33·Legends

Hidetoshi Nakata vs Kunishige Kamamoto

Japan against Japan. The almanac states its case, the crowd votes, you decide.

HN

Hidetoshi Nakata

Japan · 1997–2006 · CM

Almanac rating
89
Rank in Japan
#1 of 33
Caps
77 · 11 goals
Clubs
Shonan Bellmare, A.C. Perugia Calcio, Parma Calcio 1913

Perugia trailed Juventus 3-0 at half-time of his Serie A debut on 13 September 1998, and he answered with two goals past Peruzzi in seven minutes before the champions held on to win 4-3. He won the Serie A title with Roma in 2001 and the Coppa Italia with Parma the following year, was Asian Footballer of the Year in 1997 and 1998, and played 77 times for Japan across the 1998, 2002 and 2006 World Cups. Career record: 77 caps and 11 goals for Japan; club career at Shonan Bellmare, A.C. Perugia Calcio, Parma Calcio 1913.

vs
KK

Kunishige Kamamoto

Japan · 1960s · SS

Almanac rating
86
Rank in Japan
#8 of 33
Caps
61 · 55 goals
Clubs
Cerezo Osaka
Honours
Hall of Fame 2014

Two first-half goals at the Azteca on 23 October 1968 beat hosts Mexico 2-0 for the Olympic bronze, and they took Kamamoto to seven for the tournament, the top scorer at the Games. That 1968 bronze was Asia's first football medal, and it sits with 75 goals in 76 internationals, still the Japan record, four Japan Soccer League titles and three Emperor's Cups at Yanmar Diesel, seven league scoring crowns and seven Japanese footballer of the year awards. Career record: 61 caps and 55 goals for Japan; club career at Cerezo Osaka; honours include Hall of Fame 2014.

The verdict

The almanac puts Hidetoshi Nakata ahead by 3 rating points, 89 against 86.

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