Hidetoshi Nakata

Hidetoshi Nakata is a Japanese former professional footballer who played as an attacking midfielder for clubs including Perugia, Roma, and Parma, and for Japan’s national team.

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Japan national football team: The national association football team representing Japan in international competition. Nakata became a central figure for Japan and played in two FIFA World Cups.
Perugia Calcio: An Italian football club based in Perugia, Umbria. Nakata made his European breakthrough with Perugia after moving from Japan in 1998.
J.League: Japan’s professional association football league system, whose top division is the J1 League. The league’s growth preceded Nakata’s move to Europe and helped develop Japan’s modern football culture.
Hidetoshi Nakata Foundation: A foundation established by Hidetoshi Nakata to support cultural and social initiatives in Japan. Nakata’s post-football work includes projects connected to Japanese culture and community.
Shinji Ono: A Japanese former professional footballer who played as a midfielder for club and national teams. Ono was a contemporary of Nakata in Japan’s generation of internationally prominent players.
AS Roma: An Italian professional football club based in Rome. Nakata joined Roma in 2000 and contributed during its 2000–01 Serie A-winning season.
Japanese footballers in Europe: Japanese association football players who have competed for clubs in European leagues. Nakata’s success in Italy helped make European club careers more visible to Japanese players.
Sake: A Japanese alcoholic beverage brewed from fermented rice. After retiring, Nakata became a public advocate for sake and Japan’s regional brewing traditions.
Zico: A Brazilian former footballer and manager, regarded as one of the greatest attacking midfielders. Zico coached Japan during Nakata’s international career.
Parma Calcio 1913: An Italian football club based in Parma, Emilia-Romagna. Nakata played for Parma from 2001 to 2004, including its 2002 Coppa Italia victory.