Japanese · Kanazawa, Japan · Born 22 January 1977Japanese midfielder who became the first Japanese player in Serie A and won the 2001 title with Roma, earning 77 international caps for Japan.
Hidetoshi Nakata was born in Kōfu, Japan on 22 January 1977. He developed at Bellmare Hiratsuka and Shimizu S-Pulse before Perugia signed him in 1998 — the first Japanese player to make a major impact in Serie A. His combination of technical ability, vision and professionalism won him the admiration of Italian coaches. AS Roma paid €13 million for him in 2000 and he won the Serie A title in 2001. He later played for Parma, Fiorentina, Bologna and Bolton Wanderers. He earned 77 caps for Japan and was the central figure in their 2002 World Cup run to the round of 16 on home soil. He was named Asia's best player multiple times. He abruptly retired aged 29 in 2006 at the height of his powers, citing a desire to live fully rather than remain in football. He became a global advocate for sustainable fashion and travel. His retirement letter — composed on a train across Europe — described football as completed work.
First Asian player to win Serie A title
He retired from football aged 29 at the peak of his powers, explaining that he had achieved everything he wanted in the game.
Did You Know?How They Played
Technical midfielder with excellent passing range and work rate
Lasting Impact
Pioneered the path for Asian players in European football
Career Honours
- Serie A 2001 (Roma)
- Asian Player of Year 4x
- 77 Japan caps
- Serie A 2001
- AFC Asian Cup 2000
| Club | Period | Fee | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bellmare Hiratsuka | 1995–1998 | — | 85 | 16 |
| Perugia | 1998–2000 | — | 48 | 12 |
| Roma | 2000–2001 | €13m | 30 | 5 |
| Parma | 2001–2004 | — | 67 | 5 |
| Bologna | 2004–2004 | loan | 17 | 2 |
| Fiorentina | 2004–2006 | — | 20 | 0 |
| Bolton Wanderers | 2005–2006 | loan | 21 | 1 |
 Japan | — | — | 77 | 11 |
Japanese Athletes