Japanese · Yokohama, Japan · Born 24 June 1978Japanese footballer renowned for exceptional free-kick ability and technical skills, achieved legendary status at Celtic FC and represented Japan 98 times.
Shunsuke Nakamura won three Scottish Premier League titles with Celtic, becoming renowned for his exceptional free-kick technique, including a famous strike against Manchester United in the Champions League in 2006. He earned 98 caps for Japan across three World Cups, and his time in Scotland made him one of the most celebrated Japanese footballers to have played in Europe. His set-piece delivery and dead-ball striking were considered among the finest in world football during his peak years in Scotland and Japan.
Masterful free-kick technique and creative playmaking ability
How They Played
Creative attacking midfielder with exceptional technical ability, vision, and dead-ball expertise
Lasting Impact
First Asian player to achieve major success in Scottish football and inspired generation of Japanese players in Europe
Career Honours
- Scottish Premier League 3x (Celtic)
- 98 Japan caps
- J-League Division 1 2003
- J-League Division 1 2004
- Scottish Premier League 2006
- Scottish Premier League 2007
- Scottish Premier League 2008
- Scottish Cup 2007
| Club | Period | Apps | Goals | Shirt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yokohama F. Marinos | 1997–2000 | 119 | 11 | #10 |
| Reggina | 2000–2002 | 63 | 11 | — |
| Celtic | 2005–2009 | 166 | 33 | — |
| Espanyol | 2009–2010 | 25 | 1 | — |
| Jubilo Iwata | 2002–2005 | 89 | 18 | — |
 Japan | — | 98 | 24 | — |
Japanese Athletes