Shunsuke Nakamura

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Nakamura's national team career began with the under-20 side at the 1996 AFC Youth Championship, earning him a spot at the 1997 FIFA World Youth Championship. He made his senior debut in 1998 and quickly became a key playmaker. At the 2004 AFC Asian Cup, he was named Most Valuable Player after leading Japan to victory. His free-kick technique was legendary; Steve Perryman once remarked that Nakamura 'could open a tin of beans with his left foot.' Nakamura also represented Japan at the 2006 and 2010 FIFA World Cups, and won the AFC Asian Cup again in 2000. He scored two goals in a 2002 Kirin Cup match against Honduras, which caught the attention of Reggina scouts.

In Their Own Story

In the 2004 AFC Asian Cup, Nakamura pulled the strings for Japan, threading passes and scoring crucial goals. His vision and dead-ball accuracy made him the tournament's standout player, earning him the MVP award. Four years earlier, he had already lifted the Asian Cup in 2000. On the world stage, he played in the 2006 and 2010 World Cups, providing creativity in a disciplined Japanese setup. His 98 caps and 24 goals include moments like his free-kick against Australia in 2006 World Cup qualifying—a curling strike that kissed the post and sealed Japan's place in the tournament.

Reader's Guide

Nakamura made his senior Japan debut in 1998 and went on to earn 98 caps and 24 goals. He won the AFC Asian Cup in 2000 and 2004, and was named Most Valuable Player of the 2004 tournament. He appeared in the FIFA World Cup in 2006 and 2010. Earlier, he played for the under-20 team at the 1997 FIFA World Youth Championship and the under-23 team at the 2000 Summer Olympics. His free-kick ability was a hallmark of his game, and he was known for his playmaking and vision. After retiring, he became an assistant coach of the Japan national team.

Did You Know?

• Nakamura is the only person to have been named J.League Most Valuable Player more than once, winning in 2000 and 2013.
• He was the first Japanese player to score in the UEFA Champions League.
• He was nominated for the 2007 Ballon d'Or.
• Steve Perryman said Nakamura 'could open a tin of beans with his left foot.'
• He was named Most Valuable Player of the 2004 AFC Asian Cup.