Koji Nakata
Nakata was elected to the Best Eleven in 2001, recognizing his outstanding performance in the J1 League.
Kōji Nakata is known as the 'other Nakata' among non-Japanese fans, distinguishing him from the more famous Hidetoshi Nakata.
He began his professional career with Kashima Antlers in 1998, where he won the J1 League championship in his first season.
Biography
Early Life
Kōji Nakata was born on July 9, 1979, in Otsu, Japan. He began his football journey at a young age, showcasing his talent as a left-footed midfielder. After graduating from high school, Nakata joined the Kashima Antlers in 1998, where he quickly made a name for himself.
Career
Nakata's professional career took off with the Kashima Antlers, where he played from 1998 to 2004. During his time there, he was part of a successful team that won multiple titles, including the J1 League and the J.League Cup. In 2005, he made a significant move to France, signing with Olympique de Marseille, but faced challenges during his time there, leading to a transfer to FC Basel in Switzerland in 2006. At Basel, he became the first Japanese player to sign for a Swiss top-flight club, further establishing his international presence.
On the international stage, Nakata represented Japan from 2000 to 2007, participating in two FIFA World Cups (2002 and 2006) and earning 57 caps while scoring 2 goals. He played a versatile role, often shifting between defensive midfielder and left-back, contributing to Japan's success in various tournaments, including the 2004 Asian Cup.
Personal Life
Kōji Nakata is married to actress Nao Nagasawa, with whom he has three children. The couple tied the knot on February 22, 2014, marking a new chapter in Nakata's life beyond football. His journey from a promising young player to a respected figure in Japanese football reflects his dedication and passion for the sport.
Collected from open sources (2) · facts link to sources · AI-processed
Career & Clubs
Kashima Antlers
The 'other Nakata', as he is known to most non-Japanese fans, is a left-footed midfielder. A versatile player, Nakata has established himself as a defensive midfielders for Japan. Nakata was born in Otsu on 9 July 1979. After graduating from high school, he joined Kashima Antlers in 1998. Japan national team players Masashi Motoyama, Mitsuo Ogasawara and Hitoshi Sogahata were Nakata's contemporaries. He debuted as defensive midfielder in first season and the club won the championship in the 1998 J1 League. From 2000, he became a regular player and constituted midfielder with Yasuto Honda, Bismarck, Motoyama and Ogasawara. In 2000, the club won all three major title in Japan J1 League, J.League Cup and Emperor's Cup. In 2001, the club won J1 League and he was also elected Best Eleven. The club also won 2002 J.League Cup.
Olympique Marseille
Nakata moved from Japanese Kashima Antlers to France at the start of 2005, when former Japan national team manager Philippe Troussier, then the Olympique de Marseille coach, signed him in a deal. After an understandably unhappy season in France (Troussier was sacked just a few months later), the frozen-out Nakata jumped at the chance to leave and early 2006 he moved to Switzerland's top team FC Basel.
Basel
On 1 February 2006, it was announced that FC Basel had signed Nakata on a two-and-a-half-year contract. He was the first Japanese player to sign for a Swiss top-flight club. He joined Basel's…
Although Nakata played as defensive midfielder at the club, he played as left-back of three backs defense at U20, U23 and senior national team under manager Philippe Troussier. In April 1999, Nakata played for Japan U20 at 1999 World Youth Championship. He played all 7 matches with defender Kazuki Teshima and Shigeki Tsujimoto, and Japan won the 2nd place. On 5 February 2000, Nakata debuted for Japan national team against Mexico. In September, he was elected U23 Japan for 2000 Summer Olympics. Although he played as regular player, he was hurt in third match against Brazil and he could not play after the match. In 2001 and 2002, Nakata played all matches for Japan including 2001 Confederations Cup and 2002 World Cup. At Confederations Cup, Japan won the 2nd place. At 2002 World Cup, he played full-time all 4 matches. After 2002 World Cup, Nakata played as defensive midfielder under new manager Zico. Although his opportunity to play decreased, he was elected Japan for many competition, 2003, 2005 Confederations Cup, 2004 Asian Cup and 2006 World Cup. At 2004 Asian Cup, he played 4 matches and scored 2 goals in semifinal and final, including a handball in the final, and Japan won the champions. He played 57 games and scored 2 goals for Japan until 2007.
Club
International
Scores and results list Japan's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Nakata goal.
- National team
- Japan
- Club
- Kashima Antlers (2008–2014)
- Club
- Japan men's national football team (2000–2007)
- Club
- FC Basel (2006–2008)
- Club
- Kashima Antlers (1998–2004)
- Club
- Olympique de Marseille (2005–2006)
Personal
Nakata is married to actress, Nao Nagasawa, since 22 February 2014. The couple have 3 children.
Clubs
- Kashima Antlers1998–2004
- Japan men's national football team2000–2007
- Olympique de Marseille2005–2006
- FC Basel2006–2008
- Kashima Antlers2008–2014
Played together with
Abdelaziz BarradaOlympique de Marseille · 2014
Abdoulaye MéïtéOlympique de Marseille · 2000–2006
Abedi PeleOlympique de Marseille · 1988–1993
Abou DiabyOlympique de Marseille · 2015–2017
Adama TraoréFC Basel · 2015
Adil RamiOlympique de Marseille · 2017–2019- Adrian KnupFC Basel · 1986–1988
- Adrian KnupFC Basel · 1996–1998
Adriano GabiruOlympique de Marseille · 2000–2001
Adrie van KraayFC Basel · 1984–1985
Adrien RabiotOlympique de Marseille · 2024–2025- Akihiro SatoKashima Antlers · 2010–2010
Archive
Passport
Identifiers & aliases
Kōji Nakata is a Japanese former professional footballer who played as a defender and midfielder. At international level, he represented the Japan national team at both the 2002, and the 2006 FIFA World Cup.
Opinions of fans — not verified facts.
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