Hidetoshi Nakata at a Glance
- Net Worth: $28 Million
- Birthdate: January 22, 1977
- Birthplace: Kofu, Yamanashi, Japan
- Nationality: Japanese
- Profession: Former Professional Footballer, Entrepreneur
What is Hidetoshi Nakata’s Net Worth?
Hidetoshi Nakata has a net worth of $28 million. He is a Japanese entrepreneur and one of the most celebrated Asian footballers of his generation. His fortune was built through a combination of a highly successful football career in Europe and a seamless transition into business and fashion after his retirement.
During his playing days, Nakata was one of the biggest stars in Asian football, commanding significant salaries and lucrative endorsement deals. His high-profile transfers, including a record-breaking move to Parma in 2001, cemented his status as a top-tier earner in the sport. Since stepping away from the pitch, he has cultivated a second career as a prominent entrepreneur, founding the Japan Craft Sake Company to promote premium sake globally. His status as a fashion icon has also contributed to his wealth through modeling and brand ambassadorships.
Early Life
Hidetoshi Nakata was born in Kofu, Yamanashi, Japan. He began playing football at a young age and quickly established himself as a prodigious talent. He joined the J.League club Bellmare Hiratsuka (now Shonan Bellmare) in 1995 at the age of 18, beginning his professional career.
Career
Nakata’s career took off at Bellmare Hiratsuka, where his performances earned him the Asian Footballer of the Year award in both 1997 and 1998. After starring for Japan in the 1998 FIFA World Cup, he moved to Italy, signing with Serie A club Perugia. He became an immediate star in one of the world’s top leagues.
This success led to a transfer to A.S. Roma in 2000, where he was a key part of the squad that won the Serie A championship (Scudetto) in the 2000–01 season. In 2001, he moved to Parma for a transfer fee that made him the most expensive Asian player in history at the time. He later had spells with Bologna and Fiorentina before moving to the English Premier League to play for Bolton Wanderers.
Nakata was a talisman for the Japanese national team, representing his country in three FIFA World Cups (1998, 2002, and 2006) and two Olympic Games. He shocked the football world by announcing his retirement in 2006 at the age of 29, immediately following the World Cup in Germany.
Business and Post-Retirement
Following his retirement, Hidetoshi Nakata traveled the world before returning to Japan to rediscover its culture. This journey led him to the world of sake. In 2015, he founded the Japan Craft Sake Company, an enterprise dedicated to promoting and exporting high-end Japanese sake to a global audience. His company produces its own premium label, “N” Sake, and has developed the “Sakenomy” app to help consumers learn about different varieties.
Nakata’s influence extends into the fashion world, where he is regarded as a style icon. He has modeled for numerous high-fashion brands, including Calvin Klein, and has collaborated on campaigns with brands like Stone Island as recently as 2025.
