# Yuji Nakazawa > Japanese association football player **Wikidata**: [Q331968](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q331968) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yuji_Nakazawa) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/yuji-nakazawa ## Summary Yuji Nakazawa is a former Japanese association football (soccer) player, recognized primarily for his contributions to Japanese football during a professional career spanning over two decades. He is notable for his role as a defender and team leader, particularly with Yokohama F. Marinos, and for representing Japan internationally. ## Biography - Born: February 25, 1978 - Nationality: Japan - Education: Not specified - Known for: Professional football career in Japan and international representation - Employer(s): Yokohama F. Marinos (primary club affiliation) - Field(s): Association Football (Soccer) ## Contributions Yuji Nakazawa contributed to Japanese football through a long-standing professional playing career, predominantly with Yokohama F. Marinos, where he played a key defensive and leadership role. His career spanned from 1996 to 2018, during which he became a respected figure in J.League football. He also represented Japan in international competitions, contributing to the national team's defensive stability and performance in major tournaments. ## FAQs **What is Yuji Nakazawa known for?** Yuji Nakazawa is best known as a former professional footballer who played as a defender for Yokohama F. Marinos and the Japan national team. He was a consistent presence in the J.League and contributed significantly to Japanese football over more than two decades. **When did Yuji Nakazawa play professionally?** His professional career began in 1996 and concluded in 2018, making it a 22-year tenure, primarily with Yokohama F. Marinos. **Which teams did Yuji Nakazawa play for?** Nakazawa spent the majority of his career with Yokohama F. Marinos, where he became a club legend. He also represented Japan in international football, including appearances in major tournaments. **What position did Yuji Nakazawa play?** He played as a defender, often anchoring the backline for both club and country. **Did Yuji Nakazawa win any awards or honors?** While specific awards are not listed in the source data, his long-standing role as a key player and captain for Yokohama F. Marinos indicates significant recognition within the sport. ## Why They Matter Yuji Nakazawa’s enduring presence in Japanese football, particularly with Yokohama F. Marinos, established him as a symbol of consistency, leadership, and professionalism. His influence extended beyond individual performance, shaping the culture of his club and contributing to the broader development of J.League football. As a national team player, he also played a role in elevating Japan’s international profile in soccer. ## Notable For - Playing professional football from 1996 to 2018 - Serving as a long-term defender and captain for Yokohama F. Marinos - Representing Japan in international football competitions - Being a prominent figure in the J.League over two decades - Wearing jersey number 22 throughout his career - Standing 187 cm tall and weighing 78 kg during his playing years ## Body ### Early Life and Career Beginnings Yuji Nakazawa was born on February 25, 1978, in Japan. He began his professional football career in 1996, entering the J.League as a defender. His early development in the sport was grounded in strong defensive fundamentals and leadership qualities that would define his career. ### Club Career Nakazawa spent the majority of his career with **Yokohama F. Marinos**, one of Japan’s most prominent football clubs. Over more than two decades, he became a central figure in the team’s defensive structure and was often regarded as a leader both on and off the pitch. His tenure with Marinos spanned from 1996 to 2018, making it one of the longest continuous careers in the J.League. He wore the number **22** jersey throughout his time with the club, a number that became synonymous with his identity. His role as a defender was critical in maintaining the team's defensive integrity, and he was often looked upon as a mentor to younger players. ### International Career Yuji Nakazawa also represented the **Japan national football team**, participating in international competitions and contributing to the country’s growing reputation in global football. His performances on the international stage helped solidify his status as one of Japan's respected defenders. ### Physical and Personal Stats - **Height**: 187 cm - **Weight**: 78 kg - **Jersey Number**: 22 - **Position**: Defender - **Career Duration**: 1996–2018 ### Legacy and Influence Nakazawa’s influence on Japanese football is evident in his long-standing presence in the J.League and his leadership roles. He became a role model for aspiring footballers and contributed to shaping the culture of professionalism at Yokohama F. Marinos. His career also coincided with the rise of Japanese football on the global stage, and he played a part in that narrative. ### Recognition and Identity While specific awards are not detailed in the source material, his career longevity and leadership at a top J.League club indicate significant recognition. His name is written in Japanese as **中澤佑二**, and his romanized name is **Nakazawa Yuji**. He has a dedicated profile on the Yokohama F. Marinos website, showcasing his ongoing relevance to the club’s history. ### Digital Footprint and Identifiers Yuji Nakazawa is identified across multiple databases and platforms: - **Wikidata ID**: Q1140845216727689728 - **Freebase ID**: /m/0df7tn - **Japan National Library ID**: 255997615 - **CiNii ID**: DA17288832 - **J.League ID**: na/yuji-nakazawa-1 - **Soccerway ID**: 27520 - **SQUAD API ID**: 8d71a3df - **Website**: [Yokohama F. Marinos Player Page](http://www.f-marinos.com/club/player/top/2014/22) These identifiers reflect his integration into both national and international football data systems and underscore his documented legacy in the sport. ### Career Timeline - **Professional Debut**: 1996 - **Retirement**: 2018 - **Primary Club**: Yokohama F. Marinos - **National Team**: Japan ### Conclusion Yuji Nakazawa’s career is a testament to consistency, leadership, and dedication in Japanese football. His long tenure with Yokohama F. Marinos, combined with his contributions to the national team, cements his legacy as a defining figure in the sport in Japan. His influence continues to resonate through the culture of the clubs and systems he was part of. ## References 1. Virtual International Authority File 2. CiNii Research 3. Transfermarkt 4. Argentine Soccer Database 5. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013