Kazuki Nagasawa

DOB 16/12/91

Kazuki Nagasawa joined the Wellington Phoenix on a two-year deal in August 2024 after building an impressive professional football résumé over the past decade.

The Japanese midfielder has played more than 300 professional matches, primarily in the J1 League, after launching his senior career in Germany, where he helped FC Köln secure promotion to the Bundesliga in 2014.

Nagasawa has won three major trophies over the past decade, winning the AFC Champions League in 2017 with Urawa Red Diamonds, with whom he also lifted the Emperor’s Cup in 2018, before winning the J League Cup with Nagoya Grampus in 2021.

He also earned a senior cap for Japan in November 2017, starting in central midfield in a 1-0 defeat to Belgium.

> 2023-24 season

Kazuki Nagasawa joined J2 League side Vegalta Sendai in August 2023 after two and a half years at J1 League club Nagoya Grampus.

Nagasawa made 13 appearances for Vegalta Sendai to finish the 2023 season, helping them avoid relegation.

He remained a key part of their midfield in 2024, making 27 league appearances and helping Vegalta Sendai push for the playoffs before signing with the Phoenix.

Nagasawa is looking forward to moving to Wellington with his wife and his young daughter.

“I’m very honoured to be able to join the Wellington Phoenix,” Nagasawa said. “I’m also super excited about this new chapter in my career.

“It’s big for Japanese players to play overseas and since returning from Germany I was always thinking of trying again before I finished playing.

“It’s a good move for me and my family. My wife and I have talked about wanting to experience life together in another country.

“I am very honoured to have the opportunity to play in New Zealand.”