Yūto Nagatomo

Awards & Honours

Awards Won

Honours

Rankings

Records

Nagatomo's career is defined by longevity and consistent high performance. He is Japan's second-most capped player ever, with 143 appearances, and one of the few Japanese footballers to play in five World Cups. His 2013 AFC International Player of the Year award recognized him as Asia's best player that season. At club level, he won league titles in two different countries (Turkey and Japan) and a domestic cup in Italy. His ability to adapt to four European leagues, Italy, Turkey, and France, and succeed in each is a rare feat for an Asian player.

AwardsNagatomo won the AFC Asian Cup with Japan in 2011 and the EAFF Championship in 2025. At club level, he lifted the J.League Cup with FC Tokyo in 2009, the Coppa Italia with Inter Milan in 2011, and back-to-back Süper Lig titles with Galatasaray in 2018 and 2019, plus the Turkish Cup and Super Cup. Individually, he was named AFC International Player of the Year in 2013.

Honours & Distinctions

AFC International Player of the Year

Asian Football Confederation·2013

Only Japanese player to win this award.

Japan Football Hall of Fame (Honorary)

Japan Football Association·2025

Recognized for contributions to Japanese football.

Rankings & Lists

Second-most capped Japanese player of all time

Japan Football Association·2026

Records & Feats

First Japanese outfield player to play in five FIFA World Cups

Historic First·2026

Nagatomo was selected for the 2026 World Cup at age 39, making him the first Japanese outfield player to appear in five tournaments.

Only Japanese winner of AFC International Player of the Year

Awards·2013

He is the sole Japanese player to have won this award, recognizing the best Asian player in international football.