Some footballers dream of playing at the highest level their entire lives. For Hidetoshi Nakata, that wasn’t the case.
Despite his immense talent and global stardom, he walked away from the game at just 29 years old—not because he had to, but because he wanted to.
A Star on and off the Pitch
In the late ‘90s and early 2000s, Nakata wasn’t just Japan’s biggest football star—he was a cultural icon.
With his stylish dyed hair, technical brilliance, and effortless charisma, he became the face of Japanese football.
His breakout moment came at the 1998 World Cup, Japan’s first-ever appearance on the sport’s biggest stage.
His performances in France put him on the radar of European clubs, and soon after, he was snapped up by Italian side Perugia in Serie A.
The Asian Sensation in Serie A
Nakata’s move to Italy marked the beginning of a successful European career.
He later played for Roma and Parma, winning both league and cup titles. But beyond his performances, Nakata was a marketing goldmine.
His presence in Serie A drew millions of fans from Asia, making him a global sensation—often compared to David Beckham in terms of influence.
By the time Japan co-hosted the 2002 World Cup, Nakata was everywhere.
He was the poster boy of the tournament, carrying the hopes of a nation.
But just four years later, when most players are hitting their peak, he made the shocking decision to retire.
Walking Away at 29
Most footballers struggle with the idea of stepping away from the game, but Nakata had no doubts.
His passion for football had faded, and he wasn’t willing to continue just for the sake of it.
“I never dreamed of being a professional footballer—it just happened,” he once admitted.
“I played for passion, but when I lost that, it felt like I was lying to myself.”
His retirement came quietly. In Japan’s final match at the 2006 World Cup, Nakata sat on the pitch after the final whistle, tears in his eyes. That was it—no farewell tour, no press conference. He simply walked away.
A New Obsession: Sake
After leaving football, Nakata spent years traveling the world, searching for a new passion.
Eventually, he found it in an unexpected place—back in Japan, in the centuries-old tradition of sake brewing.
His love for fine drinks started in Italy, where he developed a taste for wine.
But returning home, he became fascinated with sake, Japan’s iconic rice-based alcohol.
He visited over 450 breweries, immersing himself in the craft before launching the Japan Craft Sake Company in 2015.
Building a Business Empire
Nakata’s transition from footballer to businessman was seamless.
His sake company thrived, riding a wave of renewed interest in traditional Japanese culture.
Between 2009 and 2021, the sake industry saw a staggering 590% increase in value—timing that worked perfectly in his favor.
Beyond brewing, Nakata created the Sakenomy app, designed to educate people about sake.
He even expanded into the tea business and frequently gives lectures on entrepreneurship.
Still a Style Icon
Even outside football, Nakata’s influence in fashion remains strong.
In early 2025, he fronted a campaign for Stone Island, sharing the spotlight with celebrities like British grime artist Giggs and legendary filmmaker Spike Lee.
Once hailed as football’s most stylish player, Nakata has stayed true to his love for fashion.
Whether it’s on the pitch, in business, or in front of a camera, he does things his own way.
A Life Built on Passion
Today, Nakata is worth an estimated $28 million (£21.5m), a testament to his ability to reinvent himself.
He could have stayed in football, coaching or working in punditry, but that was never his style.
“I don’t do things just because I can,” he once said. “I do them because I want to.”
And that’s exactly what makes him so fascinating. From football to fashion to sake, Hidetoshi Nakata has always followed his heart—and it’s paid off every step of the way.