Adidas - Japan 2006 Home Football Shirt 'NAKATA'

This is the Japan 2006 Home Shirt, featuring Hidetoshi Nakata #7 from the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany. Nakata was the defining figure of his generation of Japanese footballers and entered the tournament as one of Japan’s most internationally recognised players, having established himself in Serie A with clubs including Perugia, Roma, Parma and Fiorentina before spending his final season with Bolton Wanderers. The 2006 World Cup would ultimately prove to be the final chapter of his remarkable career.

Manufactured by adidas, the 2006 home shirt features Japan’s traditional deep blue base with sweeping light-blue and silver graphics running down the front and sides. White adidas three stripes extend across the shoulders and sleeves, while subtle red detailing appears around the collar and cuffs. The shirt is finished with the embroidered JFA crest, central adidas branding and Nakata’s #7 on both the front and back. This example also features 2006 FIFA World Cup sleeve detailing, further connecting the shirt to the tournament in Germany.

Japan arrived at the 2006 World Cup under Brazilian coach Zico for their third consecutive appearance at the tournament. Drawn alongside Australia, Croatia and Brazil, the Samurai Blue collected one point from a goalless draw with Croatia and were eliminated at the group stage. Nakata started all three matches and wore the #7 shirt throughout the tournament.

The tournament carries particular significance in Nakata’s career. Following Japan’s final group match against Brazil, he announced his retirement from professional football at just 29 years old, making this shirt design the final Japan shirt he wore during his playing career. For collectors, that connection makes the 2006 Nakata #7 one of the most significant modern Japan shirts, combining one of the national team’s most distinctive adidas designs with arguably the most internationally influential Japanese footballer of his generation.

Shirt condition: 6/10