Hidetoshi Nakata vs Makoto Hasebe
Japan against Japan. The almanac states its case, the crowd votes, you decide.
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.
Makoto Hasebe
Japan · 2007–22 · CDM
- Almanac rating
- 87
- Rank in Japan
- #4 of 33
- Clubs
- Urawa Red Diamonds, VfL Wolfsburg, Eintracht Frankfurt
Frankfurt trusted him with the armband deep into his thirties, and on 6 June 2020 he went past Cha Bum-kun as the Asian player with the most Bundesliga appearances, finishing his career on 380. He captained Japan to the 2011 Asian Cup and through three World Cups, won the 2022 Europa League and 2018 DFB-Pokal at Frankfurt, the 2009 Bundesliga with Wolfsburg, and the 2007 AFC Champions League with Urawa. Career record: club career at Urawa Red Diamonds, VfL Wolfsburg, Eintracht Frankfurt.
The verdict
The almanac puts Hidetoshi Nakata ahead by 2 rating points, 89 against 87.
Fans have not settled this one yet. Cast the first vote in the duels.