Hidetoshi Nakata
Awards & Honours
9
Awards Won
5
Honours
3
Rankings
3
Covers
3
Records
Hidetoshi Nakata shattered barriers for Asian athletes, becoming the first player from the AFC to be nominated for the Ballon d'Or. His achievement stands as a unique milestone in football history, proving that players from Asia could compete and excel at the highest levels of European football. Being named to Pele's FIFA 100 list placed him among the top living players globally, a rare honor for an Asian athlete. His two-time Asian Footballer of the Year awards and multiple league titles in Italy demonstrate a level of consistency and excellence that few have matched. These accomplishments were not just statistical; they represented a cultural shift that opened doors for future generations of Asian players.
Awards
Honours & Distinctions
Knight of the Order of the Star of Italian Solidarity
Awarded for enhancing Italy's global image through sporting achievements.
Pele's FIFA 100
Named one of the top 125 living footballers by Pelé.
Asian Footballer of the Year
Recognized as the best player in Asia.
Asian Footballer of the Year
Recognized as the best player in Asia.
J.League Hall of Fame
Inducted for outstanding contributions to Japanese football.
Rankings & Lists
Greatest Asian Athletes
Greatest Japanese Footballers
Top Asian Players of All Time
Magazine Covers
Weekly Play
1999
The New Face of Asian Football
Vogue Japan
2001
Fashion and Football
Football Z
2000
The Italian Dream
Records & Feats
First Asian Ballon d'Or Nominee
Became the first player from an Asian Football Confederation country to be nominated for the prestigious award.
Youngest Japanese World Cup Goal Scorer
Scored Japan's first World Cup goal against Croatia at age 21.
Most Asian Player on FIFA 100 List
One of only two Asian players included in Pele's list of the 125 greatest living footballers.