Japanese · Yokohama, Japan · Born 24 June 1978Japanese footballer renowned for exceptional free-kick ability and technical skills, achieved legendary status at Celtic FC and represented Japan 98 times.
Celtic's brilliant Japanese playmaker whose free-kick against Manchester United in the Champions League is one of the most celebrated goals in Scottish club history. Football at the highest level rewards technical mastery, physical conditioning and the mental fortitude to perform consistently across a long and unrelenting career. Career highlights included Scottish Premier League 3x (Celtic), 98 Japan caps. The true measure of a great football athlete is the ability to perform consistently over an extended period, and Shunsuke's career record demonstrates precisely that quality of sustained excellence. The longevity and quality of Shunsuke's achievements place them firmly among the most respected figures in the modern history of football. The standard Shunsuke Nakamura set across his career in football reflects the level of preparation, tactical intelligence and competitive focus that consistently separates the truly elite from the rest of the field.
Masterful free-kick technique and creative playmaking ability
How They Played
Creative attacking midfielder with exceptional technical ability, vision, and dead-ball expertise
Lasting Impact
First Asian player to achieve major success in Scottish football and inspired generation of Japanese players in Europe
Career Honours
- Scottish Premier League 3x (Celtic)
- 98 Japan caps
- J-League Division 1 2003
- J-League Division 1 2004
- Scottish Premier League 2006
- Scottish Premier League 2007
- Scottish Premier League 2008
- Scottish Cup 2007
| Club | Period | Apps | Goals | Shirt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yokohama F. Marinos | 1997–2000 | 119 | 11 | #10 |
| Reggina | 2000–2002 | 63 | 11 | — |
| Celtic | 2005–2009 | 166 | 33 | — |
| Espanyol | 2009–2010 | 25 | 1 | — |
| Jubilo Iwata | 2002–2005 | 89 | 18 | — |
 Japan | — | 98 | 24 | — |
Japanese Athletes