Hiroki Sakai

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I grew up in Kashiwa, Chiba, and football was always a big part of my life. I joined Kashiwa Reysol’s youth academy at a young age, and it was there that I developed my skills. The club shaped me as a player and gave me the foundation I needed to go professional. Kashiwa is my hometown, so representing Reysol in the J1 League was a dream come true.

In 2011, we had just been promoted to the J1 League, and no one expected us to win the title that year. But we had a strong team, and it felt like everything came together perfectly. As a young player, breaking into the first team and contributing to that success was special. It gave me a lot of confidence moving forward.

Moving to Germany was a big step for me. The Bundesliga is one of the top leagues in the world, and the level of competition is incredibly high. It was challenging at first because the pace of the game was faster, and physically it was more demanding. I also had to adapt to a new culture and language, which wasn’t easy. But I knew I had to push myself to succeed at that level, and I eventually grew more comfortable both on and off the pitch.

Marseille is a special club with an incredible fanbase. Playing at the Stade Vélodrome in front of such passionate supporters is something I’ll never forget. One of the highlights was reaching the UEFA Europa League final in 2018. Although we didn’t win, it was an amazing run, and being part of that campaign was unforgettable. The city of Marseille lives and breathes football, and the energy from the fans pushed me to always give my best.

Representing Japan is one of the greatest honours of my career. Playing in the World Cup, especially in front of a global audience, is a feeling that’s hard to describe. It’s a source of pride for me, my family, and the fans back home. I’ve been fortunate enough to play in three World Cups (2014, 2018, 2022), and each one was a special experience. The Olympics in 2012 were also memorable; we reached the semi-finals, and although we didn’t win a medal, it was a fantastic tournament.

One of the most difficult moments was when I had to deal with injuries, particularly during my time at Hannover 96. Being sidelined and unable to help the team is frustrating. But I’ve learned the importance of patience and mental strength. Rehabilitation was tough, but I always focused on coming back stronger. Injuries are part of football, and overcoming them has made me a more resilient player.

Football has taught me discipline, hard work, and the importance of teamwork. You can’t succeed alone in this sport—you need your teammates, coaches, and support staff. Off the pitch, I’ve learned the value of adaptability. Moving to different countries and learning new languages has broadened my perspective. I’ve also learned to appreciate the journey, both the ups and downs.