Japan icon Hiroki Sakai joins A-League side Auckland FC: Full details

Auckland FC have pulled off a major coup to headline their inaugural Isuzu UTE A-League squad, securing the signing of 75-time Japanese international Hiroki Sakai.

The 34-year-old defender joins the club from Urawa Red Diamonds and brings with him a decorated CV that includes 96 appearances for Bundesliga side Hannover SV, 145 matches for Ligue 1 outfit Olympique Marseille, and representing his nation at two Olympic Games (2012, 2021) and three FIFA World Cups (2014, 2018, 2022).

Sakai – who was named MVP of the AFC Champions League in 2022 – becomes Auckland’s first Visa signing, with the A-Leagues’ newest club getting a deal done despite ‘several teams’ vying for his signature.

“Hiroki is a highly regarded, extremely hard-working and technically gifted player who covers an unbelievable amount of ground. Tactically he is also a very well- disciplined player,” said Auckland boss Steve Corica.

“He is versatile enough to play in all defensive positions. It’s a real strength to have his experience, speed and dominance to cover across the back four.”

One of Japanese football’s biggest stars for over a decade, the versatile defender will become a key part of an Auckland side that is now taking shape ahead of the Isuzu UTE A-League season kicking off on October 18.

“I’ve heard Auckland is an amazing city to live in and I have always wanted to play in the A-League,” Sakai said.

“I had made the choice to pursue new goals and challenges so when this opportunity came up, it was a natural career progression for me, and the right move for my young family.”

Auckland FC also used the announcement as an opportunity to announce their new front of shirt sponsor, with dairy company Anchor becoming the club’s first major commercial partner.

“Anchor has been a quintessential part of Kiwi life with its products a staple in homes across Aotearoa since 1886,” said Auckland CEO Nick Becker.

“We are incredibly proud to have the iconic kiwi milk brand fuelling the team and helping the players perform at their best.

“Anchor is joining us as our first ever ‘official family partner’ and are passionate about helping to grow the game and develop young talent. We have aligned values and the partnership feels very true to who we are as a club that is embedded in the local football community

“We are incredibly excited to have agreed to this partnership and can’t wait to see players like Hiroki wearing the Anchor shirt when playing.”