Hiroki Sakai is one of the famous Soccer Player, who was born on the memorable day of April 12 in the year 1990. Hiroki Sakai is a proud citizen of Japan.
Japanese professional football player who is best known for his work as a right back on the Marseille club. He is also known for his work as a defender on the Japanese national team as well.
Over the years, not only have skills been honed, but a significant impact has also been made in the professional field. Whether it's through work, public appearances, or contributions to the community, Hiroki Sakai continues to be an inspiration for many.
Personal Information
Details about Hiroki Sakai
Popular As:
Hiroki Sakai
First Name:
Hiroki
Last Name:
Sakai
Gender:
Male
Birthday:
April 12
Birth Year:
1990
Age:
33 years
Career
He first joined the school football team when he was in the third grade. He excelled quickly and began his youth career with the Kashiwa Reysol club in 2003 and started his senior career with the club in 2009. He started playing for Japan’s national team in 2012.
He was honored with the J. League Rookie of the Year award in 2011 and won the Japanese Super Cup in 2012 as part of the Kashiwa Reysol.
Family
He was born and raised in Kashiwa, Chiba, Japan and was first introduced to football by his two older brothers. He played alongside Shuichi Gondaas part of the 2018 Japanese national team.
Hiroki Sakai Timeline
2003
Sakai spent 10 years with the school football team before joining Kashiwa Reysol U15 side in 2003.
2009
During his progress, Sakai joined Mogim Mirim to study abroad on a short–term, though he said the experience benefited him to improve his right–back and centre–back positions, but returned to Japan in November 2009.
2010
Ahead of the 2010 season, Sakai was promoted to the Kashiwa Reysol's first team, where he signed a contract with the club and was given a number 30 shirt.
2011
Ahead of the 2011 season, the club announced that Sakai were among players to agree to stay at Kashiwa Reysol and was given a number 4 shirt.
2012
At the start of the 2012 season, Sakai started the season well when he helped Kashiwa Reysol win the Japanese Super Cup by beating FC Tokyo 2–1 on 3 March 2012.
2013
Ahead of the 2013–14 season, Sakai was expected to compete in the right–back position with Steve Cherundolo once again.
2014
However, Sakai soon lost his first team place around early–2014 and was placed on the substitute bench for several matches.
2015
Sakai continued to regain his first team place until he lost it in February 2015 to João Pereira.
2016
It was later confirmed with Sakai signing a four–year contract with the club, keeping him until 2016.
2017
At the start of the 2017–18 season, Sakai continued to establish himself in the starting eleven for the side, playing in the right–back position despite finding himself in a competition with Bouna Sarr over the right–back position.
2018
During a 3–2 loss against Lyon on 18 March 2018, he suffered an injury in the first–half and was substituted as a result, leading him to be sidelined between 7–10 days.
2020
At the end of the 2020–21 season he announced he was leaving the club (he eventually signed for Urawa Red Diamonds in the J1 League.
.
2021
Following good performance for the side this season so far, Sakai signed a four–year contract with the club, keeping him until 2021, on 29 September 2017.
