By Harry Brown
When Kaito Hayashi moved to Estonian side Nõmme United from Portugal in 2025, he began another chapter in his goalkeeping coach career. He faced the challenge of adapting to a different culture and footballing environment.
Kaito, before joining Nõmme United was at Portuguese club Tondela, but he joined the Estonians in December 2025. But, why Estonia? And how has Kaito found himself coaching in the Baltics? Well, we spoke to him about his career so far and how he ended up in this position.
‘When I played football, I was a goalkeeper but I stopped playing at 18 as I wasn’t tall enough I was unable to progress. So I decided to study football coaching at Solent University in England, and before my final year I was lucky enough to get an internship at CD Tondela.’
This isn’t Hyashi’s first stint in the Baltics though. ‘Right before graduation, I got a full time job as a head of goalkeeping at FK BE1, Lithuania, in 2025 and now I work with Nõmme United.’
We spoke to the Japanese coach on what made him choose Nõmme United out of all the offers he had.
‘The club is known for developing young talents, they get so many opportunities either with the first team or for the international team.’ Kaito continued by mentioning what an honour it is to work with Estonian goalkeeping legend Mart Poom.
‘It’s special to work alongside and be in the presence of Mart Poom, especially as a goalkeeper coach, I learn so much from him, both in coaching and goalkeeping, his experience is vital to me.’
Kaito is only 25 years old, but he has already built his own coaching philosophy and values he integrates into players.
‘I want players to challenge themselves and embrace mistakes, I want goalkeepers to unlock their hidden potential and for them to do so it’s my responsibility.
‘Goalkeepers need to play with intention, rather than instinct I want players to always process the situation and take action with rational, to some extent.’
He has only been at Nõmme United for six months but he has alraedy spoken of highlights whilst being with the club.
‘Beating Flora was a special win for me and everyone in the club. Throughout the season the players and coaches have put in so much hard work and that day it felt like it all came together and the hard work paid off.’
The Japanese coach has high ambitions for his future endeavours personally and with the club.
‘As a team our target for the season is to stay in the league. We have seen the standard in the division and we have prepared to get the results we need. The main goal is to be consistently playing in the Premium Liiga.
‘Personally, I’m enrolled in the UEFA GK A license. Finishing the course is my minimum target, I want to develop as a coach and learn from different coaches and players throughout my journey.’
Finally, we asked Kaito for any advice to young goalkeepers and aspiring coaches who want to follow a similar path to the Japanese coach.
‘I would encourage young players to keep playing, as playing helps you relate with players and if you turn to coaching you can then see both perspectives.’
He also spoke about being patient and taking any opportunity you can. ‘Patience is crucial and opportunities don’t come easily, you have to practice and keep knocking on doors.’
For Kaito Hayashi, the journey from Japan to Estonia via Europe is more than football. It is a chance to embrace new cultures and develop his skills a across the world.
