Yamada was born in Takatsuki on April 29, 1972. After graduating from Shimizu Commercial High School, he joined Japan Soccer League club Nissan Motors (later "Yokohama Marinos") in 1991. In 1992, Japan Soccer League was folded and the club joined new league, J1 League. He became a regular player from 1992. The club won the champions in 1995 season. He played 159 matches for the club until 1997. He played for Kyoto Purple Sanga in 1998 and Verdy Kawasaki in 1999. In 2000, he moved to J2 League club Vegalta Sendai. The club won the 2nd place in 2001 and was promoted to J1. He retired end of the 2003 season.