1. Overview
Gaku Nawata (名和田我空Nawata GakuJapanese; born 29 July 2006) is a Japanese footballer who plays as a striker and midfielder. Rising through the ranks of Kamimura Gakuen Junior and Senior High School, a prestigious football institution, he garnered significant attention for his exceptional talent. Nawata was a pivotal player for the Japanese U-17 national team, leading them to victory in the 2023 AFC U-17 Asian Cup where he also claimed the Most Valuable Player and Top Goal Scorer awards. His performance at the 2023 FIFA U-17 World Cup further solidified his reputation, and he was recognized by the English newspaper The Guardian as one of the world's best young talents born in 2006. He is set to begin his professional club career with Gamba Osaka in the J.League from the 2025 season.
2. Early life and youth career
Gaku Nawata's football journey began at a young age, showcasing early talent in local tournaments before honing his skills at a renowned football academy.
2.1. Early football beginnings
Nawata was born on 29 July 2006 in Miyakonojō, Miyazaki Prefecture, Japan. His initial steps into organized football were with Konokawauchi SC, a local club which is now known as Bassasol Miyakonojo SC, during his elementary school years. By the time he was in sixth grade, he had already demonstrated his potential by helping his team achieve second place in the U-12 tournament held in Miyazaki.
2.2. Kamimura Gakuen years
In 2018, Nawata enrolled in Kamimura Gakuen, an educational institution widely recognized for its strong football program. During his time at Kamimura Gakuen Junior High School, he played a crucial role in the team's success, notably winning the National Junior High School Football Tournament in 2021 and being recognized as the tournament's top goal scorer. His exceptional abilities allowed him to skip a grade and join the high school team early. As a high school player, Nawata quickly established himself as a key figure, wearing the number 10 jersey and later the prestigious number 14, which is considered the ace number for Kamimura Gakuen. In his third year, he further took on leadership responsibilities by serving as the team captain.
3. Club career
Gaku Nawata's professional club career is set to commence with a prominent J.League team, marking his transition from a highly successful youth player to the senior professional ranks.
3.1. Professional career
On 15 December 2024, it was officially announced that Gaku Nawata had signed a provisional contract to join Gamba Osaka, a club in the J.League, for the 2025 season. He is slated to make his professional debut on 14 February 2025, starting in the J1 League opening match against Cerezo Osaka at Panasonic Stadium Suita. Nawata is expected to play primarily as a midfielder or forward for Gamba Osaka, where he will wear the number 38 shirt.
4. International career
Nawata has been a prominent figure in the Japanese youth national team setup, representing his country in several age-group competitions and contributing significantly to their international success.
4.1. Youth national teams
Nawata first received a call-up to the Japan U-16 national team in 2022. Since then, he has consistently represented Japan at the youth level, particularly for the U-17 squad.
4.2. Major international tournaments
Nawata played a pivotal role in the 2023 AFC U-17 Asian Cup, where he emerged as the top goal scorer of the tournament with five goals. His remarkable performance, including scoring two crucial goals against South Korea in the final match, led the Japanese U-17 national team to victory. For his outstanding contributions, he was also honored with the Player of the Tournament award.
In November 2023, Nawata was selected as part of the squad for the 2023 FIFA U-17 World Cup. During the tournament, he continued to showcase his scoring ability. In the knockout stage, specifically the Round of 16 match against Spain, he scored an equalizer in the 40th minute. However, despite his effort, Japan ultimately conceded a goal in the 74th minute and was defeated 1-2, ending their World Cup campaign in the Round of 16. On 11 October 2023, his talent gained international recognition when the English newspaper The Guardian named him as one of the 60 best young talents in world football born in 2006.
5. Playing style and characteristics
Gaku Nawata is recognized for his versatility and attacking prowess, primarily operating as a striker or attacking midfielder. He is known for his ability to find the back of the net and his significant contribution to offensive plays. His role on the field often involves leading the attack and creating scoring opportunities for his team.
6. Honours
Gaku Nawata has accumulated several significant titles and individual awards throughout his promising youth and early professional career.
6.1. Club
Kamimura Gakuen Junior High School
- National Junior High School Football Tournament: 2021
- Kagoshima Prefecture Junior High School General Athletic Meet / Kagoshima Prefecture Junior High School Football Tournament: 2019, 2021
- Prince Takamado JFA U-15 Football League Kagoshima Chest League Division 1: 2019, 2021
- KYFA Kyushu Youth U-15 Football Championship: 2019, 2021
- Kyushu Junior High School Football Tournament: 2021
- KYFA Kyushu Junior High School U-14 Football Tournament: 2019, 2021
Kamimura Gakuen High School
- National High School Football Championship Kagoshima Prefectural Tournament: 2022, 2023
- Prince Takamado JFA U-18 Football Prince League Kyushu: 2022
- Kagoshima Prefecture High School General Athletic Meet: 2022, 2023
6.2. International
Japan U-17
- AFC U-17 Asian Cup: 2023
6.3. Individual
- National Junior High School Football Tournament Top Goal Scorer: 2021
- AFC U-17 Asian Cup Top Goal Scorer: 2023 (5 goals)
- AFC U-17 Asian Cup Player of the Tournament: 2023