J30 – 30 for 30

May 15th, 1993 – it’s the day where everything began. Verdy Kawasaki and Yokohama Marinos are lining up at the center of the pitch. Little did they know about the history they’re about to made. There are future national team members, illustrious J.Leaguers, even foreigners of a certain level. The first one to score was Hennie Meijer, a former Ajax player, who threw a curve ball under the post to bring Verdy Kawasaki ahead. In the end, Marinos will come back and win 2-1.

At the end, it’s Ramon Diaz to speak. He scored the winning goal, like he always did. He said: “I’m happy of course for the goal, but most of all, all people in the world will know about the beginning of this league. I’m glad we could gift this joy to our fans”. From that night at the Tokyo National Stadium – when almost 60,000 people witnessed those moments – 30 years have gone by and so much history has happened before our own very eyes.

So we decided to make a Top 30 of the players who influenced this wonderful ride. How? We asked 12 experts to rank the 15 players who, in their opinion, left the biggest mark on the league from 15th to 1st. Then we gave the first voted 15 points, the second 14, and so on, until the fifteenth, who took home just one point. That kind of ranking determined the table you’re gonna see.

We asked to 11 J.League experts to rank their own 15 choices, besides our own personal ranking:

• Tiago Bontempo
• Gael Brassac
• Tom Byer
• Michael Church
• Alan Gibson
• Ken Matsushima
• Scott McIntyre
• Sean Miyaguchi
• Dan Orlowitz
• Mario Antonio Persegnani
• Jon Steele

We wanna thank them deeply for their patience and their time. You’ll find links on their names where you can find more about their work.

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29° Guido Buchwald (1961, GER – Urawa Red Diamonds, 1995-1998)

• J. League games/goals: 127/11
• Global points gathered: 9
• Where was he 30 years ago? Living the life in Stuttgart as a legend.

Guido Buchwald is an absolute legend. He won a FIFA World Cup with West Germany, marking Maradona in that tough match and being a symbol for VfB Stuttgart. After that path, Buchwald chose to move to Japan, where he crossed roads with Urawa Red Diamonds, who – back at the time – were not the powerhouse we know today. The defender was part of the first wave of foreign players who populated the league in the 90s, once the championship was born.

But Guido Buchwald wasn’t crucial just on the pitch. He played four seasons with Urawa, but then came back in 2004, after a small stint with Karlsruhe in Germany once he retired in 1999. He brought home the first J.League title for the club, plus three other national cups. He was instrumental to lift up the environment towards new heights – and probably he’s been the greatest German player in the history of the championship.

29° Yutaka Akita (1970, JPN – Kashima Antlers, Nagoya Grampus Eight, Kyoto Sanga, 1993-2007)

• J. League games/goals: 418/25
• Global points gathered: 9
• Where was he 30 years ago? Just debuting with Kashima Antlers.

It’s tough to overview the career of such a crucial player for the history of the most winning club in Japanese football – at least until now. Kashima Antlers have dominated the first part of the history of this league and they left a mark anyway on the second. They won everything and Yutaka Akita was an instrumental part of that rise: he was indeed playing in the first ever outing for Kashima Antlers in this league.

Akita had an illustrious career too for Japan: he was at the 1996 Asian Cup, he was in France for the 1998 FIFA World Cup, and he was there in 2002 too – although he didn’t play. But what made Akita even more incredible is his post-player career. He coached Kyoto Sanga and Machida Zelvia, then cut for himself a crucial role for Iwate Grulla Morioka. He brought the small club to J2, then became the president of the club last Winter.

28° Shusaku Nishikawa (1986, JPN – Oita Trinita, Sanfrecce Hiroshima, Urawa Red Diamonds, 2005-present)

• J. League games/goals: 568/-673
• Global points gathered: 11
• Where was he 30 years ago? He was a small kid in the Oita Prefecture, dreaming of playing.

We probably tend to forget, but Oita had a golden age for producing talent at the end of 2000s. Hiroshi Kiyotake was there. Mu Kanazaki was there. And Shusaku Nishikawa was there, winning a J.League Cup with the club. But the real switch came with Sanfrecce Hiroshima, for which the keeper brought a J1 title in 2012. Then he moved to Urawa Red Diamonds, where we probably thought he would have quit by now. Instead, two weeks ago, he just lifted up his second AFC Champions League and the first as a captain.

He’s been a unique keeper, very different from the likes of Kawaguchi and Narazaki, from whom he’s taken the torch. Probably this unique style of playing – good feet, erratic miracles and some mistakes before growing into a wise no. 1 – has costed him more opportunities with Japan. Nevertheless, he achieved so much for Urawa Red Diamonds, clinching six titles for the Saitama-based outlet.

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27° Patrick Mboma (1970, CMR – Gamba Osaka, Tokyo Verdy, Vissel Kobe, 1997-1998 & 2003-2005)

• J. League games/goals: 78/49
• Global points gathered: 13
• Where was he 30 years ago? Racking up goals with Chateauroux, on loan from PSG.

Tought to put together a strongest stint by a foreign forward than the one Mboma provided in Osaka. Gamba were absolutely nowhere back in 1997, but he joined from Metz and the Cameroonian lifted the club towards a wonderful year, scoring 25 goals in 28 games. He scored four more in six games for 1998, before flying to the 1998 FIFA World Cup – where, of course, he netted again – and then to Serie A, joining first Cagliari and then Parma.

But it didn’t stop there. Mboma came back in 2003, playing for Tokyo Verdy, far away from the glamorous form of the 90s. Nevertheless, he scored 17 more goals in 35 games, proving that he was still capable of doing it at that level. His final stint with Vissel Kobe wasn’t memorable, but who cares? Was he one of the best foreign forwards ever? Probably, Peter Utaka and Michael Olunga were his spiritual heirs in the 2010s.

24° Naoki Soma (1971, JPN – Kashima Antlers, Tokyo Verdy, Kawasaki Frontale, 1994-2005)

• J. League games/goals: 312/10
• Global points gathered: 14
• Where was he 30 years ago? Still attending Waseda University before going pro.

His long hair and the usual runs on the left side of the pitch made him iconic. He was probably one of the most recognizable figures from the maiden campaign Japan took at the FIFA World Cup in 1998. Born in Shizuoka and raised by Waseda University, he joined Kashima Antlers and became one of the musketeers forming that defensive line-up. He had also a small stint with Tokyo Verdy and a two-years tenure with Kawasaki Frontale, playing with Toru Oniki and Kengo Nakamura.

His coaching career kept him very much relevant. He started with Machida Zelvia in 2010, before going back to Frontale in the dugout in 2011. Only 18 months before stepping back and rebuilding his figure again at Zelvia, where he stayed six seasons, clinching a J2 promotion and building a good profile for himself (seventh in 2016, fourth in 2018). A small stint at Kashima Antlers brought him then to Omiya Ardija, where he’s still trying to turn the ship around for the Squirrels.

24° Pierre Littbarski (1960, GER – JEF United Chiba, 1993-1994)

• J. League games/goals: 63/10
• Global points gathered: 14
• Where was he 30 years ago? He joined JEF United Ichihara for their maiden campaign.

Pierre Littbarski has been one of the columns of the West Germany national football team in the 80s, although with contrasted fortunes. He was the next big star in 1982, relegated to the bench in 1986, super-sub in the 1990. Won a FIFA World Cup, played in three finals, and established himself as a folk hero with 1.FC Köln. Once his time came to an end, he decided to move to Japan, where he found a nice gig in Chiba, joining JEF United Ichihara – on the advice of Yasuhiko Okudera, who played in Germany at that time.

Littbarski’s adventure went so well, that he decided to stay even when the contract with the Chiba-based club ran out (he had the second-highest wage in the league and refused an initial offer by Urawa Reds to join JEF United). Theoretically, he was going to retire, but then joined Brummell Sendai – today Vegalta – in the second division and started even coaching in J.League – he took on challenges with Yokohama FC (twice) and Avispa Fukuoka.

24° Amaral (1966, BRA – FC Tokyo, Shonan Bellmare, 1999-2004)

• J. League games/goals: 156/66
• Global points gathered: 14
• Where was he 30 years ago? Scoring the first goals with Tokyo Gas in the JFL.

In reality, Amaral’s staying in Japan was way longer than the stint indicated above. He joined FC Tokyo when the club was actually called “Tokyo Gas” and they were playing Football League. But it didn’t matter to the Brazilian forward: the “King of Tokyo” – like he was called – scored tons of goals. And when FC Tokyo renamed themselves and joined J2, he didn’t stop. Yes, his final season in Tokyo and the one with Shonan Bellmare were not memorable, but fans thanked him for his contribution.

Realistically, Amaral stayed in Japan for two decades. After Shonan Bellmare, he joined FC Horikoshi, who then became Arte Tatasaki in the Japan Football League (now the third division). Once he retired, he also coached some of these teams – he was the player-coach at Arte Tatasaki in 2006, then took the dugout for FC Kariya (2010) and Tokyo 23 FC (2011). 183 goals in 348 total games in Japan can’t be forgotten, especially for someone who saw Japan back in 1992 as a way to spend time somewhere else before going back to Brazil.

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23° Hiroaki Morishima (1972, JPN – Cerezo Osaka, 1995-2008)

• J. League games/goals: 361/106
• Global points gathered: 15
• Where was he 30 years ago? Already at it with Cerezo Osaka.

Born in Hiroshima, Morishima started the great dynasty of no. 8 at Cerezo Osaka. He was so instrumental for the club that he joined when “Yanmar Diesel” were still a JFL team in 1991 and became “Mr. Cerezo” for everyone. He spent his whole career at the club, overseeing the arrival of talents like Shinji Kagawa, Yoshito Okubo and Takashi Inui. Even the club tumbled to J2, he stayed. He will be remembered for his 2002 FIFA World Cup goal against Tunisia.

After retiring in 2008 due to neck pain, he stayed close to his beloved team. He became chairman for Cerezo Osaka and he’s still pretty much involved with the club, after having been an ambassador for the team since 2009 and an executive throughout the 2010s.

22° Masahiro Fukuda (1966, JPN – Urawa Red Diamonds, 1992-2002)

• J. League games/goals: 231/93
• Global points gathered: 19
• Where was he 30 years ago? He was already playing for Mitsubishi Motors.

A less celebrated hero of the first years of the J.League. He immediately tied himself to Mitsubishi Motors in 1989, when he turned pro. As a rookie, he scored 36 goals in his first pro-season. He scored 32 more in 1995, winning a place in the J.League Best XI of that year. To prove his legacy, his retirement match drew more than 50,000 people in June 2003. He was known as “Mr. Reds” or “Captain” – players like Keita Suzuki and Yuki Abe inherited that kind of definition.

He worked then as a commentator and even briefly returned to Urawa Red Diamonds as an assistant coach. His numbers are still impressive and Zico – back when he was playing for Kashima Antlers – thought of Fukuda as one of the excellence Japan produced at the time.

21° Yuki Abe (1981, JPN – JEF United Chiba, JEF United Chiba Ichihara, Urawa Red Diamonds, 1998-2006 & 2012-2022)

• J. League games/goals: 593/76
• Global points gathered: 21
• Where was he 30 years ago? Near to join JEF United Ichihara’s youth system.

Talking about symbol from Urawa Red Diamonds, this wonderful article over Yuki Abe should explain well why he deserves a place in this Top 30.

20° Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi (1975, JPN – Yokohama F. Marinos, Jubilo Iwata, FC Gifu, SC Sagamihara, 1994-2001 & 2005-2018)

• J. League games/goals: 513/-738
• Global points gathered: 22
• Where was he 30 years ago? Attending the Shimizu Commercial High School.

Absolute star. Kawaguchi was the first Japanese keeper to try the abroad adventure, making the leap to England and Porstmouth. After seven seasons in Yokohama with Marinos, the goalie was signed for 1.8 million pounds. The physicality was though too different, even for the English second division. Nevertheless, he was a cult hero for the Pompey fans. Even the adventure in Denmark with Nordsjaelland didn’t work as forecasted.

Nevertheless, his return to Japan – at 30 years old – gave him back everything he needed. Two more FIFA World Cups – starting in Germany ’06, non-playing captain in 2010 –, a lot of years in the J.League and a moving goodbye with SC Sagamihara, where even his long-time rival-friend in the role – Seigo Narazaki – came to homage him. The video is still super emotional to this day.

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19° Andrés Iniesta (1984, SPA – Vissel Kobe, 2018-2023)

• J. League games/goals: 113/21
• Global points gathered: 27
• Where was he 30 years ago? Playing futsal as a kid in the province of Albacete.

When Andrés Iniesta signed for Vissel Kobe, it was just the beginning of the “Rakuten takeover”, as we like to call it. The ties between the company run by Mikitani, his club and FC Barcelona were so deep that we lost the count of how many players with former blaugrana ties wore this shirt. Nevertheless, Iniesta celebrated some good moments with the team, including winning an Emperor’s Cup and a Japanese Super Cup, plus a solid run in the 2020 AFC Champions League.

It’s incredible how his celebration to this list is coming a few days after the announcement of his departure from Vissel Kobe. Apparently an exhibition match against FC Barcelona in early June will seal the goodbye once for all, although the Spaniard has no intention of retiring. It’s really hard to tell which kind of contribution he left on the pitch. Whenever he was healthy, he’s been a factor due to his masterful class, but the injuries had already left a mark on him.

17° Hisato Sato (1982, JPN – JEF United Ichihara, Cerezo Osaka, Vegalta Sendai, Sanfrecce Hiroshima, Nagoya Grampus, 2000-2020)

• J. League games/goals: 566/220
• Global points gathered: 29
• Where was he 30 years ago? Joining the JEF United Ichihara’s youth system.

Just like Yuki Abe, we wrote a nice piece back in 2021 to describe the impact produced by “The Archer” and his wonderful scoring abilities.

17° Hiroshi Nanami (1972, JPN – Jubilo Iwata, Cerezo Osaka, Tokyo Verdy, 1995-1999 & 2000-2008)

• J. League games/goals: 335/34
• Global points gathered: 29
• Where was he 30 years ago? Completing Juntendo University.

When you think about the dynasty of Jubilo Iwata, you probably think of Hiroshi Nanami and his iconic no. 10. Alongside other players in this special Top 30, he brought several titles to the Yamaha Stadium and was a solid part of the 1998 FIFA World Cup. Injuries haven’t probably given us back the player we saw before he tried his luck in Venice and Serie A, but remained a huge part of J.League in those years. His career with Japan was significant, but cut short due to the aforementioned injuries.

It’s incredible how the manager turned out to be completely different. In 2014, he took over Jubilo Iwata and stayed for six seasons in the dugout. Long, strange seasons, starting with a relegation to J2, then the promotion back, a solid sixth place in 2017 and the dismissal in 2019. His defensive style didn’t provide him too much luck, and even the adventure with Matsumoto Yamaga ended up with a relegation first, then he couldn’t bring the club back to J2. He’s now an assistant coach for Japan.

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16° Yoshito Okubo (1982, JPN – Cerezo Osaka, Vissel Kobe, Kawasaki Frontale, FC Tokyo, Jubilo Iwata, Tokyo Verdy, Cerezo Osaka, 2001-2005 & 2007-2008 & 2009-2021)

• J. League games/goals: 527/209
• Global points gathered: 30
• Where was he 30 years ago?

He’s become the all-time top-scorer for J1 in 2016 and never left that post. He almost reached 200 goals, but stopped at 191 after his last year with Cerezo Osaka in 2021. He’s been a controversial character, capable of great things with Vissel Kobe and Kawasaki Frontale, but also heavily criticized for his passage to FC Tokyo.

15° Hidetoshi Nakata (1977, JPN – Bellmare Hiratsuka, 1995-1998)

• J. League games/goals: 85/16
• Global points gathered: 31
• Where was he 30 years ago? Attending the Nirasaki High School.

It’s incredible how his J.League stint has been super brief, but it was enough to grant him a spot in the Top 15. Too much of an icon to be overlooked, despite his stint with back then Bellmare Hiratsuka lasted just four years. Nakata was a key-element for the side who lifted the 1995 Asian Cup Winners’ Cup – scoring in the final – and featured in the J.League Best XI of 1997. Nakata left Japan to never come back with his boots on the pitch.

The early retirement – Nakata hang his boots at only 29 years old – contributed to the legend status he already matured between Perugia, Roma, Parma, Bologna and Fiorentina. His final stint with Bolton Wanderers wasn’t one to remember. His attention towards fashion, producing sake, and the ability to stay relevant in the media even after retirement made him the legend we’ve seen still today.

14° Seigo Narazaki (1976, JPN – Yokohama Flugels, Nagoya Grampus, 1995-2018)

• J. League games/goals: 660/-924
• Global points gathered: 33
• Where was he 30 years ago? Attending the Nara Ikuei High School.

Before Yasuhito Endo took over his record, Narazaki hold the highest number of caps within a J.League pitch. His career had three major intersections: the beginning with Yokohama Flugels (who were then disbanded in 1999), the almost 20 years with Nagoya Grampus, and the missed chances with Japan (although he featured in the home World Cup of 2002: not too bad). Retired at the age of 42, he featured in more than 800 games.

Japan’s career didn’t pan out as it used to be, but it doesn’t matter. Actually, Narazaki created the first great rivalry between keepers in Japanese football with Yoshikatsu Kawaguchi. He won just four titles with his clubs, but Narazaki is also the only goalkeeper to have ever won the MVP Awards in the J.League – just after Nagoya Grampus won their lone J1 title in 2010.

13° Masami Ihara (1967, JPN – Yokohama Marinos, Jubilo Iwata, Urawa Red Diamonds, 1993-2002)

• J. League games/goals: 308/6
• Global points gathered: 36
• Where was he 30 years ago? Playing the first match-ever in the J.League.

Japan didn’t have too many captains for the World Cup. Seven participations, five captains. Ryuzo Morioka and Tsuneyatsu Miyamoto shared the captaincy in 2002; then Hidetoshi Nakata in 2006; Makoto Hasebe for 2010, 2014 and 2018, while Maya Yoshida took the reigns in 2022. But what about the first captain in the maiden World Cup campaign? That was Masami Ihara, one of the best defenders that Japanese football has ever produced.

Ihara was a symbol of the early age of Japanese football. He was already playing for Yokohama Marinos when the pro-world started and he was a key-element for the club throughout the 90s. He retired at the age of 35, after two quick stints with Jubilo Iwata and Urawa Red Diamonds. Most of all, he found himself a way to become a respected manager, coaching both Kashiwa Reysol – as a caretaker – and Avispa Fukuoka, whom he almost brought back to J1.

12° Shunsuke Nakamura (1978, JPN – Yokohama F. Marinos, Jubilo Iwata, Yokohama FC, 1997-2002 & 2010-2022)

• J. League games/goals: 427/74
• Global points gathered: 40
• Where was he 30 years ago? In the youth sector of Yokohama Marinos.

Shunsuke Nakamura seemed almost “Nakata-esque” in his first outing, to the sense that when he left Yokohama for Reggio Calabria – he became the iconic no. 10 of the Calabria-based club in Serie A –, he wasn’t probably supposed to come back to the J.League. Nevertheless, after stints with Reggina, Celtic and Espanyol, he found his way to join back Marinos in 2010. And then he played for more than a decade, although his appearances became rarer and rarer.

Born in Yokohama, Nakamura never felt sure about leaving his city. He spent more than a decade with Marinos, who were arguably the best and most consistent part of his J.League career. His left foot is one of the most decorated of the history of the championship until now. With Yokohama FC, he contributed to two promotions, and he’s been an iconic figure for Japan too – although he played just two World Cups (and only in ’06 he was starting).

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11° Carlos Dunga (1963, BRA – Jubilo Iwata, 1995-1998)

• J. League games/goals: 101/16
• Global points gathered: 43
• Where was he 30 years ago? Finishing his season with Pescara in Serie A,

Among the players who joined J.League from the first wave of the 90s, Dunga must have been one of the most iconic. In 1995, the captain of Brazil – back then defending champions in the FIFA World Cup – came to Japan to play for Jubilo Iwata. It’s tough to underrate how much of a big thing that might have been. Yes, Dunga was already 31 years old, but he was still playing and he was heavily involved with the national team. And he indeed delivered, bringing his professional attitude to the country.

His career as a manager has been debatable. Twice coach of Brazil’s national team, Dunga won a Copa América, but had a disappointing 2010 FIFA World Cup and he came back in 2014 only to last two more years. It’s been a while since he’s been on the bench and we would love to see him in Japan – it’s not like Brazilian managers are avoiding Japan as a destination…

10° Marcus Tulio Tanaka (1981, JPN – Sanfrecce Hiroshima, Mito HollyHock, Urawa Red Diamonds, Nagoya Grampus, Kyoto Sanga, 2001-2019)

• J. League games/goals: 531/104
• Global points gathered: 46
• Where was he 30 years ago? Still in Brazil, born in Palmeira d’Oeste.

Personal legend of ours. In 2019, we paid him homage once his retirement was clear after a last run with Kyoto Sanga.

9° Mitsuo Ogasawara (1979, JPN – Kashima Antlers, 1998-2018)

• J. League games/goals: 525/69
• Global points gathered: 50
• Where was he 30 years ago? Entering the Iwate Prefectural Ofunato High School.

Mr. Antlers, maybe? Let’s remove the “maybe”. Despite many players entrusted the winning essence of Kashima, no one like Mitsuo Ogasawara was a symbol for it (maybe Hitoshi Sogahata could be close). Despite he tried his luck with Messina in Serie A – a loan in a terrible side, who lasted just one season –, Ogasawara won lots of titles with Kashima Antlers, being also a bridge throughout different eras of the club. An incredible achievement for the man of Morioka, Iwate.

Japan national team wasn’t a big part of his career, but he found nevertheless the legacy he needed with his club. He won also an AFC Asian Cup in 2004 and was the J.League MVP and the Japanese Football of the Year in 2009. Furthermore, he was six times in the J.League Best XI – and not so many players have done better that him in that special table. Winning the AFC Champions League for the club was his final act as “Mr. Antlers”.

8° Masashi Nakayama (1967, JPN – Jubilo Iwata, Consadole Sapporo 1993-2012)

• J. League games/goals: TBD/TBD
• Global points gathered: 55
• Where was he 30 years ago? Scoring tons of goals with Jubilo Iwata in the Japan Football League.

Theoretically, his career ended just at 53 years old, when he hung up his boots after six seasons with Azul Claro Numazu – where, though, he never played. Nevertheless, “Gon” Nakayama is an absolute symbol for the first part of the J.League evolution: scored tons of goals, won titles with Jubilo Iwata, and netted the first goal Japan ever clinched in a FIFA World Cup. He retired a first time at 45 years old, after a final appearance with Consadole Sapporo in J1. But then thought of training with Azul Claro Numazu in JFL.

He became a commercial machine, a pundit, a beloved and well-respected figure in the community. Furthermore, he finally took his chance as a manager, since he’s now coaching Azul Claro Numazu in the J3 League. Let’s see if his career in the dugout will take off just like he used to do when he tried to score in the 90s on the J.League pitches.

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7° Ruy Ramos (1957, JPN-BRA – Verdy Kawasaki/Tokyo Verdy, 1993-1998)

• J. League games/goals: 147/9
• Global points gathered: 56
• Where was he 30 years ago? Playing the first match-ever in the J.League.

Ruy Ramos has been an incredible pioneer, being there well before the pro world was taking form. Born in 1957 in Brazil, Ruy Ramos moved to Japan in 1977, when he was just 20 years old. He played for Yomiuri, who then turned into Verdy Kawasaki when the J.League started. Despite being already 36 in 1993, he contributed to the growth of the game, winning titles with the club and playing until the age of 41, (almost) always with the same jersey (he had a two years-stint with Kyoto Purple Sanga).

Given his long stay in Japan, he also got the chance of wearing the national team jersey, winning the AFC Asian Cup in 1992, in a home-hosted tournament. He then found himself coaching several sides, including Tokyo Verdy and FC Gifu. He was mostly tied to the Japan’s beach soccer national team, and in 2018 he was inducted into the Japan’s Football Hall of Fame. Rightfully so, we would add.

6° Yuji Nakazawa (1978, JPN – Tokyo Verdy, Yokohama F. Marinos, TBD-TBD)

• J. League games/goals: 593/36
• Global points gathered: 81
• Where was he 30 years ago? Attending the Misato Technical High School.

“Bomber”, as they called him for his hairstyle. Yuji Nakazawa has been super iconic for Yokohama F. Marinos and Japan, despite starting his career with Tokyo Verdy. He featured for Marinos for 17 seasons, while being part of the strongest center-backs pair Japan ever had – him and Marcus Tulio Tanaka at the 2010 FIFA World Cup. He even had a minor stint in Brazil when he was young, training with América Mineiro and winning a youth state championship.

Despite being one of the few players at the time who skipped university before going pro, Nakazawa never suffered from that. A decorated career, who though brought him just three trophies – the last in 2013, when Marinos won the Emperor’s Cup. He retired before the Postecoglou revolution took off in Yokohama. He was in the Best Eleven five times and won the J.League MVP in 2004. He was also inducted in the J.League 20th Anniversary Team back in 2013.

5° Kengo Nakamura (1980, JPN – Kawasaki Frontale, 2003-2020)

• J. League games/goals: 547/83
• Global points gathered: 93
• Where was he 30 years ago? Making the Top 16 at the U-12 Japan tournament.

Don’t really know if we can say something more than we haven’t said in this piece from the time he announced his retirement. Kawasaki Frontale saved the best for last for him.

4° Dragan Stojkovic (1965, SRB – Nagoya Grampus Eight, 1994-2001)

• J. League games/goals: TBD/TBD
• Global points gathered: 104
• Where was he 30 years ago? Playing for Marseille and winning the UEFA Champions League.

Incredible how he was at the feet of the podium, despite his legendary leverage. Indeed, he’s been the most complete J.Leaguer, and he’s a foreigner. He’s been great on the pitch and in the dugout, leaving the sense there’s one piece left missing – being the head coach of Japan. Nevertheless, he was at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, where Serbia disappointed, but he led them to a direct qualification overhauling Portugal after a 2-1 away win to seal the deal.

Over “Piksi”, there’s not too much we can add that images can’t give you away. A player of an immense quality, who mesmerized Europe in the 80s and the 90s. He wasn’t constant, but he had incredible spikes, whose have been seen by Nagoya Grampus Eight fans for seven years in Japan. Then he found his way back to Japan in 2008, coaching the same team to their first J1 title in 2010. Grampus haven’t been at the same level since he left in 2013.

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3° Zico (1953, BRA – Kashima Antlers, 1993-1994)

• J. League games/goals: 23/14
• Global points gathered: 120
• Where was he 30 years ago? Featuring in the maiden season of the J.League.

Zico was already 38 years old when he joined Kashima Antlers in 1991 (back then Sumimoto Metals), two years before the formation of the J.League. It didn’t feel like he was going to leave a major impact, but people were soon wrong about that. Zico left an undeniable mark; he was probably the highest-regarded player alongside Stojkovic and Dunga. It was so important for him that Zico actually quit his political role as Minister of Sports to go to Japan in 1991.

He did even more: once he retired for good at the age of 41, he stayed around Japan. He coached Antlers in 1999, while being the technical director from 1996 to 2002; he became the head coach of the national team in 2002, winning the 2004 AFC Asian Cup and leading the team at the 2006 FIFA World Cup. Zico then reprised the role of technical director in 2018, a role still occupied to this day. Kashima Antlers always tend to celebrate him, and they have the right to do so.

2° Kazuyoshi Miura (1967, JPN – Verdy Kawasaki, Vissel Kobe, Yokohama FC, 1993-1994 / 1995-1998 / 1999-2005 / 2007 / 2020-2021)

• J. League games/goals: TBD/TBD
• Global points gathered: 138
• Where was he 30 years ago? Playing the first match-ever in the J.League.

It’s tough to put down in a few words the legend of “King Kazu” Miura, since he’s still playing to this day in the Portuguese second division with Olhanense (on loan from Yokohama FC!). To recap his career: he’s been to Brazil, Italy and Croatia; he’s been one of the leading scorers of Japan, although he never played a World Cup. He scored at the age of 50 and he’s the only player who featured on the pitch in five different decades (from the 80s to the 2020s).

In the 90s, he was THE player. Asian Footballer of the Year, J.League MVP in 1993, AFC Asian Cup MVP in 1992, when Japan won the trophy on home soil. We often wonder if his place in history would have been even higher if he retired back in 2007, when he was 40 and he just went through his last J1 run with Yokohama FC – who back then won promotion to J1 for the first time ever. And we often wonder when the retirement will actually happen… we guess until the 60th birthday nothing will really happen.

1° Yasuhito Endo (1980, JPN – Gamba Osaka, Jubilo Iwata, 1998-present)

• J. League games/goals: 762/113
• Global points gathered: 140
• Where was he 30 years ago? Attending the Sakurajima Municipal Junior High School.

Like other “senpai”, you wonder when his time to hang up the boots will come. It’s clear as the sun that Yasuhito Endo hasn’t been at the center of the stage since when Gamba Osaka decided to let him actually go to Jubilo Iwata, first on loan in 2020 and then permanently the season after. Endo has been great in J2, and he proved he can still carry at that level, especially in a team whose transfer market windows has been closed due to a FIFA litigation.

But this will never erase the enormous contribution Endo gave to J.League. He could have been in Europe. At 28, he was probably the best player of the country and in Asia; despite this, he never left Osaka. He was fine in Japan; he played three World Cups and he’s the all-time leader in matches played with the Samurai Blue – and it’ll be tough to overcome him. We’re seeing the sun setting, and it’s been an incredible ride. Just like the one of J.League.