Hidetoshi Nakata
Hidetoshi Nakata is a retired Japanese midfielder widely regarded as one of Asia’s greatest footballers. Known for his intelligence, technique, and flair, he became a global icon and paved the way for Japanese players in Europe during the late 1990s and early 2000s.
📌 Club Career
| Years | Club | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1995–1998 | Bellmare Hiratsuka | 85 | 16 |
| 1998–2000 | Perugia | 48 | 12 |
| 2000–2001 | AS Roma | 30 | 5 |
| 2001–2004 | Parma | 67 | 9 |
| 2004 | → Bologna (loan) | 17 | 2 |
| 2004–2005 | Fiorentina | 20 | 0 |
| 2005–2006 | Bolton Wanderers | 21 | 1 |
| Total | 288 | 45 | |
🌍 International Career
| Years | Team | Caps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1997–2006 | Japan | 77 | 11 |
Nakata represented Japan at three FIFA World Cups (1998, 2002, 2006) and played a key role in their rise as a footballing power in Asia. He captained the national team and was instrumental in Japan’s 2000 AFC Asian Cup triumph.
🏆 Honours
AS Roma
- Serie A: 2000–01
Parma
- Coppa Italia: 2001–02
Japan
- AFC Asian Cup: 2000, 2004
⭐ Individual Awards
- AFC Asian Cup Best Player: 2000
- AFC Player of the Year: 1997, 1998
- Japanese Footballer of the Year: 1997, 1998
- Italian Football Hall of Fame (Special Award): 2018
- Included in FIFA 100 (by Pelé): 2004
- Japan Professional Sports Grand Prize: 1997
- J. League All-Star Soccer: 1997
- IFFHS Legends
🎨 Style of Play
Nakata was a technically gifted playmaker known for his creativity, composure, and precise passing. He had a keen sense of positioning, an eye for goal, and the ability to dictate tempo from midfield. His professionalism and charisma made him a respected leader both on and off the field.
👔 Post-retirement Career
Retiring at just 29, Nakata pursued a new path focused on culture, travel, and social impact. He became a fashion and cultural ambassador for Japan, founded the “N. Project,” and has been involved in promoting traditional Japanese crafts and sake worldwide.