Celtic icon Shunsuke Nakamura takes up World Cup role

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The Celtic Star

·17 de abril de 2026

Celtic icon Shunsuke Nakamura takes up World Cup role

Celtic icon Shunsuke Nakamura has taken up a new role with Japan’s national side, joining the coaching staff as an assistant ahead of this summer’s World Cup…

Shunsuke Nakamura of Celtic during the Scottish Premier League match between Rangers and Celtic at Ibrox on May 9, 2009. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

The 46-year-old recently departed Yokohama FC, where he held his first managerial position, and has now linked up with head coach Hajime Moriyasu as the national team continues its preparations for the tournament.

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Japan – heading to their eighth consecutive World Cup – will look to benefit from Nakamura’s experience under Moriyasu’s management. Naka will now be coaching current Celtic winger Daizen Maeda.

Speaking via the Samurai Blue’s official website, Nakamura said: “I am delighted to announce that I have been appointed as a member of the coaching staff for the Japan national team.”

“I gave careful consideration to the impact my involvement might have at this crucial stage, with the World Cup finals just around the corner; however, after receiving a passionate and encouraging message from manager Moriyasu, I decided to accept the role.”

Shunsuke Nakamura, Celtic. Photo: imago/AFLOSPORT

“I am committed to sharing the same vision as the Japan national team players as they compete on the world stage, and I will do my utmost to help the team achieve its goals.”

Nakamura was in attendance at Hampden Park last month as Japan edged out Scotland 1-0 in a friendly, with both nations fine-tuning their squads ahead of the upcoming World Cup.

The visit generated widespread attention among Celtic supporters, with the former midfielder sharing a reunion with ex-teammate Neil Lennon at Celtic Park.

He also crossed paths with current Hoops defender Kieran Tierney, more than two decades after first meeting him when Tierney was a young fan.

Photo:imago AFLOSPORT Shunsuke Nakamura, Glasgow Celtic

During his stint at Celtic, he collected six major trophies before moving on to Espanyol in 2009, bringing an end to a highly influential chapter in his career.

Conor Spence

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