Shinji Kagawa
The Asian Football Confederation's International Player of the Year who has won over 90 caps for Japan.
Shinji Kagawa is a Japanese professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for J1 League club Cerezo Osaka. Since making his senior international debut in May 2008, he has won over 90 caps and scored over 30 goals for Japan. On 29 November 2012, Kagawa was named the Asian Football Confederation's International Player of the Year. He is widely regarded as one of the best Japanese players of all time.
- Major Honours
- 2019 AFC Asian Cup Runner-up
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Kagawa made his senior international debut on 24 May 2008 in a friendly Kirin Cup match, which Japan won. He previously played for the Japan under-20 national team in the 2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup held in Canada, and was selected for the Japan under-23 team for the 2008 Summer Olympics. His international career has seen him win over 90 caps and score over 30 goals for his country.
In Their Own Story
On 24 May 2008, Shinji Kagawa stepped onto the pitch for his senior international debut in a Kirin Cup friendly. Japan won that match, marking the beginning of a national team career that would see him earn over 90 caps and score over 30 goals. His performances for Japan helped him earn the Asian Football Confederation's International Player of the Year award on 29 November 2012, recognizing his contributions both for club and country.
Reader's Guide
Kagawa's international journey began with youth national teams, playing for the Japan under-20 side at the 2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Canada and the under-23 team at the 2008 Summer Olympics. His senior debut came on 24 May 2008 in a Kirin Cup friendly that Japan won. Over his career, he accumulated over 90 caps and scored over 30 goals for Japan. His achievements were recognized on 29 November 2012 when he was named the Asian Football Confederation's International Player of the Year.
Did You Know?
- Kagawa made his senior international debut on 24 May 2008 in a Kirin Cup match that Japan won.
- He played for the Japan under-20 team at the 2007 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Canada.
- Kagawa was selected for the Japan under-23 team for the 2008 Summer Olympics.
- On 29 November 2012, he was named the Asian Football Confederation's International Player of the Year.
- He has won over 90 caps and scored over 30 goals for Japan since his debut in 2008.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Shinji Kagawa?
Widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in Japanese football history, Shinji Kagawa was a dynamic playmaker known for his technical finesse. Often simply called 'Kagawa' by supporters, he played primarily as an attacking midfielder or forward during the national team's golden era.
Which clubs defined his career?
His career path began domestically with Gamba Osaka before making history in Europe as the first Japanese player to win a Bundesliga title with Borussia Dortmund. He also represented major European sides like Manchester City and Fenerbahçe before returning to Japan for his final club chapter.
What are his major international achievements?
Kagawa secured significant honors on the international stage, including winning the 2015 AFC Asian Cup and finishing as a runner-up in 2019. His debut era began in late 2008, marking the start of a long tenure where he helped bridge Japanese football to the global scene.
What was his specific role on the pitch?
Known for exceptional vision and the ability to link play between defensive and offensive lines, he operated as a visionary playmaker with elegance and grit. His technical skills allowed him to thrive in high-pressure environments across both domestic and European leagues.
Is Shinji Kagawa still active internationally?
Shinji Kagawa has officially retired from international duty, concluding his service to the national side after a distinguished career. Despite stepping away from the pitch, he remains a cornerstone figure and iconic symbol of Japan's footballing legacy.
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