Kotaro Umeda (梅田小太郎, Umeda Kotaro, born 15 February 1998) is a Japanese professional footballer who currently plays as a defender for Hong Kong Premier League club Resources Capital.

Umeda was born in Tokyo, Japan but grew up in the United States, where he played several championships before turning professional in Brazil, playing for Joinville Esporte Clube.

Born in Tokyo, Japan, Umeda and his family moved to the United States when he was six years old. At the age of nine, he was spotted by Kia Zolgharnain, who helped his evolution into a professional footballer.^[2] Umeda is a Mayfield High School alumni and played NCAA Division I soccer at the University of Louisville before becoming a pro in Brazil.^[3]

Umeda played youth football in the United States. He was a member of the Internationals Soccer Club and the Cleveland Soccer Academy in Cleveland.^[4]

Umeda published his first book, I'm With You, in English in 2019. He also published the book in Portuguese. Umeda promotes help to needy families while sharing football responsibilities with Joinville Esporte Clube.^[14]

Umeda became an ambassador for the United Way of Greater Cleveland in 2020, an endowment that supports low-income families and fights prejudice.^[15]

Umeda is a brand ambassador for Obsesh, which is an online platform that communicates directly with fans and supporters.^[16]