JFA Hall of Fame Inductee

NAGAI Yoshikazu

Selected Inductees

Born in Saitama on 16 April 1952

Leads Urawa Minami city high school to achieve three titles of Inter-High, National Sports Festival and National High School Championship by his speedy and aggressive performance toward goals. Modeled as a popular TV cartoon character of “Bloody Eleven (Akaki Chi no IREBUN)”.

Appointed as a member of the Japanese national youth team while being at high school, scoring a goal against Korea at the Munich Olympic qualifier and becoming an irreplaceable attacker as of being 19 years old. His small build of 169 cm high, but speedy dribbling break-through, middle shots and his splendid play style to the finish line make Asian defenders tensed. Appears in FIFA World Cup qualifiers, Olympic qualifiers, and Asian championships, appears in 166 Japan National Team games (69 international A match games) and scores 19 goals (9 international A match goals) in 1971 – 1980.

In 1976, his Furukawa Electric team achieves two titles of JSL 1st division for the first time and Emperor’s cup. Awarded the annual MVP. Contributes to win the title of Asia Club Championship in 1986. He continues to play at Japan Football League (JSL/Furukawa Electric) until 1988, leading the team. His great records include 272 games appearances (1st in the history), 63 goals (9th in the history), 77 assists (2rd in the history). Awarded the best assist player on three occasions, JSL annual best XI on five occasions.

After retirement as player, serves Japan Youth (U-18) Team Coach, East Japan Furukawa Football Club (JEF United Ichihara) from 1992 to 1993, Fukushima FC (1996), Albirex Niigata (1998 to 2000), Yokohama FC (2001) and Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies (2006 to 2007).

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  OKUDERA Yasuhiko
• Zico