It’s ‘sayonara’ to Urawa Red Diamonds and ‘Haere Mai’ to Auckland FC for Japanese international full-back, Hiroki Sakai.
The 34-year-old becomes our first Visa signing and we’re honoured he has decided to take the next step of an already impressive career by joining the Black Knights.
Hiroki has played in three FIFA World Cups, two Olympic Games and was awarded AFC Champions Most Valuable Player for the 2022 season.
He will bring a huge amount of talent and experience to Auckland FC and will provide our back four with both speed and dominance.
Head Coach Steve Corica is delighted with his new addition.
“Hiroki is a highly regarded, extremely hard-working and technically gifted player who covers an undeliverable amount of ground. Tactically he is also a very well-disciplined player,”
“It is a big coup for the football club. There were several teams vying for his signature. We can’t wait to see him training with the boys and will do all we can to help him settle into life in Auckland.”
A seasoned campaigner with European football clubs, Hiroki made 96 appearances at Hannover 96 (Germany’s Bundesliga) and played over 145 matches for Olympique de Marseille (French Ligue 1). He has been one of the biggest stars of Japanese football for well over a decade, with 75 international caps for Japan.
“I’ve heard Auckland is an amazing city to live in and I have always wanted to play in the A-League. I had made the choice to pursue new goals and challenges so when this opportunity came up, it was a natural career progression for me, and the right move for my young family,” said Hiroki.
You may have also noticed a fresh update to the Auckland FC home kit. We’re pleased to debut a new front of shirt with Anchor becoming our first major commercial partner. With protein and calcium, milk is packed with real goodness to keep Auckland FC fuelled and hydrated this season.
Make sure to get your Auckland FC Season Membership to see him in action!
Hiroki Sakai
Age: 34
Position: Right Back
Last Club: Urawa Red Diamonds
Nationality: Japan
Experience: 2022 AFC Champions Most Valuable Player, 2022 AFC Champions League Winner 21/22, Japanese Cup Winner 2021, 3x World Cups 2022, 2018 & 2014, Japanese Super Cup Winner 2022 & 2012, 2x Olympics 2021 & 2021, Olympique de Marseille’s Player of the Season 2019
“I’ve heard Auckland is an amazing city to live in and I have always wanted to play in the A-League. I had made the choice to pursue new goals and challenges so when this opportunity came up, it was a natural career progression for me, and the right move for my young family.”
Hiroki Sakai
