Yamaguchi was born in Kumamoto Prefecture on November 19, 1971. After dropped out from Kindai University, he joined J1 League club Gamba Osaka in 1993. He became a regular player from 1994. He moved to Kyoto Purple Sanga in 1996 and played until 1997. In June 1998, he signed with Sanfrecce Hiroshima. The club won the 2nd place at 1999 Emperor's Cup. He retired end of 2000 season.