Hiroki Sakai

Hiroki Sakai signed his first professional contract with Kashiwa Reysol in Japan. His first start for the club was in 2010, where he set up one of the goals in a 2-2 draw against JEF United Chiba. Sakai moved to Germany to play for Hannover 96 in 2012, playing 92 games for the club and scoring twice from his fullback position. 

Sakai went on to play for Marseille in France’s Ligue 1 in 2016. He set up a goal on debut, helping to secure a 4-0 win. Sakai played 145 games for Marseille, before moving back to Japan to play for the Urawa Red Diamonds in 2021. Sakai captained the side to victory in the 2022 AFC Champions League final, defeating Al Hilal 2-1 on aggregate. 

Sakai was announced as Auckland FC’s captain for the club’s inaugural season in 2024, leading the side to become Premiers. On his Auckland FC debut, Sakai forced an own goal to help the side to a 2-0 win against Brisbane Roar. 

Sakai made his senior international debut for Japan in a 2-0 win against Azerbaijan in 2012. He travelled to three FIFA World Cups in 2014, 2018, and 2022. He made his World Cup debut in 2018 during a 2-1 group stage win over Colombia.