|
A - B - C - D - E - F - G - H - I - J - K - L - M - N - O - P - Q - R - S - T - U - V - W - X - Y - Z
| Name: Shinji Kagawa |
| Birthdate:
17-03-1989 |
| Age:
36 |
| Birthplace:
Hyogo Prefecture, Kobe, Japan |
| Height:
5' 7" (1.70m) |
| Weight:
9st 9lbs (61.23kg) |
| Years at Club:
2012-2014 |
| Signing Info:
Transferred from: Borrusia Dortmund, 22/06/2012, £17m |
| Previous Clubs:
FC Miyagi Barcelona, Cerezo Osaka, Borussia Dortmund |
| Debut:
20/08/2012 v Everton (A) 0-1 (Premiership) |
| Farewell:
Transferred to Borrusia Dortmund, 31/08/2014, £6.3m |
| Passed Away:
|
Biography
Shinji Kagawa is a Japanese professional footballer best known for his creativity, technical skill, and vision as an attacking midfielder. He enjoyed a glittering career in both Europe and Asia, representing clubs such as Borussia Dortmund, Manchester United, and Besiktas, while also becoming a central figure for the Japan national team. Kagawa remains one of the most successful and influential Asian footballers to have played in Europe.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Kagawa began his youth career at FC Miyagi Barcelona before signing his first professional contract at age 17 with Cerezo Osaka in the J.League. His performances quickly earned him a reputation as one of Japan’s brightest young talents. At Cerezo Osaka, Kagawa helped the club gain promotion to the J.League top flight in 2009, finishing the season as the team’s top scorer. His technical ability and eye for goal attracted European scouts, leading to a career-defining move to Germany.
Borussia Dortmund (2010–2012) – Rise to Stardom
In 2010, Kagawa signed for Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga for a modest fee. Under coach Jürgen Klopp, he flourished as part of an exciting young side.
Won two Bundesliga titles (2010–11, 2011–12).
Key player in Dortmund’s 2011–12 domestic double, scoring 17 goals in all competitions.
Scored in the 2012 DFB-Pokal Final, where Dortmund defeated Bayern Munich 5–2.
Kagawa’s flair, quick passing, and intelligent movement made him one of the most exciting playmakers in Europe.
Manchester United (2012–2014)
In the summer of 2012, Sir Alex Ferguson signed Kagawa for Manchester United, making him the club’s first Japanese player.
Highlights at Manchester United:
Scored his first Premier League goal against Fulham in August 2012.
Became the first Asian player to score a hat-trick in the Premier League, against Norwich City in March 2013.
Played a role in Manchester United’s 2012–13 Premier League title-winning season, Ferguson’s final campaign as manager.
Though injuries and competition limited his impact, Kagawa’s technical quality was clear, and he remains remembered for his creativity and professionalism.
Return to Borussia Dortmund (2014–2019)
After leaving Old Trafford in 2014, Kagawa returned to Dortmund, where he rediscovered his form. He contributed to Dortmund’s domestic campaigns and European runs, making over 200 appearances across both spells with the club.
Later Career
Following his Dortmund days, Kagawa embarked on a journeyman career across Europe and Asia:
Beşiktaş (Turkey, loan – 2019): Scored twice on his debut in the Turkish Süper Lig.
Real Zaragoza (Spain – 2019–2020): Played in Spain’s Segunda División.
PAOK (Greece – 2021): Short spell in the Greek Super League.
Sint-Truiden (Belgium – 2022–2023): Continued to play in Europe before finishing his career back in Japan.
Cerezo Osaka (Return – 2021–2023): Returned to his boyhood club in Japan.
International Career with Japan
Made his Japan debut in 2008.
Earned over 90 international caps and scored more than 30 goals.
Represented Japan at the 2010 and 2014 FIFA World Cups.
Part of Japan’s squad that won the 2011 AFC Asian Cup, scoring crucial goals in the tournament.
Legacy
Shinji Kagawa is widely considered one of the most successful Asian players in European football history. His success with Borussia Dortmund and Manchester United inspired a generation of Japanese footballers to pursue careers abroad.
At Manchester United, he will always be remembered for his role in the club’s 20th league title and for making history as the first Asian player to score a Premier League hat-trick.
 |
| |
| League |
League Cup |
FA Cup |
Charity Shield |
European Cup |
Europa League |
Super Cup |
Cup Winners Cup |
Inter-cont Cup |
World Clubs Cup |
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| No |
Season |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Season
Goals |
Season
Apps |
| 1. |
2012-2013 |
6 |
20 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
6 |
26 |
| 2. |
2013-2014 |
0 |
18 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
8 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
30 |
| 3. |
2014-2015 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
| TOTALS |
6 |
38 |
0 |
3 |
0 |
4 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
11 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
6 |
57 |
Detailed Match & Performance Charts
All matches played
|
