Do you recognize him? He made Juve lose a championship, Serie A changed the rules for him

There are those who experience football as a total vocation and those who, however, go through it almost by chance, leaving it at the moment of maximum consecration. The story of a talent capable of conquering Europe and then voluntarily leaving it remains one of the most fascinating and atypical of modern sport. A path made of success, counter-current choices and personal research. From the stadium to the catwalks, from the spotlights of the World Cup to an internal journey lasting years. A short but intense career, where made Juve lose a championship for a very particular case, followed by a second life built away from the field. A figure capable of combining sport, culture and entrepreneurship. Now it has moved on to Globe Soccer Awards in Dubaidid you recognize him? Years have passed since he decided to take a new path, away from football and trying to promote the Japanese industry.

Nakata, Holly and Benji and their beginnings with football

Well there is only one answer: Hidetoshi Nakata. The Japanese he has never been the classic child who dreams of becoming a professional footballer. His first contact with the ball was born almost for fun, fascinated by the adventures of Captain Tsubasaknown in Italy as Holly e Benji. In a Japan where football was not yet the dominant sport, that manga represents a decisive spark. Growing up in Yamanashi prefecture, at the foot of Mount Fuji, he began playing without particular ambitions. His talent, however, quickly emerged. With Bellmare Hiratsuka, in the J-League, he stood out by contributing to the victory of the Asian Cup Winners’ Cup in 1995. His technical qualities and personality soon brought him into the spotlight. The 1996 Atlanta Olympics were the first truly international stage. But it was at the ’98 World Cup in France that the world truly discovered Nakata. Not only for his football, but also for a unique style, made iconic by his dyed hair that changed color.

Football experiences in Italy

After the 1998 World Cup, Italy became his new football home. The Perugia he purchased it for a record amount at the time, focusing on a profile yet to be discovered. The impact was immediate: ten goals in his first season as a midfielder, with a brace on his debut making a splash. From there he began a journey that took him to the big clubs in Serie A. The transition to Roma represents a definitive leap in level. Subsequently he also wore the shirts of Parma, Bologna e Fiorentinaliving different but always significant experiences. There is also room for an adventure abroad, with the loan to Bolton in the Premier League. He leaves his mark on every team with his professionalism and tactical intelligence. Nakata becomes a symbol of Japanese football in Europe. A cultural bridge as well as a sporting one. A recognizable player, on and off the pitch.