View source for Shunsuke Nakamura

{{Short description|Japanese footballer (born 1978)}}
{{about||the wrestler|Shinsuke Nakamura|other people}}
{{Use British English|date=February 2023}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2023}}
{{Infobox football biography
| name = Shunsuke Nakamura
| image = Shunsuke2 20080622.png
| caption = Nakamura with [[Japan national football team|Japan]] in 2008
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1978|6|24|df=y}}<ref name="FIFA"/>
| birth_place = [[Yokohama]], Kanagawa<!-- DO NOT LINK, see [[MOS:GEOLINK]] for further guidance -->, Japan
| height = 1.78 m<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.celticfc.net/home/players/playerInfo/sNakamura.aspx |title=Shunsuke Nakamura |publisher=Celtic F.C. |access-date=26 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080207181654/http://www.celticfc.net/home/players/playerInfo/sNakamura.aspx |archive-date=7 February 2008}}</ref>
| position = [[Midfielder (association football)#Attacking midfielder|Attacking midfielder]]
| currentclub = [[Yokohama FC]] (first team coach)
| clubnumber =
| youthyears1 = 1991–1993
| youthclubs1 = [[Yokohama F. Marinos]]
| youthyears2 = 1994–1996
| youthclubs2 = {{interlanguage link|Toko Gakuen High School|ja|桐光学園中学校・高等学校}}
| years1 = 1997–2002
| clubs1 = [[Yokohama F. Marinos]]
| caps1 = 148
| goals1 = 33
| years2 = 2002–2005
| clubs2 = [[Reggina 1914|Reggina]]
| caps2 = 81
| goals2 = 11
| years3 = 2005–2009
| clubs3 = [[Celtic F.C.|Celtic]]
| caps3 = 128
| goals3 = 29
| years4 = 2009–2010
| clubs4 = [[RCD Espanyol|Espanyol]]
| caps4 = 13
| goals4 = 0
| years5 = 2010–2017
| clubs5 = [[Yokohama F. Marinos]]
| caps5 = 190
| goals5 = 35
| years6 = 2017–2019
| clubs6 = [[Júbilo Iwata]]
| caps6 = 48
| goals6 = 5
| years7 = 2019–2022
| clubs7 = [[Yokohama FC]]
| caps7 = 38
| goals7 = 1
| totalcaps = 646 | totalgoals = 115
| nationalyears1 = 1997
| nationalteam1 = [[Japan national under-20 football team|Japan U-20]]
| nationalcaps1 = 5
| nationalgoals1 = 1
| nationalyears2 = 2000
| nationalteam2 = [[Japan national under-23 football team|Japan U-23]]
| nationalcaps2 = 4
| nationalgoals2 = 0
| nationalyears3 = 2000–2010
| nationalteam3 = [[Japan national football team|Japan]]
| nationalcaps3 = 98
| nationalgoals3 = 24
| medaltemplates = {{Medal|Country|{{Fb|JPN}}}}
{{Medal|Competition|[[AFC Asian Cup]]}}
{{Medal|W|[[2000 AFC Asian Cup|2000 Lebanon]]|}}
{{Medal|W|[[2004 AFC Asian Cup|2004 China]]|}}
}}

{{Nihongo|'''Shunsuke Nakamura'''<ref name="FIFA">{{cite web |url=https://www.fifadata.com/document/fwc/2006/PDF/FWC_2006_SquadLists.pdf |title=2006 FIFA World Cup Germany: List of Players: Japan |publisher=FIFA |page=16 |date=21 March 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190610174527/https://www.fifadata.com/document/fwc/2006/PDF/FWC_2006_SquadLists.pdf |archive-date=10 June 2019}}</ref>|中村 俊輔|Nakamura Shunsuke|born 24 June 1978|lead=yes}} is a Japanese former professional [[Association football|footballer]]. He is currently a first-team coach of [[Yokohama FC]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.yokohamafc.com/team/playerstaff/ |script-title=ja:選手・スタッフ |trans-title=Players/staff |lang=ja |publisher=Yokohama FC |access-date=30 March 2024}}</ref> He is the only person to have been named [[J.League Most Valuable Player]] more than once, receiving the award in 2000 and 2013.<ref name=jfa-mvp>{{cite web | url =http://www.jfa.or.jp/eng/topics/2013/343.html | title =11/12/2013 Marinos midfielder Nakamura named J. League MVP | publisher =Japanese Football Association}}</ref> Renowned as one of the best free kick takers ever, [[Steve Perryman]] once remarked that Nakamura "could open a tin of beans with his left foot".<ref name=telegraph>{{cite web | url =https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/japan/6607326/Shunsuke-Nakamura-Japan-star-player-at-World-Cup-2010.html | title =Shunsuke Nakamura: Japan star player at World Cup 2010 | work =The Telegraph| date =20 November 2009 }}</ref>

Nakamura began his professional career with J1 League club [[Yokohama F. Marinos|Yokohama Marinos]] in 1997,{{sfn|Greig|2008|p=128}}<ref group=note name=marinos>The Marinos would later merge with [[Yokohama Flügels]] and take on their current name, Yokohama F. Marinos, in 1999.</ref> eventually making 338 league appearances during two spells at the club totalling just over twelve seasons.<ref name=jt-iwata>{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title=Nakamura leaves Marinos to join Jubilo |date=8 January 2017 |url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2017/01/08/soccer/j-league/nakamura-set-join-jubilo/#.WHbvCX0gVGE | newspaper=[[The Japan Times]] |access-date=11 January 2017}}</ref> In between his spells at Marinos, Nakamura played in Europe with [[RCD Espanyol|Espanyol]], [[Celtic FC|Celtic]], and [[Reggina 1914|Reggina]]. During his time at Celtic, he became one of the best Asian players to have ever played in Europe; he was nominated for the [[2007 Ballon d'Or]],<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,12028_2815765,00.html |title =Ballon d'Or nominees |date=22 October 2007 |access-date=20 April 2014 |publisher =Sky Sports}}</ref> was named [[PFA Scotland Players' Player of the Year|Scottish Player of the Year]]<ref name = "SPFApoty">{{cite web |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_prem/6582025.stm |title=Nakamura takes top player award |work=BBC Sport |publisher=BBC |date=22 April 2007 |access-date=27 September 2013}}</ref> and [[SFWA Footballer of the Year]]<ref name = "SFWApoty">{{cite web |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/scot_prem/6615155.stm |title=Nakamura gets top writers' prize |work=BBC Sport |publisher=BBC |date=2 May 2007 |access-date=27 September 2013}}</ref> in 2007, and became the first Japanese player to score in the [[UEFA Champions League]].<ref>{{cite magazine | url =https://content.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,1988801_1988797_1988784,00.html | title =Japan - A Team-by-Team Guide to the 2010 World Cup | magazine =Time| date =2 June 2010 }}</ref><ref group=note name=CL-first>"UEFA Champions League" referring to the modern era of the competition; [[Yasuhiko Okudera]], who scored for [[1. FC Köln]] against [[Nottingham Forest F.C.|Nottingham Forest]] in the [[1978–79 European Cup#Semi-finals|1978–79 European Cup semi-final]], was the first Japanese player (and first Asian player) to score in the European Cup.</ref> His team accomplishments at Celtic include winning the [[Scottish Premier League]] in 2006, 2007, and 2008, the [[Scottish League Cup]] in 2006 and 2009, and the [[Scottish Cup]] in 2007.<ref name = "waystats">{{cite web |url=https://int.soccerway.com/players/shunsuke-nakamura/570/ |title=Japan - S. Nakamura - Profile with news, career statistics and history |website=soccerway.com |access-date=15 June 2016}}</ref>

Nakamura has 98 [[Cap (sport)|caps]] and 24 goals for the [[Japan national football team]], including appearances in the [[FIFA World Cup]] finals in [[2006 FIFA World Cup|2006]] and [[2010 FIFA World Cup|2010]]<ref name=nationalteam>{{cite web | url =http://www.japannationalfootballteam.com/en/players/nakamura_shunsuke.html | title =Nakamura Shunsuke| publisher =Japan National Football Team Database}}</ref> and winning the [[AFC Asian Cup]] in [[2000 AFC Asian Cup|2000]] and [[2004 AFC Asian Cup|2004]]; he was named [[AFC Asian Cup records and statistics#General awards|Most Valuable Player]] of the 2004 competition.<ref name=afcmvp>{{cite web |url=http://www.cbc.ca/sports/soccer/japan-s-nakamura-a-free-kick-specialist-1.812798 |title=Japan's Nakamura a free kick specialist |last1=Molinaro |first1=John F. |date=20 November 2009 |website=cbc.ca |publisher=CBC Sports |access-date=12 June 2016}}</ref> He also appeared in the [[1997 FIFA World Youth Championship]] as a member of the [[Japan national under-20 football team|Japan under-20]] team and the [[2000 Summer Olympics]] as a member of the [[Japan national under-23 football team|Japan under-23]] team.<ref name=jfa-stats>{{cite web |url=http://www.jfa.or.jp/national_team/member/man/nakamura_shunsuke.html |script-title=ja:中村 俊輔 &#124; 代表メンバー &#124; 日本代表 |language=ja |website=jfa.or.jp |publisher=[[Japan Football Association]] |access-date=3 September 2016}}</ref>

==Early life==
Born and raised in [[Yokohama]], Japan, Nakamura began playing football competitively at age 5 with local junior club side Misono FC, where his playmaking abilities already garnered attention from locals.{{sfn|Greig|2008|p=120}} In fifth grade, he was selected for Yokohama's city junior all-star team's tour of the [[Soviet Union]],{{sfn|Greig|2008|p=121}} even though the team was only meant to include sixth graders.{{Citation needed|date=May 2007}}

At age 12 in 1991, Nakamura joined the youth setup of {{interlanguage link|Nissan Motors F.C.|ja|日産自動車サッカー部}},{{sfn|Greig|2008|p=120}} one of the predecessors of the club known today as [[Yokohama F. Marinos]]. While training at the youth setup, Nakamura was already honing his dead-ball technique, practising free kicks for an hour every day outside of team practice;{{sfn|Greig|2008|p=121}} his coaches also acknowledged he had good ball skills and technique.{{sfn|Greig|2008|p=121}} However, at that time Nakamura was physically underdeveloped compared to his teammates and struggled to transition to the youth level, and eventually was not chosen for the youth team.{{sfn|Greig|2008|p=120-22}}

Rather than continue on the fringes of Nissan's youth setup, Nakamura instead decided to enroll at {{interlanguage link|Tōkō Gakuen High School|ja|桐光学園中学校・高等学校}} in [[Kawasaki, Kanagawa|Kawasaki]],{{sfn|Greig|2008|p=122}} despite the school being a two-and-a-half-hour commute each way.{{sfn|Greig|2008|p=123}} Nakamura led Tōkō Gakuen to [[All Japan High School Soccer Tournament|Japan's national high school football tournament]] in 1995 and to the tournament final in 1996.{{sfn|Greig|2008|p=126}} It was his performance there that earned him a call-up to the [[Japan national under-20 football team|Japan under-20 team]] for the [[1996 AFC Youth Championship]]<ref name=jfa-stats /> and subsequently for the [[1997 FIFA World Youth Championship]].{{sfn|Greig|2008|p=128}}<ref name=jfa-stats />

By his graduation from Tōkō Gakuen in 1997, Nakamura had attracted interest from several top-flight Japanese clubs, including offers from [[Júbilo Iwata]], [[Tokyo Verdy|Verdy Kawasaki]], and [[Gamba Osaka]].{{sfn|Greig|2008|p=127}}

==Club career==

===Yokohama Marinos===
In 1997, Nakamura chose to sign with [[J1 League|J.League Division 1]] club [[Yokohama F. Marinos|Yokohama Marinos]],{{sfn|Greig|2008|p=128}}<ref group=note name=marinos /> the club whose youth setup he had left only a few years earlier. Nakamura made his début with Marinos on 8 March in a [[1997 J.League Cup|J.League Cup]] match against [[Tokyo Verdy|Verdy Kawasaki]]<ref name=jfa2010>{{Cite web |url=http://www.jfa.or.jp/eng/topics/2010/111.html |title=10/05/2010 Information on Japan players' |date=10 May 2010 |website=jfa.or.jp |publisher=[[Japan Football Association]] |access-date= 4 September 2016}}</ref><ref>{{J.League player}}</ref><ref>[https://data.j-league.or.jp/SFMS02/?match_card_id=3155 J.League]</ref> and his league début on 16 April against [[Gamba Osaka]].{{citation needed|reason=This appears on ja-space article also - just need a citation|date=September 2016}} Nakamura finished his rookie season with 31 appearances and 5 goals.{{sfn|Greig|2008|p=130}}

Nakamura had his break-out season the following year in [[1998 J.League|1998]], making 37 appearances and scoring 10 goals; his playmaking ability in creating scoring chances for teammates also contributed to Nakamura being considered one of the best young players in Japan.{{sfn|Greig|2008|p=130}} In [[2000 J.League Division 1|2000]], Nakamura had his best season in Yokohama, recording 5 goals and 11 assists{{citation needed|reason=Assist total not verified|date=July 2015}} in league play, helping Marinos to the first-stage championship;{{sfn|Greig|2008|p=130}} Nakamura was awarded [[J.League Most Valuable Player]] for his contributions.{{sfn|Greig|2008|p=130}}<ref name="jphons">{{cite web|title=Jリーグ 歴代のMVP・新人王・ベストイレブン・得点ランキング |trans-title=J-League history of MVP · Rookie of the Year, Best Eleven Top Scorers |url=http://ultra.zone/jleague-mvp-best-eleven-top-scorer|website=Ultra Zone|access-date=27 July 2015|language=ja}}</ref> The following year, Nakamura made 31 appearances and scored 5 goals in all competitions, including 6 appearances and 2 goals in the [[2001 J.League Cup]], which the Marinos won.{{sfn|Greig|2008|p=131}}

Due to his success, Nakamura became the subject of transfer target rumours from a number of European clubs including [[Real Madrid C.F.|Real Madrid]]<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/newsid=16063.html |title=Nakamura prepares for Madrid move |date=27 January 2002 |website=uefa.com |publisher=[[UEFA]] |access-date=4 September 2016}}</ref><ref name=SI>{{cite magazine| url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/soccer/news/2002/07/04/italy_nakamura-ap/ | magazine=Sports Illustrated |title=Nakamura confirms move to Reggina |access-date=23 May 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110628213132/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/soccer/news/2002/07/04/italy_nakamura-ap/ |archive-date=28 June 2011}}</ref> and several [[Lega Nazionale Professionisti|Lega Calcio]] sides such as [[Reggina 1914|Reggina]], [[A.C. ChievoVerona|Chievo]], [[A.C. Perugia Calcio|Perugia]], [[S.S.C. Napoli|Napoli]], [[U.S. Lecce|Lecce]], and [[Atalanta B.C.|Atalanta]].{{sfn|Greig|2008|p=186}} Nakamura felt he had to leave Japan and play in Europe to further develop and advance his career, especially after the disappointment of being left off of Japan's 2002 World Cup squad.<ref name=SI />{{sfn|Greig|2008|p=132}} Nakamura left Marinos partway through the [[2002 J.League Division 1|2002 season]] to join [[Reggina 1914|Reggina]], newly promoted to [[Serie A]], after the clubs agreed to a 6-month loan and US$3.5 million transfer fee.<ref name=SI /> Prior to his departure from Marinos, Nakamura remained in top form, scoring 4 goals in 8 appearances.{{sfn|Greig|2008|p=131}}

===Reggina===
Nakamura had come to the attention of Reggina scouts after an international match against Honduras during the 2002 [[Kirin Cup]] in which Nakamura had a standout performance and scored two goals.<ref name=jfa-stats />{{sfn|Greig|2008|p=185}} Reggina gained promotion to [[Serie A]] after the 2001–02 season and had already been looking to sign a marquee player for some time.{{sfn|Greig|2008|p=185}} It is said that, on the day Reggina secured promotion, then-Chairman [[Pasquale Foti]] had already called the Marinos to inquire about a Nakamura transfer while Reggina's players were still on the pitch celebrating.{{sfn|Greig|2008|p=185-6}}

Expectations for Nakamura were very high; the prestigious number 10 shirt was even taken from teammate [[Francesco Cozza (footballer)|Francesco Cozza]] and given to Nakamura,{{sfn|Greig|2008|p=195}} and the club sold 25,000 Nakamura shirts in the first five months he was at the club.{{sfn|Greig|2008|p=187}} Nakamura responded by scoring in three consecutive matches early in the season; in league play, Nakamura finished the season with 32 appearances and tied for the team lead with 7 goals,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rsssf.org/tablesi/ital03.html |title=Italy 2002/03 |website=[[RSSSF]] |access-date=5 September 2016}}</ref> helping Reggina narrowly avoid relegation (Reggina defeated [[Atalanta B.C.|Atalanta]] in the [[2002–03 Serie A#Relegation play-off|relegation playoff]]).

Nakamura struggled with injuries in 2003 and was limited to just 18 appearances in the 2003–04 season (these injuries also caused him to miss a [[2003 Confederations Cup]] game against Colombia and national team duty in November 2003).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.espnfc.us/story/283057/japan-at-full-strength-for-cameroon-clash |title=Japan at full strength for Cameroon clash |date=10 November 2003 |website=[[ESPN]] |access-date=5 September 2016}}</ref> Additionally, Reggina underwent four managerial changes in just Nakamura's first two years at the club;<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.vanityfair.com/news/2010/05/japans-hopes-hang-on-nakamura |title=Japan's Hopes Hang on Nakamura |last=Gendelman |first=David |date=19 May 2010 |work=[[Vanity Fair (magazine)|Vanity Fair]] |access-date=5 September 2016}}</ref> [[Walter Mazzarri]], hired in the summer of 2004, would already be Nakamura's fifth manager at Reggina. The frequent changes resulted in Nakamura mostly coming off the bench during the 2003–04 season{{sfn|Greig|2008|p=195}}<ref name=NST>{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title=Real alert on Red Devil Rio |date=19 September 2003 |location="EPL Plus" weekly special, p.16 |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1309&dat=20030919&id=SUEhAAAAIBAJ&pg=2640,5820859&hl=en |work=[[New Straits Times]] |access-date=5 September 2016}}</ref><ref name=wfb-stats>{{cite web |url=http://jpn.worldfootball.net/player_summary/shunsuke-nakamura/2/ |title=Shunsuke Nakamura » Club matches |website=Worldfootball.net |access-date=22 July 2016}}</ref> and not fitting in well under Mazzarri in 2004–05 when Reggina only scored 36 goals in their entire league campaign,<ref name=mccarra>{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/blog/2008/oct/21/championsleague-celtic |title=Champions League: Blossoming of Nakamura shows Strachan's canny eye for a cast-off |last=McCarra |first=Kevin |date=20 October 2008|work=[[The Guardian]] |access-date= 5 September 2016}}</ref> with Nakamura only managing to contribute two goals (although each came in crucial 1–0 league victories in a season where Reggina finished only 2 points clear of the relegation zone).<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rsssf.org/tablesi/ital05.html |title=Italy 2004/05 |website=[[RSSSF]] |access-date=7 September 2016}}</ref> Coupled with Reggina's struggle to avoid relegation every season that he had been at the club, Nakamura became concerned he was regressing from top-level football<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.junpiterfutbol.com/?p=5323 |title= Interview: japan's Freekick Specialist Shunsuke Nakamura & Marinos |date=20 August 2016 |website=junpiterfutbol.com |access-date=5 September 2016 |quote=That year, I was playing for Reggina but the club was always toying around at the relegation zone hence I was feeling a little worried that I was stepping away from world-class football. That situation was not very ideal for me as a footballer as I still hope to be involved at the highest level of football during that time.}}</ref> and decided it was time to move on.

===Celtic===
Nakamura expressed interest in playing in Spain and media reports linked him to [[La Liga]] sides [[Atlético Madrid]] and [[Deportivo de La Coruña|Deportivo]]<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=335345 |title=ESPNsoccernet – Europe – Nakamura set for Primera Liga switch<!-- Bot generated title --> |access-date=31 March 2006 |archive-date=29 June 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629001822/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=335345 |url-status=dead }}</ref>{{sfn|Greig|2008|p=41}} as well as [[Bundesliga]] clubs [[Borussia Dortmund]] and [[Borussia Mönchengladbach]] in the summer of 2005.{{citation needed|date=July 2015}} Other European clubs including [[Leeds United F.C.|Leeds United]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11715/2279409/nakamura-linked-with-departure |title=Nakamura linked with departure |last1=Carminati |first1=Nadia |last2=Marshall |first2=Adam |date=October 2003 |website=skysports.com |publisher=[[Sky Sports]] |access-date=5 September 2016}}</ref> [[S.S. Lazio|Lazio]],<ref name=NST /> and [[Parma Calcio 1913|Parma]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11838/2263102/nakamura-flattered-by-atletico-interest |title=Nakamura flattered by Atletico interest |last=Carminati |first=Nadia |website=skysports.com |publisher=[[Sky Sports]] |access-date=5 September 2016}}</ref> reportedly had also expressed interest during Nakamura's time at Reggina, but Nakamura ultimately chose to join [[Scottish Premier League]] runners-up [[Celtic F.C.|Celtic]].<ref name="celt">{{cite web|title=Nakamura arrival excites Strachan|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/celtic/4713087.stm|website=BBC Sport|access-date=26 July 2015|date=29 July 2005}}</ref>

New manager [[Gordon Strachan]] became interested in acquiring Nakamura due to his national team appearances in the [[2005 Confederations Cup]],{{sfn|Greig|2008|p=10|ps=: ''Foreword'' by Gordon Strachan.}} in particular for his performance against Brazil{{sfn|Strachan|2006|p=375}} in which Nakamura scored a goal and helped Japan to a 2–2 draw.<ref name=nationalteam /> The deal with Celtic was completed on 29 July 2005 for a reported transfer fee of £2.5 million,<ref name="celt" /> although Strachan has claimed the actual fee was far lower;<!-- Note use of ref and harvnb instead of sfn for next citation due to use of additional quote but identical page number to existing sfn template reference. --><ref>{{harvnb|Strachan|2006|p=375}}: "Shunsuke's fee, quoted at £2.5 million, was not even half that."</ref> part of the discrepancy may be due to the deal involving Celtic securing the player's [[Personality rights|image rights]]{{sfn|Greig|2008|p=211}} with a view to enhancing the club's profile and merchandising sales in the Far East.<ref name="celt" /> In welcoming Nakamura to the club, Strachan stated that Nakamura "has got imagination and he sees passes other people can't see."<ref name="celt"/>

====2005–06 season====
[[File:Shunsuke Nakamura.jpg|thumb|upright|Nakamura warming up ahead of [[Celtic F.C.|Celtic]]'s clash with [[Dundee United F.C.|Dundee United]] on 6 August 2005]]
Nakamura joined Celtic at a time of relative crisis for the club and new manager Strachan.{{sfn|Greig|2008|p=45}} Celtic had been eliminated from European competition after being unable to overcome a shock 0–5 first leg defeat to [[FC Petržalka akadémia|Artmedia Bratislava]] in the second qualifying round of the [[2005–06 UEFA Champions League|2005–06 Champions League]] and also had an inauspicious start to the [[2005–06 Scottish Premier League|league season]], needing an injury time equaliser from [[Craig Beattie]] just to draw with [[Motherwell F.C.|Motherwell]] in the league opener.{{sfn|Greig|2008|p=45}}<ref>{{cite web |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/scot_prem/4728367.stm |title=Motherwell 4–4 Celtic |date=30 July 2005 |website=BBC News |publisher=[[BBC Sport]] |access-date=7 September 2016}}</ref> For this reason, Strachan immediately inserted Nakamura into the match day line-up for the second league game of the season against [[Dundee United F.C.|Dundee United]] on 6 August, despite Nakamura not being match fit as he had not played since the Confederations Cup earlier in the summer.{{sfn|Greig|2008|p=45}} Nevertheless, Nakamura had an excellent debut and was named Man of the Match,{{sfn|Greig|2008|p=46}} earning a standing ovation from the home Celtic support when he was substituted in the 84th minute.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/scot_prem/4748367.stm |title=Celtic 2-0 Dundee Utd |date=6 August 2005 |website=BBC News |publisher=[[BBC Sport]] |access-date=7 September 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/competitions/premiership/he-s-the-orient-express-1-1402986 |title=He's the Orient express |date=7 August 2005 |website=scotsman.com |publisher=[[The Scotsman]] |access-date=7 September 2016}}</ref> Both [[Tommy Burns (footballer)|Tommy Burns]] and [[Neil Lennon]], at the time first-team coach and club captain, respectively, have credited Nakamura's arrival at Celtic with helping turn around Celtic's disappointing start to the season.{{sfn|Greig|2008|pp=46-7}}

Nakamura finished his debut season at Celtic with 38 appearances, 6 goals, and 10 assists.{{sfn|Greig|2008|p=60}} His creativity, as well as his work ethic and composure under pressure, won praise from teammates, manager Gordon Strachan and Celtic supporters.<ref>http://www.celticfc.net/newsroom/news.aspx?id='2005-12-12_1152ss{{Dead link |date=September 2016 |fix-attempted}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.soccerphile.com/soccerphile/news/scot-premier/shunsuke.html |title=Scottish Football News – Shunsuke Nakamura |website=soccerphile.com |access-date=7 September 2016}}</ref> In reviewing Nakamura's debut season, Strachan said that Nakamura's "touch and vision were outstanding... In goal assists, I really do not think there is a player in Scotland to touch him."{{sfn|Greig|2008|p=60}} In his first season with Celtic, Nakamura won his first major club titles, the Scottish Premier League and Scottish League Cup.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.abc.net.au/sport/columns/200604/s1622269.htm |title=World Cup 2006 – Shunsuke Nakamura: Creative heartbeat |date=24 May 2006 |website=abc.net.au |publisher= [[ABC Sport]] |access-date=7 September 2016}}</ref>

====2006–07 season====
[[File:KDoddvCelts.jpg|thumb|left|upright|Nakamura (left) battling for the ball with [[Karl Dodd]] of [[Falkirk F.C.|Falkirk]] during a match in December 2006]]
In his second season at Celtic, Nakamura played his debut [[UEFA Champions League|Champions League]] game on 13 September against [[Manchester United F.C.|Manchester United]] at [[Old Trafford]]. He scored from a free kick to bring the game level at 2–2, making him the first Japanese footballer to score a goal in the Champions League,<ref>{{cite web|last=Vitetta|first=Stefano|title=Che fine ha fatto Shunsuke Nakamura? Il re del Sol Levante |trans-title=What happened to Shunsuke Nakamura? The king of the Rising Sun|url=http://www.calcioweb.eu/2015/04/che-fine-ha-fatto-shunsuke-nakamura-il-re-del-sol-levante/199681/|website=Calcio|access-date=27 July 2015|language=it|date=20 April 2015}}</ref><ref group=note name=CL-first /> although Celtic eventually lost 3–2. On 14 October, in a league game against [[Dundee United F.C.|Dundee United]] at [[Tannadice Park|Tannadice]], Nakamura scored the first [[hat-trick]] of his Celtic career and won the Man of the Match award; the game ended 4–1 in Celtic's favour.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2006/1014/210131-celtic/ |title=Nakamura destroys Dundee |date=14 October 2006 |website=rte.ie |publisher=[[RTÉ Sport]] |access-date=14 January 2017}}</ref>

On 21 November, Nakamura scored perhaps the most important goal of his career with a 30-yard free kick against [[Manchester United]] at [[Celtic Park]] in a crucial Champions League game,{{sfn|Parrish|Nauright|2014|p=164}} leading to Celtic qualifying for the Champions League knockout stage for the first time.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/espn/wire/_/section/soccer/id/2671411|title=UPDATE 2-Soccer-Celtic into knockout phase with win over Man Utd|website=ESPN.com}}</ref> [[Sky Sports]] pundit and [[Southampton F.C.|Southampton]] legend [[Matt Le Tissier]] later ranked Nakamura's free kick as among the best five set-piece goals he has ever seen.<ref name=mccarra /> On 26 December, Nakamura chipped the ball over Dundee United's goalkeeper [[Derek Stillie]] at Celtic Park; the goal earned Nakamura the SPL Goal of the Season award.<ref name =SPFApoty/> It was Nakamura's performance in the final 20 minutes of the game which allowed Celtic to escape with a point, prompting Gordon Strachan to proclaim him "a genius".<ref>{{cite news |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |title=It doesn't take a genius to shine at Almondvale |date=6 May 2007 |website=scotsman.com |publisher=[[The Scotsman]] |url=http://www.scotsman.com/sport/football/competitions/premiership/it-doesn-t-take-a-genius-to-shine-at-almondvale-1-1419034 |access-date=17 November 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.irishexaminer.com/archives/2006/1227/sport/celts-claw-back-tangerines-but-face-balde-blow-21511.html |title=Celts claw back Tangerines but face Balde blow |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |date=27 December 2006 |website=irishexaminer.com |publisher=[[Irish Examiner]] |access-date=19 January 2017}}</ref>

On 25 February, during the [[2006–07 Scottish Cup|Scottish Cup]] quarter-final between Celtic and [[Inverness Caledonian Thistle F.C.|Inverness Caledonian Thistle]], Nakamura broke a bone in his left hand after an Inverness player stepped on it. Nevertheless, Nakamura played in the next game on 3 March against [[Dunfermline Athletic F.C.|Dunfermline Athletic]]. ''Hoops'' manager Gordon Strachan insisted that Celtic couldn't play the second leg of the Champions League match against [[A.C. Milan]] in the [[San Siro]] without him.<ref>{{cite news | title=Celts ease past Pars | url =http://headlines.yahoo.co.jp/hl?a=20070301-00000051-sph-socc | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20070303070353/http://headlines.yahoo.co.jp/hl?a=20070301-00000051-sph-socc | url-status =dead | archive-date =3 March 2007 | access-date = 1 March 2007 }}</ref> He played in both legs of the fixture, the first of which was a 0–0 draw at Celtic Park, with Milan going on to win the tie 1–0 after extra-time at the San Siro.

On 22 April, Celtic won their 41st league championship, and second in a row. The title was won in dramatic fashion by an injury time free kick from Nakamura in a 2–1 victory against Kilmarnock.<ref>Colin Moffat, [http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/scot_prem/6574335.stm Kilmarnock 1–2 Celtic], BBC Sport, 22 April 2007</ref> The result left Celtic 13 points clear of Rangers with four matches remaining. Quite fittingly, later that day Nakamura was recognised by his peers with the [[PFA Scotland Players' Player of the Year|Scottish Player of the Year]] award.<ref name=SPFApoty/> This was followed in May with the [[SFWA Footballer of the Year]] award<ref name=SFWApoty/> and both Players' Player of the Year award and the Fans' Player of the Year award at Celtic's own end of season awards ceremony.<ref name=autogenerated2>{{Cite web|url=http://www.celticfc.net/news/stories/news_100507142734.aspx|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081205120629/http://www.celticfc.net/news/stories/news_100507142734.aspx|url-status=dead|title=Clean sweep for Nakamura|archive-date=5 December 2008}}</ref>

Due to Nakamura's form, transfer rumours again swirled during the summer window suggesting that Nakamura might exercise a release clause in his contract to join one of Europe's other elite clubs,<ref>{{cite news |title=Nakamura's Celtic future in doubt |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/soccer/nakamura-s-celtic-future-in-doubt-1.1301307 |access-date=3 September 2020 |newspaper=The Irish Times |date=26 June 2007}}</ref> including [[Liverpool F.C.|Liverpool]];<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/2316001/Liverpool-close-in-on-Torres.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/2316001/Liverpool-close-in-on-Torres.html |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=Liverpool close in on Torres |last=Whitehall |first=Ian |date=28 June 2007 |website=The Telegraph}}{{cbignore}}</ref> however, Nakamura reiterated his desire to remain at Celtic.{{citation needed|date=September 2020}}

====2007–08 season====
Nakamura featured little in the first part of Celtic's 2007–08 campaign due to a knee injury which was initially picked up in a [[UEFA Champions League|Champions League]] qualifying match against [[FC Spartak Moscow|Spartak Moscow]] in August 2007.{{sfn|Greig|2008|p=226}} Nakamura attempted to play through the injury, including coming on as an 85th-minute substitute in a Champions League group stage match against [[A.C. Milan]] and being involved in the buildup to [[Scott McDonald]]'s injury time winner.{{sfn|Greig|2008|pp=225-6}} However, Nakamura wound up repeatedly aggravating the injury, including in a match against [[Motherwell F.C.|Motherwell]] on 27 October,<ref>{{cite news |last=Gordon |first=Phil |title=Shunsuke Nakamura out of Champions League as knee fails to improve |publisher=The Times Online |date=22 November 2007 |url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/scotland/article2918103.ece |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629141809/http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/scotland/article2918103.ece |url-status=dead |archive-date=29 June 2011 |access-date=21 January 2008 |location=London}}</ref> after which an [[Magnetic resonance imaging|MRI]] revealed nerve damage next to a knee ligament{{sfn|Greig|2008|p=226}} and Nakamura sat out for nearly three months.{{sfn|Greig|2008|p=227}} During this time, Celtic slipped from the top of the table into second place;{{sfn|Greig|2008|pp=226-7}} teammate [[Artur Boruc]] called Nakamura's absence the "big difference" in Celtic's drop in form.{{sfn|Greig|2008|p=227}} Nakamura returned to play on 12 January, for Celtic's [[Scottish Cup]] match against [[Stirling Albion F.C.|Stirling Albion]], in which he scored a goal.<ref>{{cite news|title=Celtic 3–0 Stirling Albion |publisher=[[RTÉ Sport]] |date=12 January 2008 |url=http://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2008/0112/celticstirling.html |access-date=21 January 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090108164654/http://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2008/0112/celticstirling.html |archive-date=8 January 2009 }}</ref>

On 16 April, in a crucial [[Old Firm]] league game that Celtic had to win in order to prevent Glasgow rivals [[Rangers F.C.|Rangers]] from winning the league title, Nakamura scored his first goal against Rangers,{{sfn|Greig|2008|pp=233-4}} making him the first ever Japanese player to score in an Old Firm game. Typically, it was a fantastic goal, this time being a 30-yard volley. He later had a goal bound effort cleared off the line by a [[Carlos Cuéllar]] handball in the same match;<ref>{{cite news |last1=Moffat |first1=Colin |title=Celtic 2-1 Rangers |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/scot_prem/7348837.stm |access-date=3 September 2020 |work=BBC Sport |date=16 April 2008}}</ref> although McDonald missed the ensuing penalty, Celtic eventually won the game 2–1.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2008/0416/230635-celtic_rangers/ |title=Celtic 2-1 Rangers |date=16 April 2008 |website=rte.ie |publisher=[[RTÉ Sport]] |access-date=19 January 2017}}</ref> Celtic won the league title on the last day of the season, their third title in a row.{{sfn|Greig|2008|p=236}}

====2008–09 season====
On 13 September 2008, Nakamura played his 100th Scottish Premier League match in a 4–2 victory against Motherwell.

On 28 February 2009, he scored a hat trick against [[St Mirren F.C.|St Mirren]] in a 7–0 win.

===Espanyol===
[[File:Nakamura.jpg|thumb|upright|Nakamura during his presentation at [[RCD Espanyol|Espanyol]] in August 2009]]
Media assumed that Nakamura would return to his hometown club [[Yokohama F. Marinos]] after his four-year contract with Celtic expired at the end of June 2009;<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/celtic/3222057/Celtic-midfielder-Shunsuke-Nakamura-looks-to-go-out-in-glory-Football.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/celtic/3222057/Celtic-midfielder-Shunsuke-Nakamura-looks-to-go-out-in-glory-Football.html |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=Celtic midfielder Shunsuke Nakamura looks to repeat history against Man United |last=Wilson |first=Jonathan |date=18 October 2008|work=[[The Daily Telegraph]] |access-date=19 January 2017}}{{cbignore}}</ref> however, negotiations broke down over contract terms.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2009/jun/22/shunsuke-nakamura-celtic-espanyol-free-transfer |title=Shunsuke Nakamura to leave Celtic for Espanyol |date=22 June 2009|work=[[The Guardian]] |access-date=19 January 2017}}</ref> On 22 June, Nakamura instead agreed to a two-year contract with [[La Liga]] side [[RCD Espanyol|Espanyol]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/c/celtic/8101864.stm|title=Espanyol seal deal for Nakamura |date=23 June 2009|work=BBC Sport|access-date=23 June 2009}}</ref>

Nakamura made his debut with Espanyol in the first league match of the [[2009–10 La Liga|2009–10]] season against [[Athletic Bilbao]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2009/09/01/soccer/nakamura-makes-low-key-debut/#.WIDz7X0gVGE |title=Nakamura makes low-key debut |date=1 September 2009 |newspaper=[[The Japan Times]] |access-date=19 January 2017}}</ref> playing the entire game. However, as the season went on Nakamura lost his place in the first team, spending significant time on the bench and with most of his appearances being as a substitute.<ref name = "waystats" />

By December, Espanyol staff expressed concerns about Nakamura's slow adaptation to Spain and Spanish football, with manager [[Mauricio Pochettino]] even suggesting that most of the issues were cultural.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://zeenews.india.com/home/nakamura-struggling-to-adapt-at-espanyol-coach_588141.html |title=Nakamura struggling to adapt at Espanyol: coach |date=17 December 2009 |website=zeenews.india.com |publisher=[[Zee News]] |access-date=19 January 2017}}</ref> Despite assurances from Espanyol as late as January that Nakamura still had a future at the club,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/celtic/7013698/Forgotten-man-Shunsuke-Nakamura-stretching-Espanyol-patience.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/celtic/7013698/Forgotten-man-Shunsuke-Nakamura-stretching-Espanyol-patience.html |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=Forgotten man Shunsuke Nakamura stretching Espanyol patience |last=Lomax |first=Andrew |date=17 January 2010|work=[[The Daily Telegraph]] |access-date=19 January 2017}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Espanyol acknowledged that during the winter transfer window they had accepted a bid from [[Middlesbrough F.C.|Middlesbrough]], who wanted to reunite Nakamura with new manager [[Gordon Strachan]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gazettelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/boro-bid-charlie-adam-turned-3708759 |title=Boro had bid for Charlie Adam turned down |date=3 February 2010|work=[[Teesside Gazette]]}}</ref> but there were questions about whether Nakamura would accept playing for a club in the second tier.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11842/5909202/boro-wait-on-nakamura |title=Boro wait on Nakamura |date=1 February 2010 |website=skysports.com |publisher=[[Sky Sports]] |access-date=20 January 2017}}</ref> By the following month Espanyol had transfer-listed Nakamura; media reports cited language and communication problems.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.marca.com/2010/02/18/futbol/equipos/espanyol/1266513327.html |title=El Espanyol está a la espera de una oferta por Nakamura |date=18 February 2010 |language=es |trans-title=Espanyol awaits offer for Nakamura |website=marca.com |publisher=[[Marca (newspaper)|Marca]] |access-date=19 January 2017}}</ref> On 26 February, Marinos agreed to a €1 million transfer fee.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.marca.com/2010/02/26/futbol/equipos/espanyol/1267186007.html |title=Nakamura deja el Espanyol y es traspasado al Yokohama Marinos |date=26 February 2010 |language=es |trans-title=Nakamura leaves Espanyol on transfer to Yokohama Marinos |website=marca.com |publisher=[[Marca (newspaper)|Marca]] |access-date=19 January 2017}}</ref> Nakamura acknowledged that his return to Marinos was largely due to ensuring playing time so that he would be selected and ready for the [[2010 FIFA World Cup|2010 World Cup]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.goal.com/en/news/1275/east-asia/2010/03/01/1812213/shunsuke-nakamura-i-came-back-to-japan-for-2010-world-cup |title=The prodigal son has returned... |date=1 March 2010 |website=goal.com |access-date=19 January 2017}}</ref>

===Yokohama F. Marinos===
Nakamura rejoined [[Yokohama F. Marinos]] for the [[2010 J.League Division 1|2010 J.League season]] - 8 years after leaving the club to play in Europe. Nakamura appeared in 32 of Marinos' 34 league games in his first season back at the club, including 31 starts and 5 goals.<ref name=waystats />

In 2011, Nakamura was appointed captain of Marinos<ref name=captain>{{cite web |url=http://www.nikkansports.com/soccer/news/1597483.html |script-title=ja:横浜ＭＦ中村俊輔、井原超えクラブ最長６年目主将 |date=28 January 2016 |website=nikkansports.com |publisher=[[Nikkan Sports]] |language=ja |trans-title=Midfielder Shunsuke Nakamura to be longest-serving captain at 6 years |access-date=19 January 2017}}</ref> and led the club to its best point total (56) since Marinos last won the league in [[2004 J.League Division 1|2004]].

During the [[2013 J.League Division 1|2013 season]], Nakamura made 33 appearances and scored 10 goals in league play.<ref name=waystats /> He also made 10 appearances and scored 2 goals in the [[2013 Emperor's Cup]], which the Marinos won.<ref name=waystats/> His league goal tally included a free kick goal against [[Oita Trinita]] on 27 October, Nakamura's 17th direct free kick goal in J1 League, surpassing [[Yasuhito Endo]] for the all-time league record.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.f-marinos.com/match/report/2013-10-27 |title=2013 Ｊ1 第30節 vs 大分トリニータ 試合レポート |date=27 October 2013 |language=ja |trans-title=2013 J1 Matchday 30 Yokohama F. Marinos vs Oita Trinita |website=f-marinos.com |publisher=[[Yokohama F. Marinos]] |access-date=19 January 2017}}</ref><ref name=jleague group=note>Records are for the [[J1 League]], reflecting statistics during the professional era of top-flight Japanese football since its formation in 1992.</ref> However, Nakamura was sidelined with injury late in the season and the Marinos lost three of their final four games,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2014/02/05/soccer/j-league/j-league-player-of-year-nakamura-rules-out-international-return/#.WIFxq30gVGE |title=J. League player of year Nakamura rules out international return |date=5 February 2014 |newspaper=[[The Japan Times]] |access-date=19 January 2017}}</ref> finishing one point behind [[Sanfrecce Hiroshima]] in the title race. Nakamura described Marinos' collapse as the "worst moment" of his career.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.worldfootball.net/news/_n930561_/football-nakamura-hits-rock-bottom-as-marinos-blow-title/ |title=Football: Nakamura hits rock bottom as Marinos blow title |date=7 December 2013 |website=worldfootball.net |access-date=19 January 2017}}</ref> Nevertheless, Nakamura was awarded [[J.League Most Valuable Player]] for his contributions, becoming the first and only multiple-time winner and, at the time, the oldest recipient of the award.<ref>{{cite web|title=Naka lifts J-League MVP Award for second time after 13 years|url=http://www.celticfc.net/news/5074?item=5074|website=celticfc.net |publisher=[[Celtic F.C.]]|access-date=19 January 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20161221/p2g/00m/0sp/008000c |title=Soccer: Kawasaki's Kengo Nakamura named 2016 J-League MVP |date=21 December 2016 |website=mainichi.jp |publisher=[[Mainichi Shimbun|The Mainichi]] |access-date=19 January 2017 }}{{dead link|date=December 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref><ref group=note>In 2016, [[Kengo Nakamura]] surpassed Shunsuke Nakamura as oldest J.League MVP recipient.</ref>

During the 2016 season, Nakamura became the longest-serving captain in Marinos history, passing [[Masami Ihara]].<ref name=captain /> He also scored free kick goals against [[Avispa Fukuoka]] on 5 March<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.soccerdigestweb.com/news/detail/id=14431 |title=【J1】中村俊輔が直接FKで21点目！ 自身が持つ"J１直接FKゴール数"を塗り替え、アウェー福岡戦をドローに持ち込む |date=5 March 2016 |language=ja |trans-title=Shunsuke Nakamura scores 21st direct free kick goal, drawing Fukuoka away |website=soccerdigestweb.com |access-date=19 January 2017}}</ref> and against [[Gamba Osaka]] on 2 April, his 21st and 22nd direct free kick goals in J.League, further extending the all-time league record.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://qoly.jp/2017/01/08/shunsuke-nakamura-22-free-kick-goals-hys-1 |title=中村俊輔、マリノスで記録したFK弾22発がコレだ |date=8 January 2017 |language=ja |trans-title=Shunsuke Nakamura departs Marinos having scored 22 direct free kick goals |newspaper=Qoly |publisher=Qoly Football Web Magazine |access-date=16 April 2017}}</ref><ref name=jleague group=note />

After the end of the 2016 season, J1 League rivals [[Júbilo Iwata]] made a multi-year contract offer to Nakamura.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2016/11/20/soccer/j-league/jubilo-make-multi-year-offer-veteran-nakamura/#.WIGKsX0gVGE |title=Jubilo make multi-year offer for veteran Nakamura |date=20 November 2016 |newspaper=[[The Japan Times]] |access-date=19 January 2017}}</ref> This led to media speculation in December that Nakamura was unhappy at Marinos due to interference in both player and staff personnel decisions by [[City Football Group]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2016/12/30/soccer/j-league/marinos-nakamura-negotiations-iwata/#.WIGLEX0gVGE |title=Marinos' Nakamura in negotiations with Iwata |date=30 December 2016 |newspaper=[[The Japan Times]] |access-date=19 January 2017}}</ref><ref name=kanaloco>{{cite web |url=http://www.kanaloco.jp/article/221959/2/ |script-title=ja:横浜マリノス中村俊輔退団へ 磐田移籍で経営影響も |date=30 December 2016 |language=ja |website=kanaloco.jp |publisher=[[Kanagawa Shimbun]] |access-date=19 January 2017}}</ref> who had taken a 20% stake in Marinos in 2014.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2014/05/20/soccer/j-league/manchester-city-reveals-plan-invest-yokohama-f-marinos/#.VI7sO2IaySM |title=Manchester City reveals plan to invest in Yokohama F. Marinos |date=20 May 2014 |newspaper=[[The Japan Times]] |access-date=19 January 2017}}</ref> Júbilo Iwata confirmed signing Nakamura on 8 January.<ref name=jt-iwata /> Nakamura reiterated his desire to retire with boyhood club Marinos - the only club he had played for in J.League - and expressed disappointment that he never won a league title with Marinos, but cited the ongoing stakeholder interference as creating an atmosphere where "every day there were things I felt were wrong" and he could not "face football properly".<ref name=jt-iwata /> Nakamura reportedly accepted an annual wage of ¥80 million from Júbilo Iwata despite a contract extension offer from Marinos worth ¥120 million annually.<ref name=Sanspo>{{cite web |url=http://www.sanspo.com/soccer/news/20170107/jle17010721020013-n1.html |title=俊輔、体制変更でショック「鬱になる」 移籍決断で横浜Ｍは斎藤ら主力も退団の可能性 |last=Brady |first=Ross |date=7 January 2017 |website=sanspo.com }}</ref> Marinos general manager {{interlanguage link|Takao Toshishige|ja|利重孝夫}} publicly expressed regret at the club's failure to re-sign Nakamura, saying "We absolutely cannot allow something like this to happen again."<ref name=jt-iwata /> A Marinos official reportedly stated that due to Nakamura's popularity with fans, his departure could result in a one-third drop in Marinos annual revenue.<ref name=kanaloco />

===Júbilo Iwata===
Nakamura joined [[Júbilo Iwata]] for the [[2017 J1 League|2017 season]].<ref name=jt-iwata /> He scored his first goal for Júbilo in a match against [[Omiya Ardija]] on 11 March, scoring from a direct free kick to bring his record J.League tally to 23;<ref>{{cite web |url=http://news.yahoo.co.jp/pickup/6232775 |title=中村俊輔が磐田移籍後初ゴール！鮮やかFKでJ1通算記録を「23」に更新 |date=11 March 2017 |website=news.yahoo.co.jp |publisher=[[Yahoo! Japan]] |language=ja |trans-title=Shunsuke Nakamura scores first goal after moving to Iwata! J1 League record now 23 with FK goal |access-date=15 March 2017}}</ref> the goal was later nominated for J.League Goal of the Month for the February–March period.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.jleague.jp/stats/2017/bestgoal/j1_2017_0203.html |title=成績・データ：Ｊリーグ.jp 2017年 2 ‧ 3月 |website=jleague.jp |publisher=[[J.League]] |language=ja |trans-title=Results / data: J League February–March 2017 |access-date=9 May 2017}}</ref> Nakamura followed up the nomination by winning J.League Goal of the Month for April<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.jleague.jp/stats/2017/bestgoal/j1_2017_04.html |title=成績・データ：Ｊリーグ.jp 2017年 4月 |website=jleague.jp |publisher=[[J.League]] |language=ja |trans-title=Results / data: J League April 2017 |access-date=12 May 2017}}</ref> for his 30-yard strike against [[Kashima Antlers]] on 22 April.{{citation needed|date=November 2019}} However his opportunity to play decreased in [[2018 J1 League|2018 season]]. In [[2019 J1 League|2019 season]], he played only 2 matches until July.

===Yokohama FC===
On 11 July 2019, Nakamura moved to [[J2 League]] club [[Yokohama FC]].<ref>[https://www.yokohamafc.com/2019/07/11/67017 Yokohama FC]{{in lang|ja}}</ref> As he immediately become one of the most experienced figures in the locker room, alongside [[Kazuyoshi Miura]],<ref>{{Cite web|date=11 January 2021|title=Kazuyoshi Miura signs contract to play past 54th birthday in Japan|url=http://www.theguardian.com/football/2021/jan/11/kazuyoshi-miura-signs-contract-to-play-past-54th-birthday-in-japan-top-flight|access-date=22 December 2021|website=The Guardian|language=en}}</ref> Nakamura made six appearances in the [[2019 J2 League|2019 season]], scoring one goal as Yokohama finished second in the league (behind only title winners [[Kashiwa Reysol]]) and went on to win promotion back to the [[J1 League]].

After ten more appearances during the [[2020 J1 League|2020 season]], with his team finishing 15th in the table, during the [[2021 J1 League|2021 season]] Nakamura played twelve more matches (plus one game each in the [[J.League Cup|League Cup]] and the [[Emperor's Cup]]) as Yokohama finished bottom of the league and got relegated. However, on 22 December 2021, the club announced that the midfielder had just extended his contract with them for one more year.<ref>{{Cite web|title=中村 俊輔選手 契約更新のお知らせ|url=https://www.yokohamafc.com/2021/12/22/shunsuke_nakamura/|access-date=22 December 2021|website=横浜FCオフィシャルウェブサイト|language=ja}}</ref>

=== Retirement ===
Nakamura announced his retirement from football on 17 October 2022.

==International career==
===Youth national teams===
Nakamura's national team career with Japan started in 1996 as the only high school player selected to the Under-19 team for the Asia Youth Championship. The following year, he was a member of [[Japan national under-20 football team|Japan's Under-20 team]] that finished in the final 8 of the [[1997 FIFA World Youth Championship|1997 World Youth Championship]].

In 1999, Nakamura was selected a member of [[Japan national under-23 football team|Japan's Under-23]] team that won all its Asian qualifying matches in the run up to the [[2000 Summer Olympics|2000 Olympic Games]] in Sydney. Nakamura formed a lethal combination in the attacking midfield with [[Shinji Ono]] on a team that would form the core of the Japan national team, and included [[Atsushi Yanagisawa]], [[Junichi Inamoto]] and [[Naohiro Takahara]]. In Sydney, Japan reached the quarterfinal round.

===Under Troussier===
Nakamura made his senior national team debut on 13 February 2000, in an [[2000 AFC Asian Cup qualification|Asian Cup qualifier]] match against Singapore.<ref name=nationalteam/> He scored his first national team goal against [[Brunei]] in the very next match on 16 February 2000, also in Asian Cup qualifying.<ref name=nationalteam/>

After playing a key role in Japan's championship at the [[2000 AFC Asian Cup|2000 Asian Cup]],{{sfn|Parrish|Nauright|2014|p=164-5}} Nakamura appeared to have cemented his place in the national team, having played every match of the tournament. However, his national team career took a sharp turn in a friendly match on 25 March 2001, a humiliating 5–0 loss to [[France national football team|France]]. He did not play for the team led by manager [[Philippe Troussier]] again until almost a year later, in a friendly match against [[Ukraine national football team|Ukraine]] on 21 March 2002.

Although Nakamura played in four friendly matches leading up to the [[2002 FIFA World Cup|2002 World Cup Finals]], he was left out of the 23-man squad to the disappointment of fans. In the second to last warm up match for the [[2002 FIFA World Cup|World Cup]] against [[Honduras national football team|Honduras]], he scored two goals, one of them a curling shot made directly from a corner kick.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/soccer/world/2002/world_cup/news/2002/05/02/japan_honduras/ | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110628235341/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/soccer/world/2002/world_cup/news/2002/05/02/japan_honduras/ | url-status=dead | archive-date=28 June 2011 | work=CNN | title=Santos lifts Japan to 3–3 draw with Honduras | access-date=23 May 2010}}</ref> However, he picked up a knee injury against Honduras and did not play in the final warm up match, a 3–0 loss against [[Norway]], and was ultimately not picked for the World Cup squad.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://null/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061114133452/http://worldcup.espnsoccernet.com/story?id=210564&lang=en|url-status=dead|title=ESPN FC|archive-date=14 November 2006|website=ESPNFC.com}}</ref>

Despite Nakamura's talents, Troussier could not find a place for him in his rigid, defensive-minded system. He believed Nakamura lacked the physique and stamina to play either the center or the left of the midfield, and had a surplus of players at both positions.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.fcjapan.co.jp/mail_magazine/news/feature_view.php3?id=49&m=1|title=FC JAPAN|website=www.fcjapan.co.jp}}</ref>

===Under Zico===
After the World Cup, Troussier resigned as manager of Japan, and was replaced by former [[Brazil national football team|Brazil]] and [[Kashima Antlers]] star [[Zico (footballer)|Zico]]. The new coach immediately brought the talented player back to the national team, starting Nakamura in his debut against [[Jamaica national football team|Jamaica]].

Zico has lauded Nakamura's improvement since 2002, especially his physical development, stating, "Unquestionably, he has improved a great deal since his move to Serie A. He is the soul of our midfield."<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20110629001843/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story?id=336786&cc=5901 ESPNsoccernet – Europe – Celtic chase signing of Nakamura<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> Nakamura has flourished under Zico's attacking style and earned his place as the central playmaker. He led Japan to the championship at [[Asian Cup 2004]],{{sfn|Parrish|Nauright|2014|p=164-5}} where he was named Most Valuable Player, and qualification for the [[2006 FIFA World Cup|2006 World Cup Finals]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fifa.com/en/news/interview/0,4323,110314-N,00.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051013073822/http://www.fifa.com/en/news/interview/0%2C4323%2C110314-N%2C00.html |date=4 October 2005 |archive-date=13 October 2005 |access-date=13 October 2005 |title=Nakamura, the angel with a sharp blade |work=FIFA |url-status=dead }}</ref> Nakamura also starred for Japan in the [[2003 FIFA Confederations Cup|2003]] and [[2005 FIFA Confederations Cup|2005 Confederations Cup]], scoring a total of 4 goals in 5 matches.<ref name="nationalteam" />

Nakamura was suspended for the [[2006 FIFA World Cup (qualification)|World Cup qualification]] match against [[North Korea national football team|North Korea]] on 8 June 2005 that clinched Japan's place in the 2006 Finals,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://fifaworldcup.yahoo.com/06/en/050608/1/3tgq.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050609234256/http://fifaworldcup.yahoo.com/06/en/050608/1/3tgq.html |archive-date=9 June 2005 |title=Japan celebrate qualification for Germany 2006}}</ref> he nonetheless played a key role in the qualifying run and had replaced [[Hidetoshi Nakata]] as the main playmaker in Japan's attack during that period.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://fifaworldcup.yahoo.com/06/en/050922/1/4pwd.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051001014238/http://fifaworldcup.yahoo.com/06/en/050922/1/4pwd.html |archive-date=1 October 2005 |title=Asian eyes turn to Europe}}</ref>

In the 2006 FIFA World Cup Nakamura scored the [[List of 2006 FIFA World Cup controversies#Australia vs. Japan (Group stage)|controversial]] opening goal in Japan's first game against [[Australia men's national soccer team|Australia]], which Australia came back to win 3–1.

After the [[2010 FIFA World Cup|2010 World Cup]], Nakamura retired from international football.<ref>{{cite news|title=Nakamura retires from internationals |url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/world-cup/story/_/id/804784/ce/uk/&cc=5739?ver=global |work=[[ESPN]] |date=2 July 2010 |access-date=12 February 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629001903/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/world-cup/story/_/id/804784/ce/uk/%26cc%3D5739?ver=global |archive-date=29 June 2011 }}</ref>

==Style of play==
A versatile [[playmaker]], with good feet, Nakamura was capable of playing in several [[Midfielder|midfield]] positions, including in the [[Midfielder#Central midfielder|centre]] of the pitch or out [[Midfielder#Winger|wide]], although he normally played as an attacking midfielder behind the forwards. A left-footed player, Nakamura was renowned for his creativity and long range passing ability, as well as his accuray from free kicks, making a name for himself as a set-piece specialist.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.cbc.ca/sports/soccer/japan-s-nakamura-a-free-kick-specialist-1.812798 |title=Japan's Nakamura a free kick specialist |work=CBC Sports |last1=Molinaro |first1=John |date=20 November 2009 |access-date=17 January 2024 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://archiviostorico.gazzetta.it/2002/ottobre/17/salvi_con_fantasia_ga_0_0210172995.shtml |title=Ti salvi con la fantasia |work=La Gazzetta dello Sport |language=it |last1=Stefano |first1=Boldrini |date=17 October 2002 |access-date=25 April 2024 }}</ref>

==Managerial career==
On 18 January 2023, it was announced that Nakamura would become the first team coach of [[Yokohama FC]] ahead of the 2023 season.

==Personal life==
Nakamura married a former Japanese celebrity{{clarify|date=March 2019}} in 2004. That same year, his first son was born. His second son was born on 15 January 2008 in Glasgow, Scotland. According to the ''[[Evening Times]]'', he is a fan of the ''[[Grand Theft Auto]]'' and ''[[Gran Turismo (series)|Gran Turismo]]'' video game series. He has appeared on the front cover (some of them with Zico) of the Japanese releases of [[Konami]]'s ''[[Winning Eleven]]'' video game series (''[[Pro Evolution Soccer (video game)|WE 5]]'', ''[[Pro Evolution Soccer 5|WE 9]]'', ''WE 9: Ubiquitous Evolution'' and ''[[Pro Evolution Soccer 6|WE 10]]'') in 2001, 2005 and 2006. He also appeared on the front cover of [[Namco|Namco's]] ''Football Kingdom Trial Edition'' in 2004. He is the paid promoter of the Yamada electronics chain. His current boot sponsor is Adidas.{{citation needed|date=May 2014}} Nakamura has illustrated the precision of his free kicks with novelty performances on television, including knocking ornaments off the top of a wedding cake without affecting the cake itself<ref>{{cite news |title=Video: Former Celtic star Shunsuke Nakamura arcs a free-kick to hit the top of a wedding cake |url=http://www.independent.ie/sport/video-former-celitc-star-shunsuke-nakamura-arcs-a-freekick-to-hit-the-top-of-a-wedding-cake-29896244.html |newspaper=Irish Independent |date=7 January 2014 |access-date=17 May 2014}}</ref> and striking a ball through the window of a moving bus.{{sfn|Parrish|Nauright|2014|p=165}}

==Career statistics==

===Club===
{{updated|the end 2022 season}}<ref>Nippon Sports Kikaku Publishing inc./日本スポーツ企画出版社, [https://www.amazon.co.jp/J1-J3%E9%81%B8%E6%89%8B%E5%90%8D%E9%91%91%E3%83%8F%E3%83%B3%E3%83%87%E3%82%A3%E7%89%88-2019-NSK-MOOK/dp/4905411629 "J1&J2&J3選手名鑑ハンディ版 2019 (NSK MOOK)"], 9 February 2019, Japan, {{ISBN|978-4905411628}} (p. 129 out of 289)</ref><ref>Nippon Sports Kikaku Publishing inc./日本スポーツ企画出版社, [https://www.amazon.co.jp/J1-J3%E9%81%B8%E6%89%8B%E5%90%8D%E9%91%91%E3%83%8F%E3%83%B3%E3%83%87%E3%82%A3%E7%89%88-2018-NSK-MOOK/dp/4905411521 "J1&J2&J3選手名鑑ハンディ版 2018 (NSK MOOK)"], 7 February 2018, Japan, {{ISBN|978-4905411529}} (p. 49 out of 289)</ref><ref name=wfb-stats /><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.f-marinos.com/club/player/data/2016/10 |title=2016 中村俊輔選手試合データ |website=Yokohama F. Marinos official website |access-date=22 July 2016 |language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://data.j-league.or.jp/SFIX04/?player_id=1615&lang=ja |title=Profile Shinsuke Nakamura |website=J.League Data Site |access-date=25 January 2021 |language=ja}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
|-
!rowspan="2"|Club
!rowspan="2"|Season
!colspan="3"|League
!colspan="2"|National cup{{efn|Includes [[Emperor's Cup]], [[Coppa Italia]], [[Scottish Cup]], [[Copa del Rey]]}}
!colspan="2"|League cup{{efn|Includes [[J.League Cup]], [[Scottish League Cup]]}}
!colspan="2"|Continental
!colspan="2"|Other
!colspan="2"|Total
|-
!Division!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals
|-
|rowspan="7"|[[Yokohama F. Marinos]]
|[[1997 Yokohama Marinos season|1997]]
|rowspan="6"|[[J1 League]]
|27||5||1||0||3||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||31||5
|-
|[[1998 Yokohama Marinos season|1998]]
|33||9||0||0||4||1||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||37||10
|-
|[[1999 Yokohama F. Marinos season|1999]]
|26||7||3||1||4||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||33||8
|-
|[[2000 Yokohama F. Marinos season|2000]]
|30||5||2||0||4||1||colspan="2"|—||2{{efn|Appearances in [[J.League Championship]]}}||0||38||6
|-
|[[2001 Yokohama F. Marinos season|2001]]
|24||3||1||0||6||2||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||31||5
|-
|[[2002 Yokohama F. Marinos season|2002]]
|8||4||0||0||0||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||8||4
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!148!!33!!7!!1!!21!!4!!colspan="2"|—!!2!!0!!178!!38
|-
|rowspan="4"|[[Reggina 1914|Reggina]]
|[[2002–03 Serie A|2002–03]]
|rowspan="3"|[[Serie A]]
|31||7||4||1||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||1{{efn|Appearance in [[2002–03 Serie A#Relegation play-off|Serie A relegation play-offs]]}}||0||36||8
|-
|[[2003–04 Serie A|2003–04]]
|16||2||2||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||18||2
|-
|[[2004–05 Serie A|2004–05]]
|33||2||0||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||33||2
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!80!!11!!6!!1!!colspan="2"|—!!colspan="2"|—!!1!!0!!87!!12
|-
|rowspan="5"|[[Celtic F.C.|Celtic]]
|[[2005–06 Celtic F.C. season|2005–06]]
|rowspan="4"|[[Scottish Premier League]]
|33||6||1||0||4||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||38||6
|-
|[[2006–07 Celtic F.C. season|2006–07]]
|37||9||5||0||0||0||8{{efn|name=UCL|Appearances in [[UEFA Champions League]]}}||2||colspan="2"|—||50||11
|-
|[[2007–08 Celtic F.C. season|2007–08]]
|26||6||4||1||0||0||6{{efn|name=UCL}}||1||colspan="2"|—||36||8
|-
|[[2008–09 Celtic F.C. season|2008–09]]
|32||8||2||0||3||1||5{{efn|name=UCL}}||0||colspan="2"|—||42||9
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!128!!29!!12!!1!!7!!1!!19!!3!!colspan="2"|—!!166!!34
|-
|[[RCD Espanyol|Espanyol]]
|[[2009–10 La Liga|2009–10]]
|[[La Liga]]
|13||0||2||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||15||0
|-
|rowspan="8"|Yokohama F. Marinos
|[[2010 Yokohama F. Marinos season|2010]]
|rowspan="7"|J1 League
|32||5||2||1||1||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||35||6
|-
|[[2011 Yokohama F. Marinos season|2011]]
|24||4||5||2||2||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||31||6
|-
|[[2012 Yokohama F. Marinos season|2012]]
|31||6||5||2||3||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||39||8
|-
|[[2013 Yokohama F. Marinos season|2013]]
|33||10||5||1||10||2||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||48||13
|-
|[[2014 Yokohama F. Marinos season|2014]]
|32||3||0||0||1||0||5{{efn|Appearances in [[AFC Champions League]]}}||0||1{{efn|Appearance in [[Japanese Super Cup]]}}||0||39||3
|-
|[[2015 Yokohama F. Marinos season|2015]]
|19||3||2||0||1||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||22||3
|-
|[[2016 Yokohama F. Marinos season|2016]]
|19||4||3||1||1||1||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||23||6
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!190!!35!!22!!7!!19!!3!!5!!0!!1!!0!!237!!45
|-
|rowspan="4"|[[Júbilo Iwata]]
|[[2017 J1 League|2017]]
|rowspan="3"|J1 League
|30||5||1||0||0||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||31||5
|-
|[[2018 J1 League|2018]]
|16||0||0||0||2||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||18||0
|-
|[[2019 J1 League|2019]]
|2||0||0||0||0||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||2||0
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!48!!5!!1!!0!!2!!0!!colspan="2"|—!!colspan="2"|—!!51!!5
|-
|rowspan="5"|[[Yokohama FC]]
|[[2019 J2 League|2019]]
|[[J2 League]]
|10||1||1||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||11||1
|-
|[[2020 J1 League|2020]]
|rowspan="2"|J1 League
|10||0||0||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||10||0
|-
|[[2021 J1 League|2021]]
|12||0||1||0||1||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||14||0
|-
|[[2022 J2 League|2022]]
|J2 League
|6||0||0||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||6||0
|-
!colspan="2"|Total
!38!!1!!2!!0!!1!!0!!colspan="2"|—!!colspan="2"|—!!41!!1
|-
!colspan="3"|Career total
!657!!115!!50!!11!!49!!8!!24!!3!!4!!0!!795!!136
|}
{{notelist}}

===International===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|+ Appearances and goals by national team and year<ref name=nationalteam/>
|-
!National team!!Year!!Apps!!Goals
|-
|rowspan="11"|[[Japan national football team|Japan]]
|[[2000 Japan national football team|2000]]||16||3
|-
|[[2001 Japan national football team|2001]]||1||0
|-
|[[2002 Japan national football team|2002]]||6||2
|-
|[[2003 Japan national football team|2003]]||8||4
|-
|[[2004 Japan national football team|2004]]||15||3
|-
|[[2005 Japan national football team|2005]]||11||3
|-
|[[2006 Japan national football team|2006]]||6||1
|-
|[[2007 Japan national football team|2007]]||10||4
|-
|[[2008 Japan national football team|2008]]||9||2
|-
|[[2009 Japan national football team|2009]]||11||2
|-
|[[2010 Japan national football team|2010]]||5||0
|-
!colspan="2"|Total!!98!!24
|}

:''Scores and results list Japan's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Nakamura goal.''

{| class="wikitable sortable"
|+ List of international goals scored by Shunsuke Nakamura<ref>[http://www.rsssf.com/miscellaneous/nakamura-intlg.html/ Shunsuke Nakamura - International Appearances] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150215200721/http://www.rsssf.com/miscellaneous/nakamura-intlg.html |date=15 February 2015 }}.</ref>
|-
!scope="col"|No.
!scope="col"|Date
!scope="col"|Venue
!scope="col"|Opponent
!scope="col"|Score
!scope="col"|Result
!scope="col"|Competition
|-
| align="center"|1 || 16 February 2000 || [[Macau]] || {{fb|BRU}} || || align="center"|9–0 || [[2000 AFC Asian Cup qualification|2000 Asian Cup qualifier]]
|-
| align="center"|2 || 11 June 2000 || [[Miyagi Prefecture|Miyagi]], Japan || {{fb|SVK}} || || align="center"|1–1 || [[Kirin Cup]]
|-
| align="center"|3 || 16 August 2000 || [[Hiroshima]], Japan || {{fb|UAE}} || || align="center"|3–1 || Friendly
|-
| align="center"|4 || rowspan="2"|2 May 2002 || rowspan="2"|[[Kobe]], Japan || rowspan="2"|{{fb|HON}} || || rowspan="2" style="text-align:center"|3–3 || rowspan="2"|Kirin Cup
|-
| align="center"|5 ||
|-
| align="center"|7 || rowspan="2"|18 June 2003 || rowspan="2"|[[Saint-Denis, Seine-Saint-Denis|Saint-Denis]], France || rowspan="2"|{{fb|NZL}} || || rowspan="2" style="text-align:center"|3–0 || rowspan="2"|[[2003 FIFA Confederations Cup]]
|-
| align="center"|8 ||
|-
| align="center"|9 || 20 June 2003 || [[Saint-Étienne]], France || {{fb|FRA}} || || align="center"|1–2 || 2003 FIFA Confederations Cup
|-
| align="center"|10 || 9 June 2004 || [[Saitama, Saitama|Saitama]], Japan || {{fb|IND}} || || align="center"|7–0 || [[2006 FIFA World Cup qualification|2006 World Cup qualifier]]
|-
| align="center"|11 || 20 July 2004 || [[Chongqing]], China || {{fb|OMA}} || || align="center"|1–0 || [[2004 AFC Asian Cup]]
|-
| align="center"|12 || 24 July 2004 || Chongqing, China || {{fb|THA}} || || align="center"|4–1 || 2004 AFC Asian Cup
|-
| align="center"|13 || 22 June 2005 || [[Cologne]], Germany || {{fb|BRA}} || || align="center"|2–2 || [[2005 FIFA Confederations Cup|2005 Confederations Cup]]
|-
| align="center"|14 || 7 September 2005 || [[Miyagi Prefecture|Miyagi]], Japan || {{fb|HON}} || || align="center"|5–4 || Friendly
|-
| align="center"|15 || 8 October 2005 || [[Riga]], Latvia || {{fb|LVA}} || || align="center"|2–2 || Friendly
|-
| align="center"|16 || 12 June 2006 || [[Kaiserslautern]], Germany || {{fb|AUS}} || || align="center"|1–3 || [[2006 FIFA World Cup|2006 World Cup]]
|-
| align="center"|17 || 13 July 2007 || [[Hanoi]], Vietnam || {{fb|UAE}} || || align="center"|3–1 || [[2007 AFC Asian Cup]]
|-
| align="center"|18 || 16 July 2007 || Hanoi, Vietnam || {{fb|VIE}} || || align="center"|4–1 || 2007 AFC Asian Cup
|-
| align="center"|19 || rowspan="2"|11 September 2007 || rowspan="2"|[[Klagenfurt]], Austria || rowspan="2"|{{fb|SUI}} || || rowspan="2" style="text-align:center"|4–3 || rowspan="2"|Friendly
|-
| align="center"|20 ||
|-
| align="center"|21 || 2 June 2008 || [[Yokohama]], Japan || {{fb|OMA}} || || align="center"|3–0 || [[2010 FIFA World Cup qualification]]
|-
| align="center"|22 || 2 June 2008 || [[Manama]], Bahrain || {{fb|BHR}} || || align="center"|3–2 || 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification
|-
| align="center"|23 || 28 March 2009 || [[Saitama, Saitama|Saitama]], Japan || {{fb|BHR}} || || align="center"|1–0 || 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification
|-
| align="center"|24 || 18 November 2009 || Hong Kong || {{fb|HKG}} || || align="center"|4–0 || [[2011 AFC Asian Cup qualification|2011 Asian Cup qualifier]]
|}

==Honours==
'''Yokohama F. Marinos'''<ref name="waystats" /> 
*[[J.League Cup]]: [[2001 J.League Cup|2001]]{{sfn|Greig|2008|p=131}}
*[[Emperor's Cup]]: [[2013 Emperor's Cup|2013]]

'''Celtic'''<ref name="waystats" /> 
*[[Scottish Premier League]]: [[2005–06 Scottish Premier League|2005–06]], [[2006–07 Scottish Premier League|2006–07]], [[2007–08 Scottish Premier League|2007–08]]
*[[Scottish Cup]]: [[2006–07 Scottish Cup|2006–07]]
*[[Scottish League Cup]]: [[2005–06 Scottish League Cup|2005–06]], [[2008–09 Scottish League Cup|2008–09]]

'''Yokohama'''
*[[J2 League]] promotion: [[2022 J2 League|2022]]<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2022/11/25/soccer/nakamura-yokohama-coach/#:~:text=League%20second%2Ddivision%20season%20last,first%20season%20at%20the%20helm. |title=Shunsuke Nakamura to join Yokohama FC as coach |work=The Japanese Times | date = 25 November 2022 | access-date=4 September 2023}}</ref> 

'''Japan'''
*[[AFC Asian Cup]]: [[2000 AFC Asian Cup|2000]], [[2004 AFC Asian Cup|2004]]{{sfn|Parrish|Nauright|2014|p=164-5}} 

'''Individual'''
* [[FIFA Confederations Cup records and statistics#Awards|FIFA Confederations Cup Bronze Shoe]]: [[2003 FIFA Confederations Cup#Awards|2003]]<ref>{{cite news|title=FIFA Confederations Cup official awards |url=https://www.fifa.com/en/display/mrel,70513.html |website=Fédération Internationale de Football Association |format=PDF |location=Paris |date=29 June 2003 |access-date=19 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030704024400/http://www.fifa.com/en/display/mrel%2C70513.html |archive-date=4 July 2003 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
*[[J.League Most Valuable Player|J.League Player of the Year]]: 2000,<ref name="jphons" /> 2013<ref name="jphons" />
*[[J.League Best Eleven]]: 1999,<ref name="jphons" /> 2000,<ref name="jphons" /> 2013<ref name="jphons" />
*[[J.League Best XI#J.League 20th Anniversary Team|J.League 20th Anniversary Team]]
*[[J.League Best XI#J.League 30th Anniversary Team|J.League 30th Anniversary Team]]<ref>{{cite web |url= https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20230515/p2g/00m/0sp/051000c|title= Yasuhito Endo named J-League 30-year MVP, Kazuyoshi Miura, Shunsuke Nakamura in best XI|access-date= May 18, 2023|work= Mainichi Shimbun}}</ref>
*[[J.League Monthly MVP]]: March 2013, October 2015
*Japanese Footballer of the Year: 2000,<ref name=shun>{{cite web |url=http://shunsuke.com/data/profile/index.shtml |title=[ PROFILE ] -中村俊輔オフィシャルウェブサイト- |language=ja |website=shunsuke.com |access-date=4 September 2016}}</ref> 2013<ref name=shun />
*[[AFC Asian Cup records and statistics#General awards|AFC Asian Cup MVP]]: [[2004 AFC Asian Cup#Awards|2004]]<ref name=afcmvp/>
*[[AFC Asian Cup records and statistics#Team of the Tournament|AFC Asian Cup Best Eleven]]: [[2000 AFC Asian Cup#Awards|2000]], 2004, [[2007 AFC Asian Cup#Awards|2007]]
*[[AFC Asian Cup awards#All-time XI|AFC Asian Cup All-time XI]]: 2023<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.the-afc.com/en/national/afc_asian_cup/news/asiancup2023_five-month_countdown_fan-voted_all-time_afc_asian_cup%E2%84%A2_dream_xi_revealed_.html |title=#AsianCup2023 five-month countdown: Fan-voted all-time AFC Asian Cup Dream XI revealed |publisher=Asian Football Confederation |date=2023-08-12 |access-date=2023-08-13}}</ref>
*[[SPFA Players' Player of the Year]]: [[2006–07 Scottish Premier League|2006–07]]<ref name=SPFApoty/>
*[[SFWA Footballer of the Year]]: [[2006–07 Scottish Premier League|2006–07]]<ref name=SFWApoty/>
*[[Scottish Premier League Yearly Awards|SPL Player of the Year]]: [[2006–07 Scottish Premier League|2006–07]]<ref>{{ cite web | url = https://www.eurosport.com/football/scottish-premier-league/2006-2007/nakamura-wins-third-award_sto1185070/story.shtml | title = Nakamura wins third award | publisher = [[Eurosport]] | date = 18 May 2007 | access-date=9 May 2019}}</ref>
*[[Celtic F.C. Player of The Year|Celtic Player of the Year]]: [[2006–07 Celtic F.C. season|2006–07]]<ref>{{ Cite web | url=http://www.celticfc.net/news/stories/news_100507142734.aspx | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20081205120629/http://www.celticfc.net/news/stories/news_100507142734.aspx|url-status=dead | title = Clean sweep for Nakamura | archive-date = 5 December 2008 }}</ref>
*[[PFA Scotland Team of the Year|SPFA Team of the Season]]: [[2006–07 Scottish Premier League|2006–07]]<ref>{{ cite web | url = http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/scotland/6584145.stm | title = SPFA's team of the 2006/07 season | work = BBC Sport | publisher = BBC | date = 23 April 2007 | access-date = 27 September 2013 }}</ref>
*[[PFA Scotland Players' Player of the Year (lower leagues)#Other awards|SPFA Goal of the Season]]: [[2006–07 Scottish Premier League|2006–07]]<ref name=SPFApoty />

==Notes==
{{reflist|group=note}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==Bibliography==
{{refbegin}}
* {{cite book |last=Greig |first=Martin |date=2008 |title= The Zen of Naka |publisher=Mainstream Publishing Company (Edinburgh) Ltd |isbn= 9781845963576 }}
* {{cite book |last=Strachan |first=Gordon |date=2006 |title=Strachan: My Life in Football |publisher=Time Warner Books |location=London |isbn=9780751537482 }}
* {{cite book |last1=Parrish |first1=Charles |last2=Nauright |first2=John |date=2014 |title=Soccer around the World: A Cultural Guide to the World's Favorite Sport |publisher=ABC-CLIO |location=Santa Barbara |isbn=9781610693028 }}
{{refend}}

==External links==
{{commons category}}
* {{Official website}}
* {{Instagram}}
* {{Telegram}}
* {{Sports links}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20071011003038/http://www.celticfc.net/home/players/playerInfo/sNakamura.aspx Shunsuke Nakamura] at Celtic
* [https://www.jubilo-iwata.co.jp/pages/tas/player/2017/10 Shunsuke Nakamura] at Júbilo Iwata

{{Navboxes
| title = Awards
| bg = gold
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| list1 = 
{{2000 AFC Asian Cup Team of the Tournament}}
{{2004 AFC Asian Cup Team of the Tournament}}
{{2007 AFC Asian Cup Team of the Tournament}}
{{AFC Asian Cup MVP Award}}
{{2006–07 PFA Scotland SPL Team of the Year}}
{{2007–08 PFA Scotland SPL Team of the Year}}
{{1999 J.League Team of the Year}}
{{2000 J.League Team of the Year}}
{{2013 J.League Team of the Year}}
{{Japanese Footballer of the Year}}
{{SPFA Players' Player of the Year}}
{{SFWA Footballer of the Year}}
{{Celtic F.C. Player of the Year}}
{{J.League MVP}}
}}
{{Navboxes
| title = Japan squads
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| list1 = 
{{Japan men's football squad 2000 Summer Olympics}}
{{Japan squad 2000 AFC Asian Cup}}
{{Japan squad 2003 FIFA Confederations Cup}}
{{Japan squad 2004 AFC Asian Cup}}
{{Japan squad 2005 FIFA Confederations Cup}}
{{Japan squad 2006 FIFA World Cup}}
{{Japan squad 2007 AFC Asian Cup}}
{{Japan squad 2010 FIFA World Cup}}
}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Nakamura, Shunsuke}}
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