In 2019, Real Madrid got their hands on the young and talented Takefusa Kubo. But the latter, who now plays for Real Sociedad, is not the only Japanese footballer to have settled in the Spanish capital. Indeed, a few years before him, on September 28, 2013 to be precise, Takuhiro Nakai joined Casa Blanca. A great hope in Japanese football, the footballer, aged 9 at the time, caught the eye of Madrid recruiters when he played for Azul Shiga. Two years before that, the midfielder had already built up a little notoriety after an appearance on television. This therefore increased once he signed with the Spanish club.
An early crack from Japan
Described as a “prodigy” on the other side of the Pyrenees, he was closely followed by the media, who panicked at every goal or gesture on his part. His goal during a mini Clasico against the Barça U13s had also caused ink to flow since he had humiliated one of his opponents. A few years later, “Pipi”, now 20 years old, returned to his beginnings and his status as a phenomenon during an interview given to Relevo. “I started playing football at 3 years old, but when I was 1 year old, I already had balls at home. I have 3 brothers, I am the youngest in the family and my older brothers play football and in my house we only had footballs. Since I was one year old, my mother told me that I was already playing ball. At 3 years old I officially started.”
He then spoke of his arrival at the Merengues, helped by a translator. “When I did the tests in Madrid, I didn’t know that they were organized by Real Madrid, because my mother, knowing that it would make me nervous, told me that it was an experience to enjoy the football and experience something else. I went to Madrid to do the tests and have fun. And suddenly we had two friendlies and two weeks after finishing them I was told I was a Madrid player. It was a joy. Madrid is the best club in the world. Being a player for this club, for this team, gives you a lot of confidence (…) In the team I was in in Japan, we didn’t even have a locker room. We got changed and went straight to practice. »
In Madrid from a young age
He continues: “and you go to Valdebebas (Real Madrid’s training center, editor’s note) and you discover one of the best facilities in the world. It’s the best team. At first I was nervous, because I was from another country and it was the first time I met foreigners who were not Japanese. I didn’t speak Spanish, but my classmates helped me a lot and I felt very comfortable.” The Japanese footballer admitted to having had a little difficulty with all these changes. “The first two years were very difficult for me. I went to a normal school there, in Madrid, from nine o’clock to five in the afternoon. There I learned Spanish. Also in the locker rooms. But school Spanish is not the same as football Spanish.”
But he was helped: “I was often confused, but the coaches and teammates were very patient with me. They helped me a lot. Madrid is not just about football, they teach you to become a better person, they shape your personality. Madrid teaches you values. I was very surprised, because I came from outside, from another culture. You know that it is the best football club in the world, but that it also shapes you, your personality. This helped the young man to move forward despite high expectations and strong media pressure. He also explained that he didn’t really understand all the agitation around him. His agent, but especially his mother, who lived alone with him, were great supports in keeping his feet on the ground.
He experienced ups and downs
He also had words for his coaches at Real Madrid, who have been very important to him as a person and a footballer. This also allowed him to evolve in his game. “I played almost every position, yes. I can play in 6, 8 and 10. I also like to play as a winger, but my position is 8 or 6. Not as defensive as pivot, nor as offensive as midfielder, a balance between the two. Despite his qualities, he was not really successful during his season with Castilla where he played little. But he didn’t give up.
“I love football, it’s what I love most in the world. I am passionate. Even though I don’t play, I still think there are people who want to play football and can’t. I am privileged, especially at Real Madrid, where everyone wants to play. There are millions of kids who want to be where I am. Out of respect and gratitude, I always continued to work. That’s what my parents taught me. Just arriving at Valdebebas, with these facilities and the best players in the world, I was already grateful and enjoying it. It is also important to look to the future. I’m clear about what I want to be, what I want to achieve… And even if you don’t play, you can never stop working.”
The Japanese is on loan this season
After nine seasons in Madrid, he was then loaned to Rayo Majadahonda during the 2023-24 season. A club with which he played 18 matches. “It was my first experience and I didn’t want to leave Madrid. I didn’t want to move, I had two years left on my contract at Madrid and the club told me to go on loan. Rayo Majadahonda is a great team and, being in Madrid, my representative, the club and I decided that going on loan there was the best thing. At Rayo Majadahonda, I learned a lot of things. The facilities are not the same as those in Madrid, but they are very good if I compare them with those of the club I was at in Japan. It’s an experience that made me mature a lot.”
Returning to the Spanish capital during the summer, the 20-year-old was sent out on loan again this year. This time, he joined Amorebieta, resident of Primera Federacion. So far, he has participated in 5 matches (426 minutes played). All as holders. A good thing for the footballer born in 2003, who wants to explode at the highest level and confirm the many hopes placed in him. “Individually, the goal is to play as many matches as possible. I want to be my best version and evolve at my best level. I never think about scoring goals or giving assists, but about helping the team in any area. At first, I was a little afraid to go to another city, move and live alone, since I previously lived with my sister.”
“Pipi” wants to become Nakai
He continues: “but everyone was very nice. They welcomed me very well and supported me a lot. I feel very comfortable. I came here to be promoted to the second division. Even though we’ve only won one game out of four, it’s only just the beginning, there’s still a long way to go. The team’s goal, mine and that of my teammates, is to climb. It’s the best thing that could happen.” Then, “Pipi” will have to sit down and think about his future, having had two loans in a row. “I still have a contract with Madrid and obviously the best thing would be to go back there, play matches and hopefully make my debut with the first team. It’s the best club in the world. I’m going to keep working just in case that ever happens.”
There, he would meet a certain Jude Bellingham, whom he had already met when he was younger. “It was during a tournament in France for the under-15s. He came with the English team and I, with the Japanese team, played with number 8, like now. We saw, on a check or a pass, an elegance that made the difference. What I remember is that after the game we played, he wrote to me on Instagram and we talked for a while. I spoke little English, but I communicated with him. It was already clear that he was going to be a great player. What he’s doing in Madrid is crazy.” The Japanese, who is of the same generation as him, hopes to be inspired by it and make a name for himself. “Everyone still calls me “Pipi”. But on my jersey and other things, I want to be called Nakai. “Pipi” is a little boy’s name and Nakai sounds better for a footballer.” Little “Pipi” has grown up a lot…
