Yamada was born in Fujieda on September 10, 1975. After graduating from Fujieda Higashi High School, he joined J1 League club Urawa Reds in 1994. He became a regular player from 1995. Although he mainly played as a right-side defender or midfielder, he also played many position, center back, defensive midfielder and attacking midfielder. He played more than 500 league matches for Urawa and also served captain from 2004 to 2008. The club won the champions 2006 J1 League, 2003 J.League Cup, 2005 and 2006 Emperor's Cup. In Asia, the club won the champions 2007 AFC Champions League and the 3rd place 2007 Club World Cup. He retired end of the 2013 season.