Sato was born in Yamagata Prefecture on April 15, 1951. After graduating from Chuo University, he joined Japan Soccer League club Furukawa Electric in 1974. He debuted in 1976 and the club won Japan Soccer League and Emperor's Cup. The club also won 1985/86 Japan Soccer League, 1986 JSL Cup. He retired in 1988. He played 142 games in the league.