Hiroki Sakai facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Hiroki Sakai
酒井 宏樹

Sakai lining up for Japan at the 2018 FIFA World Cup
Personal information
Date of birth	(1990-04-12) 12 April 1990 (age 35)
Place of birth	Kashiwa, Japan
Height	1.83 m
Playing position	Right-back
Club information
Current club	Auckland FC
Number	2
Youth career
2003–2008	Kashiwa Reysol
2009	Mogi Mirim
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps†	(Gls)†
2009–2012	Kashiwa Reysol	51	(2)
2012–2016	Hannover 96	92	(2)
2016–2021	Marseille	145	(1)
2021–2024	Urawa Red Diamonds	69	(5)
2024–	Auckland FC	10	(1)
National team‡
2011–2012	Japan U23	21	(2)
2021	Japan Olympic (O.P.)	5	(1)
2012–2022	Japan	74	(1)
Honours Representing  Japan AFC Asian Cup Silver 2019 United Arab Emirates
Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 21 January 2025. † Appearances (Goals). ‡ National team caps and goals correct as of 5 December 2022 (UTC)

Hiroki Sakai (酒井 宏樹, Sakai Hiroki, born 12 April 1990) is a Japanese professional footballer. He plays as a right back and is the first ever captain for A-League club Auckland FC.

Club Career

Kashiwa Reysol: Early Days

Hiroki Sakai was born in Kashiwa, Chiba, Japan, on April 12, 1990. His two older brothers introduced him to football. He joined a school football team when he was in third grade. Sakai first played as a striker, but later became a full-back. He played this position ever since. He spent 10 years with his school team before joining Kashiwa Reysol's youth team in 2003.

Sakai moved up through the ranks at Kashiwa Reysol. He learned a lot from coach Tatsuma Yoshida. He played for the U16 and U18 teams, even with some injuries. Sakai also spent a short time studying abroad at Mogi Mirim in Brazil. He said this experience helped him improve his skills as a right-back and centre-back. He returned to Japan in November 2009.

In 2010, Sakai joined Kashiwa Reysol's first team. He wore the number 30 shirt. He made his debut on May 5, 2010, as a substitute against Ventforet Kofu. On July 25, 2010, he started his first game and helped set up a goal against JEF United Chiba. His first goal for the club came on October 31, 2010, in a 4–1 win over Mito HollyHock. Sakai helped Kashiwa Reysol get promoted to the J. League Division 1. He played 12 games and scored once that season.

For the 2011 season, Sakai stayed with Kashiwa Reysol and got the number 4 shirt. He missed the start of the season due to a foot injury. On April 23, 2011, he returned in a win against Omiya Ardija. He quickly became a regular starter at right-back. Sakai signed another contract with the club on May 12, 2011. He often set up goals for his team. He helped Kashiwa Reysol win the league title that year. This meant the club qualified for the FIFA Club World Cup. He played in the play-off match, helping his team win 2–0 against Auckland City. Sakai even scored in the semi-final, though Kashiwa Reysol lost to Santos. He played four times in the tournament, and the team finished fourth. At the end of the 2011 season, he was named J. League Rookie of the Year and was chosen for the J. League Best XI team. He played 35 games and scored once that season.

In 2012, Sakai started the season by helping Kashiwa Reysol win the Japanese Super Cup. They beat FC Tokyo 2–1. He scored his first goal of the season in the AFC Champions League against Buriram United. He also scored and assisted a goal in the first league game against Yokohama F. Marinos. His third goal came in the AFC Champions League against Guangzhou Evergrande Taobao. European clubs, especially from Germany, became interested in him. Sakai played his last game for Kashiwa Reysol on June 30, 2012, in a 6–2 win over Gamba Osaka. He made 23 appearances and scored 3 goals before leaving.

Hannover 96: Playing in Germany

On June 13, 2012, it was announced that Hannover 96 in Germany would sign Sakai. He signed a four-year contract until 2016. The transfer cost about 1 million euros.

Sakai missed some early games in the 2012–13 season due to national team duties and injuries. He made his Hannover 96 debut on August 31, 2012, in a UEFA Europa League match, where he assisted a goal. His league debut was on September 23, 2012, as a substitute against 1899 Hoffenheim. He didn't play much at first but got more playing time towards the end of the season. In his first season, Sakai played 17 games.

For the 2013–14 season, Sakai competed for the right-back spot. When his teammate Steve Cherundolo got injured, Sakai started many games. He scored his first goal for Hannover 96 on November 3, 2013, in a loss to Werder Bremen. He helped his team keep a clean sheet in a local derby against Eintracht Braunschweig. Sakai later lost his starting spot but got it back in March 2014. He missed the last two league games due to a knee injury. He played 28 games and scored once that season.

In the 2014–15 season, Sakai became the main right-back after Cherundolo retired. He had some injury problems early on. In February, he faced competition from a new player, João Pereira. Sakai also had some discipline issues, getting suspended twice. He was sent off in a game against FC Augsburg. Despite injuries, he played 29 games.

Before the 2015–16 season, there were rumors that Sakai might leave Hannover 96, with clubs like Napoli interested. He stayed with the club. He kept his starting spot at right-back until mid-September when he got a thigh strain. He returned on October 18, 2015, as a substitute against 1. FC Köln. He was injured again in late November. After recovering, he got his starting spot back. He scored his first goal of the season on April 23, 2016, in a draw against FC Ingolstadt 04. This draw meant the club was relegated to 2. Bundesliga after 14 years in the top league. Sakai then missed the rest of the season with a muscle injury. He played 28 games and scored once. After the relegation, Sakai wanted to leave the club.

Olympique de Marseille: French Adventure

Sakai training ahead of Marseille’s match against Lens on 3 February 2021.

After Hannover 96 was relegated, Sakai joined Ligue 1 side Marseille for free on June 23, 2016. His national team manager, Vahid Halilhodžić, encouraged him to join. Sakai became the second Japanese player to join Marseille. He was given the number two shirt.

Sakai made his Marseille debut in the first game of the season. He assisted a goal for Florian Thauvin in a 4–0 win over Toulouse. He quickly became a regular starter at right-back because he was the only player for that position. He even played as a right-midfielder once. He suffered a muscle injury in October 2016 but returned quickly. He had some discipline issues, getting suspended twice. In his first season, Sakai played 40 games. His teammate Florian Thauvin and coach Rudi Garcia praised his effort.

In the 2017–18 season, Sakai continued to be the starting right-back. He said he felt more settled in France. His good performance in a win over Toulouse earned him a spot in the Team of the Week. On September 29, 2017, Sakai signed a new four-year contract, keeping him until 2021. He sometimes played left-back when other players were unavailable. He had a few injuries during the season. On April 12, 2018, he scored his first UEFA Europa League goal on his 28th birthday. It was in a 5–2 win over RB Leipzig, which helped Marseille reach the next round. He played 50 games and scored twice that season. Marseille reached the UEFA Europa League Final but lost to Atlético Madrid.

Sakai playing for Marseille’s during the match against Lens on 3 February 2021.

For the 2018–19 season, Sakai remained Marseille's first-choice right-back. He assisted two goals in September. He played his 100th game for the club on October 25, 2018, in a UEFA Europa League match. He sometimes played left-back or centre-back. After playing for Japan in the AFC Asian Cup, he returned to Marseille in February 2019. He scored his first goal of the season with a header in a 5–1 win against Toulouse. He played 32 games and scored once. At the end of the season, he was named Olympique de Marseille Player of the Season.

Before the 2019–20 season, Sakai was linked with Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur, but he stayed. He started the first four league games. On August 29, 2019, he extended his contract until 2022. He had a calf injury that made him miss two games. He returned for his 100th league appearance. He sometimes played left-back. In December 2019, he had a shoulder injury but recovered quickly. He was suspended twice. The season ended early due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Sakai played 25 games. He later had ankle surgery.

In the 2020–21 season, Sakai kept his starting spot at right-back. During a match against Paris Saint-Germain, there were claims of racial abuse against him by Neymar. Sakai denied these claims on social media. He assisted a goal in a 3–1 win against Bordeaux. He played in almost every game until a suspension. He returned and helped the club win. He had a stomach problem in February but returned quickly. He received a red card in a game against FC Nantes. After a two-match suspension, he returned as a substitute. He also played as a centre-back in two games. He made his last appearance for Marseille on May 16, 2021. He played 29 games that season.

On May 24, 2021, Sakai announced he was leaving Marseille, even though he had a year left on his contract. He was a fan favorite and said he was "a proud Marseillais."

Urawa Red Diamonds: Back Home

On June 10, 2021, Sakai returned to Japan, signing with Urawa Red Diamonds in the J1 League.

He made his debut for the club on August 14, 2021, in a 2–1 win against Sagan Tosu. He helped Urawa Red Diamonds keep five clean sheets in a row. He scored his first goal for the club on September 25, 2021, in a 2–1 win against FC Tokyo. His second goal came in a draw against Kawasaki Frontale. Sakai played in the Emperor's Cup final and helped his team win 2–1. He played 18 games and scored 2 goals that season.

In the Japanese Super Cup, Sakai assisted a goal in a 2–0 win against Kawasaki Frontale. He suffered a foot injury in March 2022 and was out for three weeks. He returned on April 10, 2022, in a draw against FC Tokyo. In the next game, he captained the club for the first time and assisted a goal. He then had another foot injury, missing two months. He returned in June 2022. He suffered a knee injury in July. In August, he returned as captain. In the AFC Champions League semi-finals, he assisted a goal and played the whole game, helping Urawa Red Diamonds win on penalties and reach the final. He had another calf injury but returned in September. He played 28 games that season.

For the 2023 season, Sakai was named the new captain of Urawa Red Diamonds. He started the first seven league games, helping the team win four in a row. He scored his first goal of the season on March 18, 2023, in a win against Albirex Niigata. He had a minor injury in April. Sakai led Urawa Red Diamonds to win the AFC Champions League title. They beat Al Hilal 2–1 on aggregate, winning their third title. He was named the AFC Champions League’s Most Valuable Player. He scored his second goal of the season in May. He received a red card in a J.League semi-final. He returned as captain for the J.League Cup final but lost. He then had a knee injury that was expected to end his season. However, he returned in December for the FIFA Club World Cup. He played in the second round and the third-place play-off. He played 37 games and scored 2 goals that season.

Before the 2024 season, Sakai remained captain. He scored his first goal of the season on March 10, 2024, in a win against Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo. He assisted two goals in late March and early April. He suffered a knee injury in April, missing a month. He returned in May. On June 30, 2024, he had a farewell sendoff with his teammate Alexander Scholz before leaving the club.

Auckland FC: New Beginnings

On June 11, 2024, reports said Sakai would move to Auckland FC for their first A-League Men season. On June 24, 2024, Urawa Red Diamonds confirmed his departure. On July 24, 2024, Auckland FC officially confirmed Sakai's move.

International Career

Playing for Japan's Youth Teams

Hiroki Sakai played for Japan's youth teams from 2008 to 2011. In May 2011, he was called up to the Japan U23 squad. He made his U23 debut on June 1, 2011, in a 3–1 win over Australia U23. Three weeks later, he scored his first U23 goal against Kuwait U23. He became a regular player for the U23 team at right-back. In February 2012, he scored and assisted a goal against Malaysia U23.

On July 2, 2012, Sakai was chosen for the 2012 Summer Olympics Football tournament in London. He started a game against Spain U23, which Japan won 1–0. He started three more games as Japan U23 reached the semi-finals and finished fourth.

Sakai was one of three older players chosen for Japan's team at the Olympic Games in Tokyo. He played his first game for the U23 team on July 22, 2021, in a 3–0 win against South Africa. He scored his first goal of the tournament in a 4–0 win against France. After a suspension, he returned for the semi-finals and bronze medal match, where Japan lost to Spain and Mexico.

Representing Japan's Senior Team

Sakai playing for Japan against Paraguay on 12 June 2018.

In October 2011, Sakai was called up to the senior squad for the first time. He didn't play in those games. On May 23, 2012, he made his debut for the "Samurai Blue" (Japan's national team) in a 2–0 win over Azerbaijan. He started his first game for Japan on September 6, 2012, against United Arab Emirates.

In 2013, Sakai competed for the right-back position with Atsuto Uchida. He was called up for the 2013 Confederations Cup. He played two games in the group stage, but Japan was eliminated. After Uchida's injury, Sakai started the next six international games for Japan. He assisted a goal in a 1–1 draw against Belgium.

In May 2014, Sakai was chosen for Japan's squad for the FIFA World Cup in Brazil. He didn't play in any matches, staying on the substitute bench. After the World Cup, he played for Japan again in September 2014. He was not part of the AFC Asian Cup team.

From 2015 onwards, Sakai became a key player at right-back for Japan. He helped Japan qualify for the FIFA World Cup in Russia. He also assisted five goals during the qualification matches.

In May 2018, Sakai was named in Japan's squad for the FIFA World Cup in Russia. He made his World Cup debut against Colombia in a 2–1 win. He started the next two games, helping Japan reach the knockout stage. He played in the Round of 16 match against Belgium, where Japan lost 3–2.

Sakai heading the ball away from Abdelkarim Hassan during the AFC Asian Cup final against Qatar.

After the World Cup, Sakai was called up again in October 2018. He assisted a goal in a 4–3 win against Uruguay. In the next game against Venezuela, Sakai scored his first goal for Japan in a 1–1 draw. In December 2018, he was selected for the 2019 AFC Asian Cup. He played in the group stage, helping Japan reach the knockout stage. He helped Japan reach the AFC Asian Cup final, keeping three clean sheets along the way. In the final against Qatar, Japan lost 3–1, finishing as runner-up.

After the AFC Asian Cup, Sakai played for Japan again in June 2019. He assisted three goals in five matches between September and November 2019.

On October 1, 2020, Sakai was called up to the Japan squad after eleven months. He played in a 0–0 draw against Cameroon. In May 2021, he assisted a goal in a 10–0 win against Myanmar. He made five starts for Japan in the FIFA World Cup qualification matches.

Sakai playing for Japan against Germany in the 2022 FIFA World Cup on 24 November 2022.

Sakai was called up for the Kirin Cup Soccer in September 2022. He played in a 2–0 win against United States. On November 1, 2022, he was named in the final squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. On November 24, 2022, Sakai started at right-back against Germany. He played 75 minutes in Japan's surprising 2–1 win. His next appearance was against Croatia on December 5, 2022. Japan lost on penalties after a 1–1 draw. He has not been called up to the national team since.

Personal Life

Hiroki Sakai comes from a family that values education. His father is a doctor, and one of his older brothers is a researcher. Growing up, Sakai looked up to the famous Brazilian footballer Ronaldo. In 2014, Sakai announced he married a woman who is not a celebrity. He said she is very supportive of his football career. In January 2015, his wife gave birth to their baby girl. On September 27, 2019, he announced he became a father for the second time.

Sakai loves Miso soup and once said it's a "necessity" for him. Besides Japanese, he can speak Portuguese, German, French, and English. He learned German twice a week when he played for Hannover 96. He has spoken about the different cultures in Germany and France.

In May 2018, Sakai published his first book called "Resetting Power 'Nature and the Mind Becomes Stronger' 46 Concept." During the COVID-19 pandemic, he donated 20,000 euros to a fund. He also created a website with Yūki Ōtsu to help the public.

Career Statistics

Club

International

Scores and results list Japan's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Sakai goal.

List of international goals scored by Hiroki Sakai

No.	Date	Venue	Opponent	Score	Result	Competition
1	16 November 2018	Ōita Bank Dome, Ōita, Japan	Venezuela	1–0	1–1	2018 Kirin Challenge Cup

Honours and Awards

Kashiwa Reysol

• J. League Division 1: 2011
• Japanese Super Cup: 2012
• J. League Division 2: 2010

Marseille

• UEFA Europa League runner-up: 2017–18

Urawa Red Diamonds

• AFC Champions League: 2022
• Emperor's Cup: 2021
• Japanese Super Cup: 2022

Japan

• AFC Asian Cup runner-up: 2019

Individual

• J. League Rookie of the Year: 2011
• J. League Best XI: 2011
• Olympique de Marseille Player of the Season: 2018–19
• AFC Champions League MVP: 2022

See also

In Spanish: Hiroki Sakai para niños