Biography
Who is Yūto Nagatomo?
Early life and education
Yūto Nagatomo was born in Saijo, Japan, on September 12, 1986. He attended Higashi Fukuoka High School before continuing his education at Meiji University. During his university years, he began taking steps toward a professional sporting career by playing as a Special Designated Youth Player.
His early involvement with football laid the foundation for a long professional path in both domestic and international leagues. He graduated from Meiji University while already establishing his presence on the football pitch.
Club career and European success
Yūto Nagatomo started his professional career with FC Tokyo in 2007. He quickly established himself as a first-choice player for the club before moving to Europe. In 2010, he joined Italian side Cesena on loan before making a permanent transfer. His strong performances caught the attention of Inter Milan, where he transferred in 2011 and became the first East Asian player to sign for the club.
During his seven years with Inter Milan, he made over two hundred appearances and wore the captain's armband in 2014. After his time in Italy, he played for Turkish club Galatasaray, where he won two back-to-back league titles in 2018 and 2019. He also had a stint with French club Marseille before returning to his boyhood club, FC Tokyo, in September 2021.
International career
Yūto Nagatomo earned his first international cap for the Japan men's national football team in a friendly match against Ivory Coast in May 2008. He represented Japan at multiple major tournaments, including five consecutive FIFA World Cups spanning from 2010 to 2026. He also played in the 2008 Summer Olympics with the under-23 team.
With 146 appearances, he became Japan's second-most capped player of all time. He was a key member of the squad that won the AFC Asian Cup in 2011 and finished as runners-up in the same continental competition in 2019.
Personal life and height
Yūto Nagatomo stands at a height of 170 centimeters. He is married to Airi Taira. Beyond his athletic achievements, he has experienced significant moments off the pitch, such as displaying the Japanese flag during a Champions League match to show solidarity with his home country following the 2011 earthquake and tsunami.
Birthday and age
Yūto Nagatomo was born on September 12, 1986, which makes Yūto 40 years old today. That birthday falls under the Virgo sign. Yūto shares the date with 32 other famous people.
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