Japanese player steals female fans' hearts
Keito Nakamura, 25, 180 cm tall, Japan World Cup winger, attracts many fans with movie-star looks.
Keito Nakamura's Instagram followers tripled since World Cup start, nearing 1.2 million.
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Female fans flock to Japan training center in Nashville, Tennessee, to see 25-year-old left winger.
"Most handsome player at World Cup is Keito Nakamura," fan wrote on X, getting over 12,000 likes.
"Japan's number 13 is my new crush," another commented.
*Japan left winger Keito Nakamura in match against Netherlands in Dallas, US, June 15. Photo:*Instagram/Keito Nakamura
Born in Abiko, Chiba, player started pro career at Gamba Osaka in 2018, played in Europe, then joined French club Stade de Reims in 2023.
Nakamura played for Japan since 2023, scoring 10 goals in 25 matches. He scored key goal at World Cup 2026 with deflected shot past Dutch goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen, securing Japan's first goal of tournament and equalizing 1-1 in 2-2 draw on June 15.
Japanese player wears suit in GQ HYPE April issue photoshoot. Photo:Instagram/Keito Nakamura
Japanese player wears suit in GQ HYPE April issue photoshoot. Photo:Instagram/Keito Nakamura
Nakamura profile picture on personal website. Photo:Keito-ism
Nakamura profile picture on personal website. Photo:Keito-ism
Nakamura at LV fashion show in Paris, France, earlier this year. Photo:Instagram/Keito Nakamura
Nakamura at LV fashion show in Paris, France, earlier this year. Photo:Instagram/Keito Nakamura
Nakamura in Italy, January 2025. Photo:Instagram/Keito Nakamura
Nakamura in Italy, January 2025. Photo:Instagram/Keito Nakamura
"Too much pasta to try, not enough time," Nakamura wrote during Italy trip, January 2025. Photo:Instagram/Keito Nakamura
"Too much pasta to try, not enough time," Nakamura wrote during Italy trip, January 2025. Photo:Instagram/Keito Nakamura
Nakamura plays football with boy in Italy. Photo:Instagram/Keito Nakamura
Nakamura plays football with boy in Italy. Photo:Instagram/Keito Nakamura
Nakamura announces partnership deal with Japan Airlines on June 1. Photo:Instagram/Keito Nakamura
Nakamura announces partnership deal with Japan Airlines on June 1. Photo:Instagram/Keito Nakamura
Nakamura on cover of photobook published June 2025. Photo:Instagram/Keito Nakamura
Nakamura on cover of photobook published June 2025. Photo:Instagram/Keito Nakamura
Nakamura (left) on cover of Anna magazine published June 10. Photo:Instagram/Keito Nakamura
Nakamura (left) on cover of Anna magazine published June 10. Photo:Instagram/Keito Nakamura
Nakamura on cover of GQ HYPE April issue. Photo:Instagram/Keito Nakamura
Nakamura on cover of GQ HYPE April issue. Photo:Instagram/Keito Nakamura
Japanese player wears suit in GQ HYPE April issue photo shoot. Photo: Instagram/Keito Nakamura
Japanese player wears suit in GQ HYPE April issue photo shoot. Photo:Instagram/Keito Nakamura
Nakamura profile picture on personal website. Photo: Keito-ism
Nakamura profile picture on personal website. Photo:Keito-ism
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For Nakamura, playing in France helped train for World Cup.
"But experience from that environment helped me shine at big stage like World Cup. Here, everyone starts in top 5 leagues or plays for big clubs. Scoring in such competitive environment shows my efforts are worth it," he shared.
According to Japan Football Association profile, Nakamura is 180 cm tall, weighs 73 kg. Popularity not limited to football, extends to other fields.
June 2025, Nakamura photo book sold out after publication. He modeled on fashion magazine covers, became favorite brand face for sponsors.
"Japan team Nakamura not just heartthrob anymore," Shintaro Kano, sports journalist, commented. "All signs show he is ready to break through to become highly influential star."