Such a classy dude. And rare one. I'm mean he's inspiration came from a manga character, how unique is that! And kudos for supporting your culture too, not many players would have even thought about that. But then again, not many cultures are as Rich as Japan's.
Millenials would probably not know who this guy is. One of the best Asian footballers ever, and a starter wherever he goes - Roma, Perugia, Parma, Bologna, you name it! Not to mention man ages well too. Massive respect!
Millenial here. Yes I know who he is. I obsessively watched the Nike ads from the 2002 world Cup, and he was featured in a lot of those. That's where I first learned this guy is the real Japanese deal.
I had the privilege to interview him one on one. He has completely abandoned football and makes it as part of his past that he will never dig up again. He does not watch games or play for fun anymore. He is now completely focused on his other ventures.
Hans David That’s too bad, he could at least get involved with the Japan NT and inspire the new generation. Just a few advice from such a japanese legend could make a difference in a young player’s career
Though I am a Chinese ! I got to say, Nakata is perhaps the best player ever coming out of Asia! I mean back then he was not only an icon in Asia but really a world class footballer
花房白香 🐒🇰🇷🐒 😂😂😂 park ji sung→ bench warmer ki sung → kicked out of bench Kwon Chang-hoon→Bench Could you tell me Anyone else in korea act/acted in EU league? Nakata>>>>Son=kagawa minamino>other korean
@@guozhou8114 What are you talking about? Park Ji-sung is a legend in Manchester United, and now he's playing Amber Suther, and Son Heung-min is the final candidate for Ballon d'Or. You guys are better than Japan.
No doubt the Best midfielder in Asia of all time, he is a wonderful former footballer also shows a Great man being. We respect NAKATA. i am from Korea.
When I was kid growing up in Japan, the couple who owned a restaurant we would regular every Sunday, would bring me back gifts and souvenirs from Italy being that they would travel there all the time. I still have the Parma Nakata jersey they gave me as a kid. Nakata and Nakamura were footballers I idolized growing up. Great role models too.
True Asian legend. When i was kid i only knew Nakamura (bcs of his skills and legendary freekick ability) but in my country a lot of adult football fans talked about him and a lot of people wear his AS Roma, Parma, Perugia, or Japanese jersey. And then i searched about him and watches his footages... yes, he is the most complete Asian player that i ever watch. Both Nakata and Nakamura (along with Park Ji Sung) once nominated for Ballon D'or, as far as i know they're the only Asians that ever got nominated!
Childhood memory right here: I love that anime Captain Tsubasa aka Captain Majid, it got me into football too. Such a shame it isn't well known in the west. It needs a reboot
