US EditionModern-Day Celtic Trailblazer Handed 'Crucial' Role at World Cup This Summer
The former Celtic midfielder will help Hajime Moriyasu prepare Japan for the World Cup after leaving Yokohama FC earlier this year.
- Shunsuke Nakamura has joined the Japan national team as an assistant coach ahead of the World Cup this summer, accepting the role after receiving an encouraging message from head coach Hajime Moriyasu.
- Having recently left Yokohama FC earlier this year, his first management role, Nakamura attended Japan's 1-0 friendly win over Scotland at Hampden last month before joining the national team staff.
- During his time at Celtic, the 47-year-old scored 34 goals in 166 total appearances and won six major honors before joining Espanyol in 2009, with his trademark free-kicks still fondly remembered.
- His recent visit to Celtic Park sparked viral moments as the 47-year-old reunited with ex-teammate Neil Lennon and met current player Kieran Tierney over 20 years after their first encounter.
- The 98-time international expressed excitement on the Samurai Blue official website, stating he is committed to sharing the team's vision and will do his utmost to help Japan achieve its goals on the world stage.
11 Articles
11 Articles
FIFA World Cup 2026: Ex-Celtic midfielder Nakamura joins Japan coaching staff for World Cup
The Japanese Football Association said Shunsuke Nakamura would join coach Hajime Moriyasu’s backroom staff for the World Cup, where Japan has been drawn in Group F with the Netherlands, Tunisia and Sweden.
As a player he was still on the course at the age of 44, with Japan he participated twice in a World Cup final. Now Shunsuke Nakamura will compete as a co-trainer for the third time in a world championship. "Unfortunate and encouraging words" As the Japanese Football Association (JFA) announced on Thursday afternoon, the Celtic legend will be part of Hajime Moriyasu's coaching staff at the tournament in North America. "Thanks to the passionate a…
The iconic Shunsuke Nakamura integrates the staff of the Japanese selection, two months away from the World Cup. The 47-year-old ex-offensive media emerged from a three-year experience as deputy to FC Yokohama.
Two months after the 2026 World Cup, Shunsuke Nakamura will be Hajime Moriyasu’s assistant in the Japanese team, reinforcing the team’s strategy. JAPAN. Japan’s team has decided to adjust pieces at a key moment in their preparation for the 2026 World Cup. The Japanese Football Federation confirmed the incorporation of Shunsuke Nakamura as a new technical assistant. The announcement comes after weeks of speculation about possible changes in the b…
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