Yuta Nakayama
Yūta Nakayama is a professional footballer known for his versatility as a defender, playing as a centre back, left back, or defensive midfielder.
He began his professional career with Kashiwa Reysol, making his debut in the J. League Division 1 in 2015.
Nakayama played a crucial role in the Japan national under-20 team during the 2017 U-20 World Cup, participating in all four matches.
Biography
Early Life
Yūta Nakayama was born in Ibaraki, Japan, where he developed a passion for football from a young age. His dedication to the sport led him to join the Japan national under-17 football team, where he honed his skills and showcased his potential on an international stage from 2013 to 2014.
Career
Nakayama's professional career began with Kashiwa Reysol in 2015, where he made his debut in the J. League Division 1 and the AFC Champions League. His performance earned him recognition, and in 2017, he was honored as the J.League Rookie of the Year. After three successful years with Kashiwa Reysol, he moved to PEC Zwolle in the Netherlands in January 2019, where he quickly made an impact, scoring his first goal in a thrilling match against Utrecht.
In July 2022, Nakayama transitioned to Huddersfield Town in the EFL Championship, marking his entry into English football. He scored his first goal for the club shortly after joining, contributing to a victory over Stoke City. Following his time in England, Nakayama signed with FC Machida Zelvia in 2024, continuing to build his career.
On the international front, Nakayama has represented Japan at various levels, including the U-20 national team during the 2017 U-20 World Cup. He made his senior debut for the Japan national team in June 2019 during the Copa América. Although he was selected for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, an unfortunate Achilles injury forced him to withdraw from the squad.
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Career & Clubs
Kashiwa Reysol
Nakayama was born in Ibaraki, Japan. He made his official debut for Kashiwa Reysol in the J. League Division 1, AFC Champions League on 6 May 2015 against the Vietnam-based club Binh Duong F.C in Go Dau Stadium in Thu Dau Mot, Vietnam. He started and played the full match, receiving a yellow card in the 83rd minute. Nakayama and his club lost the match 1–0. In 2017, Nakayama was named J.League Rookie of the Year.
PEC Zwolle
On 15 January 2019, Nakayama joined Eredivisie team PEC Zwolle on a three-and-a-half-year deal. He made his debut for Zwolle on 31 March 2019, in a 3–0 home victory over FC Emmen. He scored his first goal in the Netherlands, on 17 January 2020, in a 3–3 draw against Utrecht.
Huddersfield Town
On 15 July 2022, following PEC Zwolle's relegation from the Eredivisie, Nakayama joined EFL Championship club Huddersfield Town on a two-year deal. Nakayama scored his first goal in England in his third appearance for Huddersfield, a 3–1 victory over Stoke City on 13 August 2022.
Machida Zelvia
On 14 August 2024, Nakayama was announced at Machida Zelvia.
In May 2017, Nakayama was elected Japan U-20 national team for 2017 U-20 World Cup. At this tournament, he played full time in all four matches as center back. He made his Japan national team debut on 17 June 2019 in the 2019 Copa América game against Chile, as a starter. Nakayama was selected for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, but he was forced to withdraw from the official squad list, due to an achilles injury.
Club
As of match played 5 May 2024
International
As of match played 31 January 2024
- Club
- Kashiwa Reysol (2015–2018)
- Club
- Japan national under-17 football team (2013–2014)
- Club
- Japan national under-20 association football team (2016–2017)
- Club
- Japan men's national football team (2019–)
- Club
- J.League U-22 Selection (2015–2015)
- Club
- PEC Zwolle (2019–2022)
- Club
- Huddersfield Town A.F.C. (2022–2024)
- Club
- FC Machida Zelvia (2024–2026)
- Club
- FK Crvena zvezda (2026–)
- National team
- Japan
Clubs
- Japan men's national football team2019current
- FK Crvena zvezda2026current
- Japan national under-17 football team2013–2014
- J.League U-22 Selection2015–2015
- Kashiwa Reysol2015–2018
- Japan national under-20 association football team2016–2017
- PEC Zwolle2019–2022
- Huddersfield Town A.F.C.2022–2024
- FC Machida Zelvia2024–2026
Played together with
Abdelhamid SabiriHuddersfield Town A.F.C. · 2017–2019
Adam ClaytonHuddersfield Town A.F.C. · 2012–2014- Adam HammillHuddersfield Town A.F.C. · 2012–2013
- Adam HammillHuddersfield Town A.F.C. · 2013–2015
- Adebayo AdigunKashiwa Reysol · 2009–2010
- Adílson Ferreira de SouzaKashiwa Reysol · 2008–2009
- Akihiro HyodoKashiwa Reysol · 2011–2011
- Akimi BaradaKashiwa Reysol · 2009
Akira MatsunagaKashiwa Reysol · 1971–1982
Akira NishinoKashiwa Reysol · 1978–1990- Akira ToshimaFC Machida Zelvia
- Alceu Rodrigues Simoni FilhoKashiwa Reysol · 2007–2007
Archive
Passport
Identifiers & aliases
Yūta Nakayama is a Japanese professional footballer who plays as a centre back, left back or defensive midfielder for SuperLiga club Red Star Belgrade and the Japan national team.
Opinions of fans — not verified facts.
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