Kazuki Nagasawa

Kazuki Nagasawa joined the Wellington Phoenix on a two-year deal in August 2024 after building an impressive professional football résumé over the previous 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 joined J2 League side Vegalta Sendai in August 2023 and helped them avoid relegation.

Nagasawa 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.

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

Nagasawa made his club debut in the 2024-25 season opener against Western United and helped the Phoenix beat Perth Glory 2-0 the following weekend, providing the cross for Tim Payne’s goal.

He made 24 appearances in total across the season, 18 of which were starts and scored two goals.

> 2025-26 season

Kazuki Nagasawa was the one ever-present member of the men’s side during the A-League.

Nagasawa scored three goals last season, including the match-winner against Western Sydney Wanderers in Christchurch last month, and registered four assists.

He signed a one-year contract extension with the club at the conclusion of the season.

“Wellington has become a special place for me and my family and I enjoy the lifestyle and community in the city,” Nagasawa said.

“We have had a great experience in New Zealand and we want to give back.

“I want to contribute to the Phoenix and New Zealand football in any way I can and that’s why I wanted to return.”