News

We are pleased to announce that Koji Nakata, Professional Group Manager, has been appointed as Football Director.

Name

Koji Nakata

Date and Place of Birth

July 9, 1979, Shiga Prefecture

Career History

Playing Career

Goto ga Oka Junior High School - Teikyo High School - Kashima Antlers (1998–2004) - Olympique Marseille (2005, France) - FC Basel (2006, Switzerland) - Kashima Antlers (July 2008–2014)

Comment from Koji Nakata, Football Director

"I believe my job is to fulfill the mission of victory by uniting everyone and fighting for Antlers, while carrying on its traditions. As the head of player development, I will work closely with the players, staff, and front office to lead the team in a positive direction, and I will give my all."

Comment from Fumio Koizumi, Representative Director and President

"As announced on October 6, although it is mid-season, we announced the resignation of Football Director Munehisa Yoshioka and the dismissal of manager Popović and coach Milan. I would like to express my gratitude for their contributions and dedicated work to Kashima Antlers. At the same time, as the head of the club, I take these results very seriously.
Starting today, the club will embark on a new chapter with Masaki Nakaata as manager, Masashi Motoyama as coach, Kenji Hada as coach, and Koji Nakata as Football Director (FD) in charge of player development. First, we will unite as a club to fight the remaining six league matches this season, focusing on maximizing the players' abilities to achieve victory.
Furthermore, we understand the need for a mid- to long-term development strategy. We will firmly support FD Nakata, who is leading the player development department, and we must grow and develop the team while preserving the tradition of pursuing victory. The players, staff, and front office will cooperate to demonstrate the strong unity that the club has cherished, and we will continue to fight together with our fans and supporters."