Gotoku SAKAI

• Full name: Gotoku Sakai
• Date of birth: March 14, 1991
• Place of birth: New York City, United States
• Nationality: Japanese (also holds U.S. birth) — represented Japan internationally
• Position: Right-back / Full-back
• Height: 1.77 m (5 ft 10 in)
• Preferred foot: Right

Club career (highlights)

• Albirex Niigata (Youth & senior start) — Sakai progressed through Albirex Niigata’s youth ranks and made his J1 League debut there.
• VfB Stuttgart (2012–2015) — Moved to Germany and established himself in the Bundesliga, helping Stuttgart earn promotion back to the top flight after relegation.
• Hannover 96 (2015–2019) — Regular starter in the Bundesliga across multiple seasons.
• Vissel Kobe (2019– ) — Returned to Japan and joined Vissel Kobe, teaming with players like Andrés Iniesta; contributed domestically.

International career

• Represented Japan at youth levels and made his senior debut in 2012.
• Selected for Japan’s squads at major tournaments, including the FIFA World Cup 2018 in Russia and the AFC Asian Cup squads during his international tenure.
• Known for defensive solidity, pace, overlapping runs, and crossing ability on the right flank.

Style of play

• Primarily a right-back with good stamina and tactical awareness.
• Combines defensive discipline with support in attack — overlapping full-back who can deliver crosses and contribute to build-up.

Notable facts

• Born in the United States to a Japanese mother and Ghanaian father, but raised in Japan and chose to represent Japan internationally.
• Has been a consistent presence for both club and country during his peak years in Europe and upon returning to the J.League.

Last update: Information current as of mid-2024; club affiliations and appearances may have changed after that date.