/news/201802250000665.html|publisher=Nikkan Sports|language=ja|date=25 February 2018|access-date=13 April 2020}} {{cite news|title=鹿島金崎Ｖ弾、攻守に存在感の小笠原に「全然違う」|url=https://www.nikkansports.com/soccer/news/201803030000783.html|publisher=Nikkan Sports|language=ja|date=3 March 2018|access-date=13 April 2020}}</ref> Ueda scored his first goal of the season, in a 2–0 win against Sydney in the AFC Champions League on 7 March 2018.<ref>{{cite news|title=首位鹿島２発でシドニーＦＣを撃破／ＡＣＬ詳細|url=https://www.nikkansports.com/soccer/news/201803060000688.html|publisher=Nikkan Sports|language=ja|date=7 March 2018|access-date=13 April 2020}}</ref> Since the start of the 2018 season, he continued to be a first team regular for the side, playing in the centre–back position until his departure.<ref>{{cite news|title=鹿島植田が闘志、因縁川崎Ｆ戦で悔しさ「ぶつける」|url=https://www.nikkansports.com/soccer/news/201804210000112.html|publisher=Nikkan Sports|language=ja|date=21 April 2012|access-date=13 April 2020}} {{cite news|title=内田復帰の鹿島が金崎2発で連敗止める、名古屋は失速5連敗|url=https://web.gekisaka.jp/news/detail/?242205-242205-fl|publisher=Web Gekisaka|language=ja|date=14 April 2012|access-date=13 April 2020}} {{cite news|title=鹿島は今季初の連勝、浦和守備崩せず／鹿－浦13節|url=https://www.nikkansports.com/soccer/news/201805050000854.html|publisher=Nikkan Sports|language=ja|date=5 May 2018|access-date=13 April 2020}}</ref> By the time Ueda departed Kashima Antlers, he went on to make twenty appearances and scoring once in all competitions.

During his time at Kashima Antlers, Ueda was called up by J.League U-22 on two occasions between 2014 and 2015.<ref>{{cite news|title=JリーグU-22選抜の登録選手が発表!! J1から53選手、J2から36選手|url=https://web.gekisaka.jp/news/detail/?133565-133565-fl|publisher=Web Gekisaka|language=ja|date=24 February 2014|access-date=13 April 2020}} {{cite news|title=J3第15節U-22選抜メンバー発表…過去最強?J1主力が複数初参戦|url=https://web.gekisaka.jp/news/detail/?140392-140392-fl|publisher=Web Gekisaka|language=ja|date=6 June 2014|access-date=13 April 2020}} {{cite news|title= J3第24節J-22選抜メンバー発表…野津田ら"今季最強メンバー"招集|url=http://web.gekisaka.jp/news/detail/?168428-168428-fl|publisher=Web Gekisaka|language=ja|date=31 July 2015|access-date=13 April 2020}}</ref> He played four times for the U-22 side between 2014 and 2015.<ref>{{cite news|title=琉球vsJ-22 試合記録|url=https://web.gekisaka.jp/news/detail/?140545-140545-fl|publisher=Web Gekisaka|language=ja|date=8 June 2014|access-date=13 April 2020}} {{cite news|title=金沢vsJ-22 試合記録|url=https://web.gekisaka.jp/news/detail/?140946-140946-fl|publisher=Web Gekisaka|language=ja|date=14 June 2014|access-date=13 April 2020}} {{cite news|title=豪華メンバーで注目されたJ-22選抜は秋田とスコアレス|url=https://web.gekisaka.jp/news/detail/?168634-168634-fl|publisher=Web Gekisaka|language=ja|date=2 August 2015|access-date=13 April 2020}} {{cite news|title= U-22日本代表大量招集も…攻守にチグハグJ-22、J3町田に完封負け|url=http://web.gekisaka.jp/news/detail/?172564-172564-fl|publisher=Web Gekisaka|language=ja|date=23 September 2015|access-date=13 April 2020}}</ref>

===Cercle Brugge=== It was announced on 12 July 2018 that Ueda is moving abroad for the first time in his career by agreeing to join Belgian First Division A side Cercle Brugge.<ref name="Ueda Cercle Brugge Transfer">{{cite web|url=https://www.antlers.co.jp/news/release/66396|title=植田選手のセルクル・ブルージュKSV移籍合意|work=鹿島アントラーズオフィシャルサイト | KASHIMA ANTLERS |publisher=Kashima Antlers|language=ja|date=12 July 2018|access-date=13 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200412203849/https://www.antlers.co.jp/news/release/66396|archive-date=12 April 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> The move was confirmed, as he signed a four–year contract on an undisclosed fee.<ref>{{cite news|title=Cercle Brugge strikt Japanse WK-ganger Naomichi Ueda|url=http://kw.knack.be/west-vlaanderen/sport/voetbal/cercle-brugge/cercle-brugge-strikt-japanse-wk-ganger-naomichi-ueda/article-normal-329485.html|publisher=KW Knack|language=nl|date=17 July 2018|access-date=13 April 2020}}</ref> Upon joining Cercle Brugge, the club's chairman France Schotte said: "Ueda is a defender who has already gained a lot of experience as a basic player with the Japanese top team Kashima Antlers. With his discipline, boundless commitment and footballing potential, Ueda as a Japanese international is a real asset to Cercle Brugge!"<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cerclebrugge.be/nl/nieuws/detail/japanner-ueda-naar-cercle/2889|title=Japanner Ueda naar Cercle Brugge|publisher=Cercle Brugge|language=nl|date=17 July 2018|access-date=13 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180717212811/http://www.cerclebrugge.be/nl/nieuws/detail/japanner-ueda-naar-cercle/2889|archive-date=17 July 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Ueda made his Cercle Brugge debut, starting the whole game and keeping a clean sheet, in a 0–0 draw against Standard Liège.<ref>{{cite news|title=Un troisième partage d'affilée pour le Standard contre le Cercle|url=https://sportmagazine.levif.be/sport/foot-national/un-troisieme-partage-d-affilee-pour-le-standard-contre-le-cercle/article-normal-876961.html?cookie_check=1586723672|publisher=Sport Magazine|language=fr|date=12 August 2018|access-date=13 April 2020}}</ref> Since making his debut for the club, Ueda found himself rotating in the starting line-up, as he began to fight for his first team place.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cerclebrugge.be/nl/news/cercle-verslaat-zulte-waregem-met-3-1|title=CERCLE VERSLAAT ZULTE WAREGEM MET 3-1!|publisher=Cercle Brugge|language=nl|date=18 August 2018|access-date=13 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200413091348/https://www.cerclebrugge.be/nl/news/cercle-verslaat-zulte-waregem-met-3-1|archive-date=13 April 2020|url-status=live}} {{cite web|url=https://www.cerclebrugge.be/nl/news/genk-te-sterk-voor-cercle|title=GENK TE STERK VOOR CERCLE|publisher=Cercle Brugge|language=nl|date=23 September 2018|access-date=13 April 2020}} {{cite web|url=https://www.cerclebrugge.be/nl/news/cercle-klopt-charleroi-met-2-1|title=CERCLE KLOPT CHARLEROI MET 2-1!|publisher=Cercle Brugge|language=nl|date=5 October 2018|access-date=13 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200413091334/https://www.cerclebrugge.be/nl/news/cercle-klopt-charleroi-met-2-1|archive-date=13 April 2020|url-status=live}} {{cite web|url=https://www.cerclebrugge.be/nl/news/cercle-neemt-de-volle-buit-mee-uit-genk|title=CERCLE NEEMT DE VOLLE BUIT MEE UIT GENK|publisher=Cercle Brugge|language=nl|date=24 November 2018|access-date=13 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200413091534/https://www.cerclebrugge.be/nl/news/cercle-neemt-de-volle-buit-mee-uit-genk|archive-date=13 April 2020|url-status=live}} {{cite web|url=https://www.cerclebrugge.be/nl/news/eupen-pakt-de-volle-buit-op-jan-breydel|title=EUPEN PAKT DE VOLLE BUIT OP JAN BREYDEL|publisher=Cercle Brugge|language=nl|date=26 December 2018|access-date=13 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200413091556/https://www.cerclebrugge.be/nl/news/eupen-pakt-de-volle-buit-op-jan-breydel|archive-date=13 April 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> From February to the end of the league's regular season, Ueda was dropped from the starting line-up, although he appeared twice for the side.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cerclebrugge.be/nl/news/de-brugse-derby-eindigt-op-2-2|title=DE BRUGSE DERBY EINDIGT OP 2-2|publisher=Cercle Brugge|language=nl|date=10 February 2019|access-date=13 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200413093632/https://www.cerclebrugge.be/nl/news/de-brugse-derby-eindigt-op-2-2|archive-date=13 April 2020|url-status=live}} {{cite web|url=https://www.cerclebrugge.be/nl/news/cercle-met-3-1-onderuit-op-lokeren|title=CERCLE MET 3-1 ONDERUIT OP LOKEREN|publisher=Cercle Brugge|language=nl|date=17 March 2019|access-date=13 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200413093627/https://www.cerclebrugge.be/nl/news/cercle-met-3-1-onderuit-op-lokeren|archive-date=13 April 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> It wasn't until on 6 April 2019 when Ueda scored his first goal for Cercle Brugge, scoring from a header, in a 3–2 win against Royal Excel Mouscron.<ref>{{cite news|title=Cercle Brugge pakt eerste zege sinds december vorig jaar bij Moeskroen, dat met 0 op 9 begint aan Play-off 2B|url=https://www.nieuwsblad.be/sportwereld/live/voetbal/280248|publisher=Het Nieuwsblad|language=nl|date=6 April 2019|access-date=13 April 2020}}</ref> After the match, he was named Man of the Match.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cerclebrugge.be/nl/news/ueda-met-37-van-de-stemmen-verkozen-tot-man-of-the-match|title=UEDA MET 37% VAN DE STEMMEN VERKOZEN TOT MAN OF THE MATCH!|publisher=Cercle Brugge|language=nl|date=8 April 2019|access-date=13 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200413093621/https://www.cerclebrugge.be/nl/news/ueda-met-37-van-de-stemmen-verkozen-tot-man-of-the-match|archive-date=13 April 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> At the end of the 2018–19 season, Ueda finished his first season, making twenty–seven appearances and scoring once in all competitions. Reflecting on his first season, Manager Laurent Guyot said about Ueda: "Ueda moved to Belgium just after the World Cup in Russia and this was his first time living outside Japan. It has not been easy for him because he has had to adapt to so many things such as the language, the culture, his new teammates and then there is also the competition within the team. It is not easy to communicate with him, but he is well within the group."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cerclebrugge.be/nl/news/laurent-guyot-na-de-winst-op-moeskroen-voor-onze-eigen-fans-vol-voor-6-6-gaan|title=LAURENT GUYOT: "NA DE WINST OP MOESKROEN VOOR ONZE EIGEN FANS VOL VOOR 6/6 GAAN"|publisher=Cercle Brugge|language=nl|date=13 April 2019|access-date=13 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200413093619/https://www.cerclebrugge.be/nl/news/laurent-guyot-na-de-winst-op-moeskroen-voor-onze-eigen-fans-vol-voor-6-6-gaan|archive-date=13 April 2020|url-status=live}}</ref>

At the start of the 2019–20 season, Ueda continued to regain his first team place, playing in the centre–back position, as the club displayed a poor start to the season, winning once in the first six league matches.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cerclebrugge.be/nl/news/verdienstelijk-cercle-verliest-in-extremis-van-standard|title=VERDIENSTELIJK CERCLE VERLIEST IN EXTREMIS VAN STANDARD|publisher=Cercle Brugge|language=nl|date=27 July 2019|access-date=13 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200413095556/https://www.cerclebrugge.be/nl/news/verdienstelijk-cercle-verliest-in-extremis-van-standard|archive-date=13 April 2020|url-status=live}} {{cite web|url=https://www.cerclebrugge.be/nl/news/var-is-spelbreker-in-2de-helft-cercle-kv-kortrijk|title=VAR IS SPELBREKER IN 2DE HELFT CERCLE-KV KORTRIJK|publisher=Cercle Brugge|language=nl|date=10 August 2019|access-date=13 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200413095548/https://www.cerclebrugge.be/nl/news/var-is-spelbreker-in-2de-helft-cercle-kv-kortrijk|archive-date=13 April 2020|url-status=live}} {{cite web|url=https://www.cerclebrugge.be/nl/news/de-vooruitblik-en-selectie-voor-kv-mechelen-cercle-brugge|title=DE VOORUITBLIK EN SELECTIE VOOR KV MECHELEN-CERCLE BRUGGE!|publisher=Cercle Brugge|language=nl|date=16 August 2019|access-date=13 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200413095545/https://www.cerclebrugge.be/nl/news/de-vooruitblik-en-selectie-voor-kv-mechelen-cercle-brugge|archive-date=13 April 2020|url-status=live}} {{cite web|url=https://www.cerclebrugge.be/nl/news/wedstrijdverslag-cercle-waasland-beveren|title=WEDSTRIJDVERSLAG CERCLE - WAASLAND-BEVEREN|publisher=Cercle Brugge|language=nl|date=24 August 2019|access-date=13 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200413100403/https://www.cerclebrugge.be/nl/news/wedstrijdverslag-cercle-waasland-beveren|archive-date=13 April 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> After missing three matches between 14 September 2019 and 28 September 2019, he made his return to the starting line-up on 6 October 2019, in a 6–0 loss against Zulte Waregem.<ref>{{cite news|title=植田が先発復帰するも崩壊止められず…最下位セルクル・ブルージュは今季最多6失点で5連敗|url=https://web.gekisaka.jp/news/detail/?287036-287036-fl|publisher=Web Gekisaka|language=ja|date=6 October 2019|access-date=13 April 2020}} {{cite web|url=https://www.cerclebrugge.be/nl/news/essevee-haalt-zwaar-uit-tegen-groen-zwart-1|title=ESSEVEE HAALT ZWAAR UIT TEGEN GROEN-ZWART|publisher=Cercle Brugge|language=nl|date=6 October 2019|access-date=13 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200413101036/https://www.cerclebrugge.be/nl/news/essevee-haalt-zwaar-uit-tegen-groen-zwart-1|archive-date=13 April 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> Shortly after, Ueda began to regain his first team place for the next three months.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cerclebrugge.be/nl/news/doelpunt-saadi-zorgt-voor-2-1-winst-tegen-stvv|title=DOELPUNT SAADI ZORGT VOOR 2-1 WINST TEGEN STVV!|publisher=Cercle Brugge|language=nl|date=9 November 2019|access-date=13 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200413101041/https://www.cerclebrugge.be/nl/news/doelpunt-saadi-zorgt-voor-2-1-winst-tegen-stvv|archive-date=13 April 2020|url-status=live}} {{cite web|url=https://www.cerclebrugge.be/nl/news/biancone-en-peeters-reageren-na-waasland-beveren-cercle|title=BIANCONE EN PEETERS REAGEREN NA WAASLAND-BEVEREN - CERCLE|publisher=Cercle Brugge|language=nl|date=24 November 2019|access-date=13 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200413100944/https://www.cerclebrugge.be/nl/news/biancone-en-peeters-reageren-na-waasland-beveren-cercle|archive-date=13 April 2020|url-status=live}} {{cite web|url=https://www.cerclebrugge.be/nl/news/groen-zwart-boekt-2-0-winst-tegen-essevee|title=GROEN-ZWART BOEKT 2-0 WINST TEGEN ESSEVEE!|publisher=Cercle Brugge|language=nl|date=21 December 2019|access-date=13 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200413101048/https://www.cerclebrugge.be/nl/news/groen-zwart-boekt-2-0-winst-tegen-essevee|archive-date=13 April 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> However, he lost his first team place in the starting line–up and found himself placed on the substitute bench, as Cercle Brugge began battling in the relegation zone.<ref>{{cite news|title=CLUBNIEUWS. Didillon meteen in doel, contract Rajsel bij Oostende ontbonden|url=https://www.nieuwsblad.be/cnt/dmf20200201_04830901|publisher=Het Nieuwsblad|language=nl|date=1 February 2020|access-date=13 April 2020}} {{cite news|title=CLUBNIEUWS. Ito loopt knieletsel op na "zuivere strafschop", Depoitre nog steeds out bij AA Gent|url=https://www.nieuwsblad.be/cnt/dmf20200214_04848469|publisher=Het Nieuwsblad|language=nl|date=14 February 2020|access-date=13 April 2020}} {{cite news|title=Cercle gooit degradatiestrijd open|url=https://www.standaard.be/cnt/dmf20200216_04851435|publisher=De Standaard|language=nl|date=17 February 2020|access-date=13 April 2020}}</ref> Eventually, the club managed to secure their top-flight status after the season was cancelled because of the COVID-19 pandemic. At the end of the 2019–20 season, Ueda finished his first season, making twenty appearances in all competitions.

===Nîmes=== On 18 January 2021, Ueda joined Ligue 1 club Nîmes Olympique on a loan deal until the end of the season.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|date=18 January 2021|title=Nîmes : Naomichi Ueda recruté en défense (Officiel)|trans-title=Naomichi Ueda recruited in defense|url=http://www.topmercato.com/232162,1/nimes---naomichi-ueda-recrute-en-defense-officiel.html|access-date=18 January 2021|website=Top Mercato|language=fr}}</ref> The deal included an option to buy.<ref name=":0" />

On 29 May 2021, Nîmes Olympique exercised Ueda's purchase option, securing his services until 2023.<ref>{{cite news |title=Nîmes lève l'option d'achat de Naomichi Ueda |url=https://www.lequipe.fr/Football/Actualites/Nimes-leve-l-option-d-achat-de-naomichi-ueda/1256800 |access-date=15 December 2023 |work=L'Équipe |date=28 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210528181529/https://www.lequipe.fr/Football/Actualites/Nimes-leve-l-option-d-achat-de-naomichi-ueda/1256800 |archive-date=28 May 2021 |language=fr}}</ref>

===Return to Kashima Antlers=== On 30 November 2022, it was confirmed that Ueda would make a permanent return to his former club, Kashima Antlers.<ref>{{cite web |title=植田直通選手完全移籍加入のお知らせ |trans-title=Official Announcement: Naoto Ueda Joins Permanently |url=https://www.antlers.co.jp/news/release/90529 |website=Kashima Antlers |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221130120101/https://www.antlers.co.jp/news/release/90529 |archive-date=30 November 2022 |language=ja |date=30 November 2022 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Throughout the season, he participated in all 34 games, contributing with 2 goals while playing a pivotal role in the team's defense.<ref name="SW" />

==International career==

===Youth career=== In July 2010, Ueda was called up to the Japan U16 squad for the first time during his time at Kumamoto Prefectural Otsu High School.<ref>{{cite news|title=新潟国際出場のU-17代表発表!メンバーはU-16世代中心に|url=https://web.gekisaka.jp/news/detail/?71006-59091-fl|publisher=Web Gekisaka|language=ja|date=6 July 2010|access-date=13 April 2020}}</ref> He made his Japan U16 debut on 6 August 2010 and helped the side beat United Arab Emirates U16 1–0.<ref>{{cite news|title=U-16代表、豊田国際初戦でUAEに勝利|url=https://web.gekisaka.jp/news/detail/?72243-60853-fl|publisher=Web Gekisaka|language=ja|date=6 August 2010|access-date=13 April 2020}}</ref> Later in 2010, Ueda was called up to the national team squad for the AFC U-16 Championship in Uzbekistan.<ref>{{cite news|title=U-17W杯出場懸けたAFC U-16選手権メンバーに南野、高木Jrら!|url=https://web.gekisaka.jp/news/detail/?75267-65273-fl|publisher=Web Gekisaka|language=ja|date=19 October 2010|access-date=13 April 2020}}</ref> Ueda started the tournament well when he scored Japan's U16 in a 6–0 win against Vietnam U16 on 25 October 2010.<ref>{{cite news|title=[AFC U-16選手権]U-17W杯出場へ、U-16日本代表が6発発進!|url=https://web.gekisaka.jp/news/detail/?75521-65665-fl|publisher=Web Gekisaka|language=ja|date=26 October 2010|access-date=13 April 2020}}</ref> Ueda helped Japan U16 progress through the tournament before being eliminated by North Korea U16 in the semi–finals.<ref>{{cite news|title=[AFC U-16選手権]U-16代表、エース南野決勝弾で決勝T進出!|url=https://web.gekisaka.jp/news/detail/?75601-65831-fl|publisher=Web Gekisaka|language=ja|date=28 October 2010|access-date=13 April 2020}} {{cite news|title= [AFC U-16選手権]エース南野2発に秋野勝ち越し弾!U-16代表「94JAPAN」がU-17W杯出場権獲得!|url=https://web.gekisaka.jp/news/detail/?75822-66147-fl|publisher=Web Gekisaka|language=ja|date=1 November 2010|access-date=13 April 2020}} {{cite news|title= [AFC U-16選手権]日本、準決勝で北朝鮮に敗れる|url=https://web.gekisaka.jp/news/detail/?75949-66349-fl|publisher=Web Gekisaka|language=ja|date=5 November 2010|access-date=13 April 2020}}</ref>

Ueda was a part of the Japan U17 side that participated in the 2011 FIFA U-17 World Cup.<ref>{{cite web|title=Naomichi UEDA|url=https://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/statisticsandrecords/players/player=331166/index.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110625031159/http://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/statisticsandrecords/players/player=331166/index.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=25 June 2011|publisher=FIFA|access-date=9 April 2013}} {{cite news|title=U-17日本代表候補、宮崎キャンプメンバー発表|url=https://web.gekisaka.jp/news/detail/?79282-71091-fl|publisher=Web Gekisaka|language=ja|date=14 January 2011|access-date=13 April 2020}} {{cite news|title=U-17W杯開幕まで2ヵ月弱、U-17代表がスロバキア遠征で"最終テスト" |url=https://web.gekisaka.jp/news/detail/?83572-77372-fl |publisher=Web Gekisaka|language=ja|date=27 April 2011|access-date=13 April 2020}} {{cite news|title=「94JAPAN」の目標は世界決勝進出!U-17W杯メキシコ大会日本代表メンバー発表!! |url=https://web.gekisaka.jp/news/detail/?85469-79776-fl|publisher=Web Gekisaka|language=ja|date=3 June 2011|access-date=13 April 2020}}</ref> He started in all of Japan's five fixtures during the tournament as the team made it all the way to the quarter-finals.<ref>{{cite news|title=[U-17W杯]94JAPANは白星発進!!松本ゴールでジャマイカ下す|url=https://web.gekisaka.jp/news/detail/?86221-80790-fl|publisher=Web Gekisaka|language=ja|date=19 June 2011|access-date=13 April 2020}} {{cite news|title=[U-17W杯]怒涛の6発大勝で「94JAPAN」がベスト8進出!!歴史的快挙達成|url=https://web.gekisaka.jp/news/detail/?86741-81459-fl|publisher=Web Gekisaka|language=ja|date=30 June 2011|access-date=13 April 2020}} {{cite news|title=[U-17W杯]あと1点……U-17日本代表、連続ゴールでブラジル追い詰めるも初の4強届かず|url=https://web.gekisaka.jp/news/detail/?86961-81739-fl|publisher=Web Gekisaka|language=ja|date=4 July 2011|access-date=13 April 2020}}</ref> During the tournament. Ueda scored one goal during the tournament against the Argentina U17s in which he found the net in the 20th minute as Japan went on to win the match 3–1.<ref>{{cite news|title=[U-17W杯]アルゼンチン撃破!U-17日本代表、18年ぶりの決勝T進出!!|url=https://web.gekisaka.jp/news/detail/?86491-81162-fl|publisher=Web Gekisaka|language=ja|date=24 June 2011|access-date=13 April 2020}}</ref>

A month after the end of the FIFA U-17 World Cup, Ueda was called up to the Japan U18 squad for the SBS Cup.<ref>{{cite news|title=U-18代表、SBS杯メンバーとカタール遠征メンバーを発表!!94JAPANからも招集|url=https://web.gekisaka.jp/news/detail/?88438-83709-fl|publisher=Web Gekisaka|language=ja|date=5 August 2011|access-date=13 April 2020}}</ref> He started all three matches in the tournament, Japan U18 finished as runner-up.<ref>{{cite news|title= [SBSカップ]U-18日本代表vsU-18メキシコ代表試合記録|url=https://web.gekisaka.jp/news/detail/?88952-84564-fl|publisher=Web Gekisaka|language=ja|date=18 August 2011|access-date=13 April 2020}} {{cite news|title=[SBSカップ]U-18日本代表vsU-18オーストラリア代表試合記録|url=https://web.gekisaka.jp/news/detail/?89046-84563-fl|publisher=Web Gekisaka|language=ja|date=20 August 2011|access-date=13 April 2020}} {{cite news|title=[SBSカップ]「この時のために取っていた」石毛がU-18代表から劇的V弾|url=https://web.gekisaka.jp/news/detail/?89118-84647-fl|publisher=Web Gekisaka|language=ja|date=21 August 2011|access-date=13 April 2020}}</ref> In March 2012, Ueda was called up to the Japan U19 squad.<ref>{{cite news|title=U-19日本代表、UAE遠征メンバーを発表!!|url=https://web.gekisaka.jp/news/detail/?97273-96971-fl|publisher=Web Gekisaka|language=ja|date=29 March 2012|access-date=13 April 2020}}</ref> He made his Japan U19 debut, starting the whole game, in a 4–2 win against beat United Arab Emirates U19.<ref>{{cite news|title=杉本ハット!!U-19日本代表がUAEに逆転勝利|url=https://web.gekisaka.jp/news/detail/?97847-98083-fl|publisher=Web Gekisaka|language=ja|date=11 April 2012|access-date=13 April 2020}}</ref> Five month later in August 2012, Ueda was called up to the squad once again for the SBS Cup.<ref>{{cite news|title=SBSカップ出場のU-19日本代表発表!|url=https://web.gekisaka.jp/news/detail/?103195-104977-fl|publisher=Web Gekisaka|language=ja|date=6 August 2012|access-date=13 April 2020}}</ref> He played all three matches in the tournament, Japan U19 finished as a winner.<ref>{{cite news|title=[SBSカップ]U-19代表の注目DF植田、優勝懸けた日韓戦へ「激しい試合は自分の見せ場」|url=https://web.gekisaka.jp/news/detail/?103651-105524-fl|publisher=Web Gekisaka|language=ja|date=18 August 2012|access-date=13 April 2020}} {{cite news|title=[SBSカップ]U-19日本代表vsU-19ポルトガル代表試合記録|url=https://web.gekisaka.jp/news/detail/?103657-105531-fl|publisher=Web Gekisaka|language=ja|date=18 August 2012|access-date=13 April 2020}} {{cite news|title=[SBSカップ]ポープPK止めた!U-19代表、10人の韓国相手に無得点もPK戦制し全勝優勝!|url=https://web.gekisaka.jp/news/detail/?103729-105620-fl|publisher=Web Gekisaka|language=ja|date=19 August 2012|access-date=13 April 2020}}</ref> In October 2012, Ueda was called up to the Japan U19 squad for the AFC U-19 Championship.<ref>{{cite news|title=世界切符懸けたAFC U-19選手権、U-19日本代表メンバーに久保、遠藤、風間ら!|url=https://web.gekisaka.jp/news/detail/?106257-108401-fl|publisher=Web Gekisaka|language=ja|date=16 October 2012|access-date=13 April 2020}}</ref> However, he appeared as an unused substitute throughout the tournament.<ref>{{cite news|title=[AFC U-19選手権]U-19日本vsU-19クウェート試合記録|url=https://web.gekisaka.jp/news/detail/?107106-109447-fl|publisher=Web Gekisaka|language=ja|date=6 November 2012|access-date=13 April 2020}} {{cite news|title=[AFC U-19選手権]U-19日本vsU-19UAE試合記録|url=https://web.gekisaka.jp/news/detail/?107209-109567-fl|publisher=Web Gekisaka|language=ja|date=8 November 2012|access-date=13 April 2020}} {{cite news|title=[AFC U-19選手権]U-19日本vsU-19イラク試合記録|url=https://web.gekisaka.jp/news/detail/?107384-109770-fl|publisher=Web Gekisaka|language=ja|date=12 November 2012|access-date=13 April 2020}}</ref>

In January 2014, Ueda was called up to Japan U22's squad for the AFC U-22 Championship in Oman.<ref>{{cite news|title=手倉森ジャパン初陣のAFC U-22選手権に臨むU-21代表メンバーが発表|url=https://web.gekisaka.jp/news/detail/?125252-129693-fl|publisher=Web Gekisaka|language=ja|date=11 December 2013|access-date=13 April 2020}}</ref> He started every match to help Japan U22 progress to the knockout stage, where they were eliminated in the quarter–finals by Iraq U22.<ref>{{cite news|title=[AFC U-22選手権]イランと激しい打ち合い…手倉森ジャパンの初陣は3-3ドロー|url=https://web.gekisaka.jp/news/detail/?126950-131379-fl|publisher=Web Gekisaka|language=ja|date=12 January 2014|access-date=13 April 2020}} {{cite news|title=[AFC U-22選手権]先発7人変更の手倉森ジャパン、クウェートと引き分け2戦連続ドロー|url=https://web.gekisaka.jp/news/detail/?127073-131497-fl|publisher=Web Gekisaka|language=ja|date=15 January 2014|access-date=13 April 2020}} {{cite news|title=[AFC U-22選手権]手倉森ジャパンが豪州に4発快勝で初勝利!!準々決勝進出決める|url=https://web.gekisaka.jp/news/detail/?127181-131605-fl|publisher=Web Gekisaka|language=ja|date=16 January 2014|access-date=13 April 2020}} {{cite news|title=[AFC U-22選手権]手倉森ジャパンはベスト8敗退…因縁のイラクにまたも敗れる|url=https://web.gekisaka.jp/news/detail/?135261-131784-fl|publisher=Web Gekisaka|language=ja|date=21 January 2014|access-date=13 April 2020}}</ref>

In August 2014, it was announced that Ueda was called up to the Japan U21 for the Asian Games in South Korea.<ref>{{cite news|title=アジア大会に臨むU-21日本代表メンバーを発表…大島、岩波ら選出|url=https://web.gekisaka.jp/news/detail/?145598-145598-fl|publisher=Web Gekisaka|language=ja|date=12 August 2014|access-date=13 April 2020}}</ref> He started all three matches and helped the side reach the knockout stage.<ref>{{cite news|title=[アジア大会]U-21代表好発進…攻撃陣爆発でクウェートに4発快勝!! |url=http://web.gekisaka.jp/news/detail/?147188-147188-fl|publisher=Web Gekisaka|language=ja|date=14 September 2014|access-date=13 April 2020}} {{cite news|title=[アジア大会]U-21代表はイラクに3失点完敗、リベンジ果たせず|url=http://web.gekisaka.jp/news/detail/?147380-147380-fl|publisher=Web Gekisaka|language=ja|date=17 September 2014|access-date=13 April 2020}} {{cite news|title=[アジア大会]4発圧勝のU-21代表、ネパール撃破で決勝T進出!! |url=https://web.gekisaka.jp/news/detail/?147680-147680-fl|publisher=Web Gekisaka|language=ja|date=21 September 2014|access-date=13 April 2020}}</ref> Ueda played two more matches in the tournament, where he helped the side beat Palestine U21 in the Round of 16 before being eliminated by South Korea in the quarter–finals.<ref>{{cite news|title=[アジア大会]尽きない向上心、DF植田「もっと、もっと良くなる」|url=https://web.gekisaka.jp/news/detail/?148089-148089-fl|publisher=Web Gekisaka|language=ja|date=26 September 2014|access-date=13 April 2020}} {{cite news|title= [アジア大会]完全アウェーで韓国に屈する、U-21代表はベスト8敗退|url=http://web.gekisaka.jp/news/detail/?148258-148258-fl|publisher=Web Gekisaka|language=ja|date=28 September 2014|access-date=13 April 2020}}</ref>

In January 2016, Ueda was called up by the Japan U23 for the AFC U-23 Championship in Qatar.<ref>{{cite news|title=五輪最終予選メンバー23名決定!! 残り2枠に滑り込んだのは豊川&三竿…負傷の中村に代わり牲川を招集|url=https://web.gekisaka.jp/news/detail/?179853-179853-fl|publisher=Web Gekisaka|language=ja|date=30 December 2015|access-date=12 April 2020}}</ref> Ueda scored the opening goal of the game, in a 1–0 win against North Korea and later helped Japan reach the knockout stage after winning all three matches.<ref>{{cite news|title=6大会連続五輪出場へ白星発進…U-23代表、DF植田が奪った虎の子の1点を守り抜く|url=https://web.gekisaka.jp/news/detail/?181002-181002-fl|publisher=Web Gekisaka|language=ja|date=14 January 2016|access-date=22 December 2019}} {{cite news|title=MF大島が圧巻ミドル!! U-23代表、先発10人入れ替えもサウジ撃破でGL3連勝|url=https://web.gekisaka.jp/news/detail/?181382-181382-fl|publisher=Web Gekisaka|language=ja|date=19 January 2016|access-date=13 April 2020}}</ref> Ueda later helped Japan U23 reach the final after beating Iran U23 and Iraq U23.<ref>{{cite news|title=五輪に王手!! 延長で爆発のU-23代表、豊川弾に中島2発で"鬼門"ベスト8突破|url=https://web.gekisaka.jp/news/detail/?181547-181547-fl|publisher=Web Gekisaka|language=ja|date=23 January 2016|access-date=13 April 2020}} {{cite news|title=6大会連続五輪出場決定!! U-23代表、後半ATの原川弾でイラクに劇的勝利|url=https://web.gekisaka.jp/news/detail/?181797-181797-fl|publisher=Web Gekisaka|language=ja|date=27 January 2016|access-date=22 December 2019}}</ref> He started in the final against South Korea U23 and later helped the side win 3–2 to win the AFC U-23 Championship.<ref>{{cite news|title=驚異の粘り見せたU-23代表、韓国に大逆転勝利でアジア王者に!!|url=https://web.gekisaka.jp/news/detail/?182046-182046-fl|publisher=Web Gekisaka|language=ja|date=31 January 2016|access-date=13 April 2020}}</ref>

Later in the summer of 2016. Ueda was selected for the Japan U23 for the 2016 Summer Olympics.<ref>{{cite news|title=U-23 Japan National Team squad, numbers-Olympic Football Tournament Rio 2016|url=http://www.jfa.jp/eng/news/00010358/|publisher=Japan Football Association|date=5 July 2016|access-date=13 April 2020}}</ref> He previously stated his determination to earn his place in the Olympics.<ref>{{cite news|title=リオ五輪への決意、植田「この世代で世界に出て借りを返す」|url=https://web.gekisaka.jp/news/detail/?121504-126002-fl|publisher=Web Gekisaka|language=ja|date=30 September 2013|access-date=13 April 2020}}</ref> He played all three matches, as Japan U23 were eliminated in the group stage tournament.<ref>{{cite news|script-title=ja:日本が南野のゴールで再び追いつく 11分で計４点|url=https://www.nikkansports.com/olympic/rio2016/soccer/news/1689698.html|publisher=Nikkan Sports|language=ja|date=5 August 2016|access-date=13 April 2020}} {{cite news|title=2点差追い付く脅威の粘り!! 浅野&中島弾で望みをつなぐ勝ち点1 |url=https://web.gekisaka.jp/news/detail/?195947-195947-fl|publisher=Web Gekisaka|language=ja|date=8 August 2016|access-date=13 April 2020}} {{cite news|title=日本、決勝T進出ならず…スウェーデン撃破で"世界で1勝"もGL敗退|url=https://web.gekisaka.jp/news/detail/?196111-196111-fl|publisher=Web Gekisaka|language=ja|date=11 August 2016|access-date=13 April 2020}}</ref>

===Senior career=== Two months later, it was announced that Ueda was called up to the Japan national team by manager Javier Aguirre in place of Atsuto Uchida ahead of the AFC Asian Cup in Australia.<ref>{{cite news|title=アジア杯メンバー23人が決定!!清武がW杯以来の復帰でアギーレJ初招集|url=https://web.gekisaka.jp/news/detail/?153584-153584-fl|publisher=Web Gekisaka|language=ja|date=15 December 2014|access-date=13 April 2020}}</ref> However, he appeared as an unused substitute throughout the tournament.<ref>{{cite news|title=UAE戦へ森重も先発、4試合連続でスタメンに変更なし|url=https://web.gekisaka.jp/news/detail/?156085-156085-fl|publisher=Web Gekisaka|language=ja|date=23 January 2015|access-date=13 April 2020}} {{cite news|title=日本代表散歩隊のテーマは「植田の心を開こう」|url=https://web.gekisaka.jp/news/detail/?155827-155827-fl|publisher=Web Gekisaka|language=ja|date=18 January 2015|access-date=13 April 2020}}</ref> On 7 May 2015, Japan's coach Vahid Halilhodžić called Ueda for a two-days training camp.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nikkansports.com/soccer/japan/news/1473077.html|title=大久保嘉人ら28人日本代表候補合宿メンバー／一覧 |date=7 May 2015|language=ja|publisher=Nikkan Sports|access-date=18 April 2018 }}</ref> For the next two years, he was called up to the national squad, appearing as an unused substitute.<ref>{{cite news|title=昌子が負傷のため日本代表を離脱…植田が追加招集でUAE戦ベンチ入りへ|url=https://web.gekisaka.jp/news/detail/?197664-197664-fl|publisher=Web Gekisaka|language=ja|date=1 September 2016|access-date=13 April 2020}} {{cite news|title=「ユニフォームは違っても…」カシマでの代表デビュー目指す植田|url=https://web.gekisaka.jp/news/detail/?203473-203473-fl|publisher=Web Gekisaka|language=ja|date=17 November 2016|access-date=13 April 2020}} {{cite news|title=デビュー待ちわびるDF植田、初招集から約1年9か月「今まで悔しい思いをした」|url=https://web.gekisaka.jp/news/detail/?228012-228012-fl|publisher=Web Gekisaka|language=ja|date=8 October 2017|access-date=13 April 2020}}</ref>

In December 2017, Ueda was called up to the national team squad for the EAFF E-1 Football Championship as a host.<ref>{{cite news|title=Ｇ大阪初瀬、鹿島三竿らハリル日本Ｅ－１選手権代表|url=https://www.nikkansports.com/soccer/japan/news/201711290000056.html|publisher=Nikkan Sports|language=ja|date=12 December 2017|access-date=13 April 2020}} {{cite news|title=今度こそA代表デビューへ…植田、V逸の悔しさも「全部自分の糧になる」|url=https://web.gekisaka.jp/news/detail/?232678-232678-fl|publisher=Web Gekisaka|language=ja|date=7 December 2017|access-date=13 April 2020}}</ref> He made his Japan debut on 13 December 2017, starting the whole game, in a 2–1 win against China.<ref>{{cite news|title=ＤＦ植田直通Ａマッチ２戦目は本職「ＣＢで出たい」|url=https://www.nikkansports.com/soccer/japan/news/201712130000817.html|publisher=NikkanSports|language=ja|date=13 December 2017|access-date=13 April 2020}} {{cite news|title=ハリル日本が中国破る小林、昌子が代表初ゴール|url=https://www.nikkansports.com/soccer/japan/news/201712120000706.html|publisher=Nikkan Sports|language=ja|date=12 December 2017|access-date=13 April 2020}}</ref> After the match, Ueda spoke out on his Japan's debut, saying that he had desire to get out early.<ref>{{cite news|title=まさかの右SBにも縁?植田「早く出たい出たいと」3年待った代表デビュー|url=https://web.gekisaka.jp/news/detail/?233261-233261-fl|publisher=Web Gekisaka|language=ja|date=13 December 2017|access-date=13 April 2020}}</ref> However, his second appearance for Japan saw them lose 4–1 to South Korea in a deciding match, which resulted in the opposition team becoming champions in the tournament.<ref>{{cite news|title=日本は4失点敗戦…韓国称えるハリル、先制後のプレーに納得いかず「なぜそうなったのか」|url=https://web.gekisaka.jp/news/detail/?233611-233611-fl|publisher=Web Gekisaka|language=ja|date=16 December 2017|access-date=13 April 2020}}</ref>

In May 2018, Uena was named in Japan's preliminary squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.<ref>{{cite news|title=西野J始動へ…W杯最終候補27人に本田、香川らを選出!!青山がサプライズ|url=https://web.gekisaka.jp/news/detail/?245043-245043-fl|publisher=Web Gekisaka|language=ja|date=18 May 2018|access-date=13 April 2020}}</ref> Eventually, he made it to the final cut of the 23-men squad.<ref>{{cite news |script-title=ja:酒井宏樹、2度目のW杯に意気込む「この4年間磨き上げたものを…」|url=https://www.footballchannel.jp/2018/05/31/post272190/|publisher=Football Channel Website|language=ja|date=31 May 2018|access-date=13 April 2020}} {{cite news|title=西野監督の新戦術「３－４－３」長谷部がＣＢに|url=https://www.nikkansports.com/soccer/japan/news/201805260000796.html|publisher=Nikkan Sports|language=ja|date=26 May 2018|access-date=13 April 2020}}</ref> However, he failed to make an appearance in the World Cup and said: “My goal is to become a player who can act on a global level. My desire to develop only intensified while I watched the World Cup matches from the bench.”<ref>{{cite web|url=https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20180713/p2g/00m/0sp/011000c|title=Soccer: World Cup star Inui says next goal is contributing to Real Betis|publisher=Mainichi|language=ja|date=13 July 2018|access-date=13 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180712233853/https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20180713/p2g/00m/0sp/011000c|archive-date=12 July 2018|url-status=dead}} {{cite news|title=鹿島植田Ｗ杯出番なしに悔しさ「上に行くため移籍」|url=https://www.nikkansports.com/soccer/news/201807130000461.html|publisher=Nikkan Sports|language=ja|date=13 July 2018|access-date=13 April 2020}}</ref>

Following the World Cup, Ueda did not receive another call-up until he was included for Japan's preliminary squad for the Copa América in Brazil.<ref>{{cite news|title=植田が昨年９月以来の招集再びチャンス来る|url=https://www.nikkansports.com/soccer/japan/news/201905240000109.html|publisher=Nikkan Sports|language=ja|date=24 May 2019|access-date=13 April 2020}}</ref> He started all three matches, playing in the centre–back position, as they were eliminated in the group stage.<ref>{{cite news|title=久保初先発に8選手がデビューの日本、チリに4発完敗で黒星スタート|url=https://web.gekisaka.jp/news/detail/?277284-277284-fl|publisher=Web Gekisaka|language=ja|date=18 June 2019|access-date=13 April 2020}} {{cite news|title=三好康児が2発!! 2度先行の森保J、ウルグアイに追い付かれるも価値あるドロー|url=https://web.gekisaka.jp/news/detail/?277543-277543-fl|publisher=Web Gekisaka|language=ja|date=21 June 2019|access-date=13 April 2020}} {{cite news|title=日本、GL突破ならず…中島先制弾もエクアドルとドローで終戦|url=https://web.gekisaka.jp/news/detail/?277893-277893-fl|publisher=Web Gekisaka|language=ja|date=25 June 2019|access-date=13 April 2020}}</ref> After the match, Ueda made an apology to the national team.<ref>{{cite news|title=「チームに申し訳ない」DF植田直通が達成できなかったもの… |url=https://web.gekisaka.jp/news/detail/?277947-277947-fl|publisher=Web Gekisaka|language=ja|date=25 June 2019|access-date=13 April 2020}}</ref> Despite this, Ueda played four out of the six remaining matches of 2019, as he helped Japan keep three clean sheets.<ref>{{cite news|title=森保ジャパンが強豪パラグアイを破る／スコア詳細|url=https://www.nikkansports.com/soccer/japan/news/201909040000723.html|publisher=Nikkan Sports|language=ja|date=4 September 2019|access-date=13 April 2020}} {{cite news|title=日本３発快勝！南野２発＆浅野弾／Ｗ杯２次予選詳細|url=https://www.nikkansports.com/soccer/japan/news/201910150000027.html|publisher=Nikkan Sports|language=ja|date=15 October 2019|access-date=13 April 2020}} {{cite news|title=変則キルギスに大苦戦も…"新ユニ"森保JがW杯予選無傷の4連勝、5戦連発南野は大記録樹立! |url=https://web.gekisaka.jp/news/detail/?290379-290379-fl|publisher=Web Gekisaka|language=ja|date=14 November 2019|access-date=13 April 2020}}</ref>

==Personal life== Growing up, Ueda did Taekwondo when he first started in the second grade after his parents recommended him and continued to practice. However, Ueda stopped taking lessons after he entered junior high school to focus on his football career.<ref name="Ueda Interview"/><ref name="Ueda Interview 2"/> He said he idolised Carles Puyol.<ref name="Ueda Interview 3">{{cite news|title=[Y☆voice153]大津高DF植田直通「Jリーグの練習参加で当たり負けとかはしなかったけれど、もっとボクは大きいところを目指していきたい」|url=https://web.gekisaka.jp/news/detail/?97894-98156-fl|publisher=Web Gekisaka|language=ja|date=12 April 2012|access-date=13 April 2020}}</ref>

==Career statistics==

===Club=== {{updated|match played 6 December 2025}}<ref>Nippon Sports Kikaku Publishing inc./日本スポーツ企画出版社, [https://www.amazon.co.jp/J1-J3%E9%81%B8%E6%89%8B%E5%90%8D%E9%91%91%E3%83%8F%E3%83%B3%E3%83%87%E3%82%A3%E7%89%88-2018-NSK-MOOK/dp/4905411521 "J1&J2&J3選手名鑑ハンディ版 2018 (NSK MOOK)"], 7 February 2018, Japan, {{ISBN|978-4905411529}} (p. 16 out of 289)</ref><ref>Nippon Sports Kikaku Publishing inc./日本スポーツ企画出版社, [https://www.amazon.co.jp/2016J1-J2-J3%E9%81%B8%E6%89%8B%E5%90%8D%E9%91%91-NSK-MOOK/dp/4905411335/ref=pd_cp_14_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=1N6B11BBGDQ32GYF7MWJ "2016J1&J2&J3選手名鑑"], 10 February 2016, Japan, {{ISBN|978-4905411338}} (p. 45 out of 289)</ref><ref>Nippon Sports Kikaku Publishing inc./日本スポーツ企画出版社, [https://www.amazon.co.jp/J1-J3%E9%81%B8%E6%89%8B%E5%90%8D%E9%91%91-2014-NSK-MOOK/dp/4905411165 "J1&J2&J3選手名鑑 2014 (NSK MOOK)"], 14 February 2014, Japan, {{ISBN|978-4905411109}} (p. 47 out of 290)</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Soccer D.B. : 2022 Naomichi Ueda Result by Season |url=https://soccer-db.net/player/index.php?pl=6015&la=e |website=Soccer D.B. |access-date=15 January 2023 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="SW">{{Soccerway}}</ref>

{| class=wikitable style=text-align:center |+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competition |- !rowspan="2"|Club !rowspan="2"|Season !colspan="3"|League !colspan="2"|National cup{{efn|Includes Emperor's Cup, Belgian Cup and Coupe de France}} !colspan="2"|League cup{{efn|Includes J.League Cup}} !colspan="2"|Continental !colspan="2"|Other !colspan="2"|Total |- !Division!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals |- |rowspan="7"|Kashima Antlers |2013 |rowspan="6"|J1 League |0||0||1||0||2||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||3||0 |- |2014 |20||0||1||0||3||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||24||0 |- |2015 |12||1||2||0||0||0||2{{efn|name="AFC"|Appearances in the AFC Champions League}}||0||colspan="2"|—||16||1 |- |2016 |21||0||4||0||2||0||colspan="2"|—||4{{efn|Appearances in the J.League Championship and the FIFA Club World Cup}}||0||31||0 |- |2017 |29||3||2||0||0||0||7{{efn|name="AFC"}}||1||1{{efn|Appearance in the Japanese Super Cup}}||0||39||4 |- |2018 |14||0||0||0||0||0||6{{efn|name="AFC"}}||1||colspan="2"|—||20||1 |- !colspan="2"|Total !96!!4!!10!!0!!7!!0!!15!!2!!5!!0!!133!!6 |- |rowspan="3"|J.League U-22 (loan) |2014 |rowspan="2"|J3 League |2||0||0||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||2||0 |- |2015 |2||0||0||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||2||0 |- !colspan="2"|Total !4!!0!!0!!0!!colspan="2"|—!!colspan="2"|—!!colspan="2"|—!!4!!0 |- |rowspan="4"|Cercle Brugge |2018–19 |rowspan="3"|Belgian First Division A |21||0||1||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||5{{efn|Appearances in Europa League play-offs}}||1||27||1 |- |2019–20 |19||0||1||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||20||0 |- |2020–21 |8||0||0||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||8||0 |- !colspan="2"|Total !48!!0!!2!!0!!colspan="2"|—!!colspan="2"|—!!5!!1!!55!!1 |- |Nîmes (loan) |2020–21 |Ligue 1 |9||0||1||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||10||0 |- |rowspan="3"|Nîmes |2021–22 |rowspan="2"|Ligue 2 |28||0||3||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||31||0 |- |2022–23 |1||0||0||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||1||0 |- !colspan="2"|Total !29!!0!!3!!0!!colspan="2"|—!!colspan="2"|—!!colspan="2"|—!!32!!0 |- |rowspan="5"|Kashima Antlers |2023 |rowspan="3"|J1 League |34||2||1||0||6||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||41||2 |- |2024 |38||3||4||1||2||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||44||4 |- |2025 |38||2||3||0||2||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||43||2 |- |2026 |J1 100 Year Vision League |12||2||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||12||2 |- !colspan="2"|Total !122!!9!!8!!1!!10!!0!!colspan="2"|—!!colspan="2"|—!!140!!10 |- !colspan="3"|Career total !308!!13!!26!!1!!17!!0!!15!!2!!10!!1!!374!!17 |} {{notelist}}

===International=== {{updated|15 July 2025}}<ref name="JNFTD">[http://www.jfootball-db.com/players_a/naomichi_ueda.html Japan National Football Team Database]{{in lang|ja}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" |+ Appearances and goals by national team and year |- !National team!!Year!!Apps!!Goals |- |rowspan="6"|Japan |2017||2||0 |- |2018||2||0 |- |2019||7||0 |- |2020||2||1 |- |2021||3||0 |- |2025||2||0 |- !colspan="2"|Total!!18!!1 |}

:''Scores and results list Japan's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Ueda goal''.

{| class="wikitable sortable" |+ List of international goals scored by Naomichi Ueda |- !scope="col"|No. !scope="col"|Date !scope="col"|Venue !scope="col"|Opponent !scope="col"|Score !scope="col"|Result !scope="col"|Competition |- | align="center"|1 || 13 October 2020 || Stadion Galgenwaard, Utrecht, Netherlands || {{fb|CIV}} || align="center"|1–0 || align="center"|1–0 || Friendly |}

==Honours== ===Club=== '''Kashima Antlers''' *J.League Cup: 2015 *Emperor's Cup: 2016 *J1 League: 2016<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.jleague.jp/standings/2016/|title= 明治安田J1リーグの順位表 (2016)|access-date= 6 December 2025|website= J. League|language=ja}}</ref>, 2025<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.jleague.jp/standings/2025/|title= 明治安田J1リーグの順位表 (2025)|access-date= 6 December 2025|website= J. League|language=ja}}</ref>

*Japanese Super Cup: 2017 *AFC Champions League: 2018

===International=== '''Japan U23''' *AFC U-23 Championship: 2016

'''Japan''' *EAFF Championship: 2025

===Individual=== *J.League Best XI: 2025<ref>{{cite web |url= https://web.gekisaka.jp/news/jleague/detail/?442577-442577-fl|title= 2025年Jリーグベストイレブンが発表!! 王者・鹿島から最多3人、初受賞は10人|access-date= 11 December 2025|date= 11 December 2025|website= Gekisaka|language=ja}}</ref>

==References== {{reflist}}

==External links== *{{FIFA player|331166}} *{{NFT player}} *{{Soccerway}} *{{J.League player|11308}} *[https://web.archive.org/web/20160927160354/http://www.so-net.ne.jp/antlers/clubs/23.html Profile at Kashima Antlers]

{{Kashima Antlers squad}} {{Navboxes |title= Japan squads |bg= mediumblue |fg= white |bordercolor= red |list1= {{Japan squad 2015 AFC Asian Cup}} {{Japan men's football squad 2016 Summer Olympics}} {{Japan squad 2018 FIFA World Cup}} {{Japan squad 2019 Copa América}} }}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Ueda, Naomichi}} Category:1994 births Category:Living people Category:Football people from Kumamoto Prefecture Category:Japanese men's footballers Category:Men's association football defenders Category:Japan men's international footballers Category:Japan men's youth international footballers Category:Olympic footballers for Japan Category:Asian Games footballers for Japan Category:Footballers at the 2014 Asian Games Category:2015 AFC Asian Cup players Category:Footballers at the 2016 Summer Olympics Category:2018 FIFA World Cup players Category:2019 Copa América players Category:J1 League players Category:J3 League players Category:21st-century Japanese sportsmen Category:Belgian Pro League players Category:Ligue 1 players Category:Ligue 2 players Category:Kashima Antlers players Category:AFC Champions League Elite–winning players Category:J.League U-22 Selection players Category:Cercle Brugge KSV players Category:Nîmes Olympique players Category:Japanese expatriate men's footballers Category:Japanese expatriate sportspeople in Belgium Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Belgium Category:Japanese expatriate sportspeople in France Category:Expatriate men's footballers in France