Gōtoku Sakai

1.1. Birth and Family

Sakai was born on March 14, 1991, in New York City, New York, United States. His mother is German and his father is Japanese. When he was two years old, his family relocated to Sanjō, Niigata Prefecture, Japan, where he was raised. He is the second of four brothers. His elder brother, 酒井高喜_{Sakai Koki}^Japanese, is a judoka, while his younger brothers, 酒井宣福_{Sakai Noriyoshi}^Japanese and 酒井高聖_{Sakai Kosei}^Japanese, are also professional footballers. Noriyoshi Sakai currently plays for Renofa Yamaguchi FC. Interestingly, while Sakai is right-footed for sports activities, his dominant hand for daily tasks, including writing, is his left, though he signs autographs with his right hand.

1.2. Physical Characteristics

As a professional footballer, Gōtoku Sakai's physical attributes are well-documented. He stands at 69 in ^{(176 cm)} tall and weighs 163 lb ^{(74 kg)}. These characteristics contribute to his strong physical presence and stamina on the field.

2.1. Early Football Activities

Sakai began playing football at the age of 10, joining the Sanjō Junior Soccer Club, where he played alongside his brother, Noriyoshi. He later moved to Leather FS Junior Youth, continuing his development in organized youth football.

2.2. Youth Clubs and Academies

In 2006, Sakai entered Kaishi Gakuen High School and simultaneously joined the Albirex Niigata youth academy. Living in the academy's dormitory, he successfully balanced his academic studies with his football training. During his time in the Albirex Niigata youth system, his team participated in various prestigious youth competitions, including the Prince Takamado Premier/Prince League and the Japan Club Youth U-18 Football Championship, as well as J.League youth tournaments. In his final year of high school, he was selected as one of the designated players for development by the J.League and the JFA. This status allowed him to register as a J.League club player while still being eligible to play for his high school team.

3.1. Albirex Niigata

Sakai made his first-team debut for Albirex Niigata at the age of 17 on November 15, 2008, in an Emperor's Cup match against FC Tokyo at Tottori Bank Bird Stadium. His official signing with Albirex Niigata followed in the next season, where he was assigned the number 24 shirt. He made his professional league debut in the opening J1 League match of the 2009 season, also against FC Tokyo, at Ajinomoto Stadium. In 2009, he primarily featured as a substitute, appearing in 18 league matches. By 2010, he became a regular starter, playing full matches in 24 of the 34 league games. On October 1, 2011, he scored his first professional goal in a J1 League match against Yokohama F. Marinos at Tohoku Electric Power Big Swan Stadium (now Denka Big Swan Stadium). This marked his first J1 League goal in nine years. His move to a European club from Albirex Niigata was the first such instance for a homegrown player from the club.

3.2. VfB Stuttgart

On January 1, 2012, Sakai was loaned to VfB Stuttgart in the Bundesliga until June 2013, with an option for a permanent transfer. Stuttgart activated this option, and on January 10, 2013, Sakai signed a permanent contract with the club until June 2016. He made his Bundesliga debut on February 11, 2012, in a 5-0 home victory against Hertha BSC. In his first Bundesliga season, he made 14 starts and provided five assists. His performances quickly garnered praise from local media, with the German newspaper 'WELT' even suggesting he should be naturalized for the German national team due to his outstanding play. Sakai scored his first goal for Stuttgart on November 22, 2012, in a 5-1 away victory against FC Steaua București in the 2012-13 UEFA Europa League group stage. In the 2014-15 season, despite starting initially, his playing time decreased towards the end of the season as the team struggled to avoid relegation.

3.3. Hamburger SV

In the 2015-16 season, seeking more playing opportunities, Sakai transferred to Hamburger SV on July 5, 2015, at the request of former Stuttgart coach Bruno Labbadia. He made his first start for Hamburg on November 7 against SV Darmstadt 98. From February 7, 2016, onwards, he became a regular starter, and on March 6, he reached his 100th Bundesliga appearance in a match against Hertha BSC.

On November 18, 2016, manager Markus Gisdol appointed Sakai as the team captain, making him the first Japanese player to captain a Bundesliga club. From this point, he frequently played as a defensive midfielder in addition to his natural full-back position. On January 28, 2017, he scored his first goal in two years in a Bundesliga match against FC Ingolstadt 04 with a powerful long-range shot. In the final match of the season, a crucial relegation decider against VfL Wolfsburg, Sakai played the full match, contributing to a 2-1 victory that secured Hamburg's survival in the top flight. He later admitted feeling immense pressure as captain, not wanting to be the first to lead the club, which had never been relegated, to the second division.

Despite interest from Beşiktaş JK of the Süper Lig, Sakai extended his contract with Hamburger SV after the 2017-18 season. However, in that season, despite his captaincy, the team was relegated to the 2. Bundesliga for the first time in the club's 55-year history. In the 2018-19 season, Hamburg remained in the top two automatic promotion spots until late in the season but ultimately finished fourth, missing out on promotion. Sakai was heavily criticized by some supporters, even being booed in the final match against MSV Duisburg. Teammates like Lewis Holtby defended him against the fan backlash. When a photo of Sakai at the pre-season camp for the 2019-20 season was posted on the team's Instagram, it sparked further negative comments from fans.

3.4. Vissel Kobe

On August 14, 2019, Sakai made a permanent move back to Japan, joining Vissel Kobe. He made his return to the J.League on August 17, playing against Urawa Red Diamonds, marking his first J.League appearance in eight years. He quickly became a key player for Kobe, and on January 1, 2020, he won his first career title with the club, the Emperor's Cup, defeating Kashima Antlers.

On January 13, 2020, he was appointed as a special envoy for Hodatsushimizu Town in Ishikawa Prefecture. On March 30, 2020, Sakai was diagnosed with COVID-19 and hospitalized, becoming the first J.League player to contract the virus. He was discharged on April 25, later stating that he "acutely felt the horror of the coronavirus." On September 5, he scored his first goal for Vissel Kobe in a league match against Shonan Bellmare, his first J1 League goal in nine years. He also played in six matches of the 2020 AFC Champions League, contributing to Kobe's run to the semifinals.

In the 2021 season, Sakai played every minute of all 38 league matches, earning him the nickname "Iron Man" from the media. His consistent performance helped Vissel Kobe achieve their highest-ever J1 League finish, securing third place and a spot in the AFC Champions League. He was also selected for the J.League Outstanding Player award. In the 2022 season, he continued his streak, starting in all 34 league matches.

In the 2023 season, Sakai primarily played as a right-back from the start of the season. In the third match against Gamba Osaka, he scored two goals, his first brace in his professional career. Due to numerous injuries within the squad, he also filled in as a Center-back and, towards the end of the season, as a Defensive midfielder when his close friend Hotaru Yamaguchi was injured, showcasing his versatility. He also exhibited strong leadership, guiding the club to its first-ever J1 League title. Following the season, he was selected for the J.League Best XI for the first time in his career. In the 2024 season, he continued to contribute to Vissel Kobe's success, helping them secure a second consecutive J1 League title and their second Emperor's Cup.

4.1. Youth National Teams

Sakai's international journey began with his selection for the Japan U-15 national team in 2006. He continued to represent Japan at subsequent youth levels, including the U-16, U-17, and U-18 teams. In 2008, he was called up to the U-20 national team and participated in the SBS Cup International Youth Football Tournament. In 2010, he played in the 2010 AFC U-19 Championship as a midfielder, appearing in three matches, but Japan failed to qualify for the 2011 FIFA U-20 World Cup.

In December 2010, he was initially selected for the 2011 AFC Asian Cup senior squad but had to withdraw due to a lower back injury. From June 2011, Sakai was a key member of the U-22 national team, participating in the London Olympics Asian Qualifiers. He started in the first group match against Malaysia and came off the bench against Bahrain. He also took part in the 2012 Toulon Tournament with the U-23 team. On July 2, 2012, Sakai was named to Japan's squad for the 2012 Summer Olympics football tournament in London. Although initially a backup to Hiroki Sakai (right-back) and Yūhei Tokunaga (left-back), an injury to Hiroki Sakai allowed Gōtoku to play in four matches, contributing to Japan's fourth-place finish.

4.2. Senior National Team

Sakai made his debut for the Japan senior national team on September 6, 2012, in a Kirin Challenge Cup match against the United Arab Emirates in his hometown of Niigata, at Denka Big Swan Stadium. In late 2012, he was recognized for his potential, being selected by the influential football website IBWM in their list of the 100 most exciting players in world football for 2013.

He was named in Japan's squad for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil on May 12, 2014, but did not make an appearance in the tournament, where Japan exited in the group stage. Under manager Javier Aguirre, Sakai became a regular starter, appearing in all matches during Aguirre's tenure, largely due to an injury to Atsuto Uchida, who had previously occupied the right-back position. He started in all matches at the 2015 AFC Asian Cup in January 2015, where Japan was eliminated in the quarterfinals.

Even after Vahid Halilhodžić took over as national team coach, Sakai continued to be called up. He occasionally played as a defensive midfielder, a position he also covered at his club, but primarily remained a backup full-back. In May 2018, he was named in Japan's squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. He made his World Cup debut as a starter in the third group stage match against Poland, playing in an unfamiliar right midfield position.

4.3. Retirement from International Football

Following Japan's elimination from the 2018 FIFA World Cup in the Round of 16 after a 2-3 loss to Belgium, Gōtoku Sakai announced his retirement from international football. He stated that he did not intend to aim for the next World Cup, believing that players with "future and hope" should pursue that goal.

5.1. Club Statistics

5.2. International Statistics

6.1. Club Honors

• VfB Stuttgart
  • DFB-Pokal runner-up: 2012-13
• Vissel Kobe
  • J1 League: 2023, 2024
  • Emperor's Cup: 2019, 2024
  • Japanese Super Cup: 2020

6.2. Individual Honors

• J.League Best XI: 2023
• J.League Outstanding Player: 2021, 2023, 2024
• Sendai Cup International Youth Football Tournament Outstanding Player: 2010

7.1. Physical Attributes and Versatility

Sakai possesses significant physical strength and remarkable stamina, enabling him to consistently make long runs up and down the flanks. He is known for his ability to play effectively in multiple positions, primarily as a full-back on both the left and right sides. His versatility extends to playing as a midfielder, particularly in a defensive midfielder role, and even as a center-back when required by team circumstances. He has expressed confidence in his ability to use both feet, and has even been entrusted with taking free kicks with his non-dominant left foot. His strong defensive duels provide absolute stability to his team, earning him high trust from coaches and teammates.

Former Hamburger SV coach Bruno Labbadia praised Sakai, stating that his "mentality is outstanding" and that he is an "incredibly flexible player" who is "ambidextrous" and can play both left and right full-back, also noting his strength as an attacking initiator. Hannes Wolf, a coach who achieved consecutive U-17 Bundesliga titles with Borussia Dortmund, also recognized Sakai's utility, remarking that "there are not many full-backs who can also play in the 'number 6' position" (referring to the defensive midfielder role).

7.2. Mentality and Leadership

Sakai is noted for his strong mental fortitude and determination. His appointment as captain of Hamburger SV in 2016 marked a significant milestone, making him the first Japanese player to captain a Bundesliga club. He openly discussed the immense pressure he felt in this role, particularly the burden of not wanting to be the first captain to lead the historically un-relegated club to the second division. Despite facing significant fan criticism during his final season at Hamburg, his teammates defended him, highlighting his character and contributions. His leadership qualities were also evident at Vissel Kobe, where he played a crucial role in unifying the team and guiding them to their first J1 League title, especially during periods of injury crisis.

8.1. Books

• W~Double~ - Hito to wa Chigau, Soredemo Ii - (W～ダブル～ - 人とは違う、それでもいい -^Japanese, meaning "W~Double~ - Different from others, but that's okay -") (Wani Books, 2019, ISBN 978-4-8470-9786-7)