Makoto Hasebe: The Captain Who Made Germany Home
Makoto Hasebe: The Captain Who Made Germany Home
Seventeen years in Germany, more than 380 Bundesliga appearances and the captain’s armband at three straight World Cups. Makoto Hasebe was Japan’s quiet, unbreakable leader — and one of the most respected professionals the country has ever produced.
Makoto Hasebe is one of Japan’s greatest leaders — a midfielder turned sweeper who spent 17 years in the Bundesliga, winning the title with Wolfsburg (2009) and the Europa League and DFB-Pokal with Eintracht Frankfurt. He earned 114 caps for Japan and captained the team at three consecutive World Cups (2010, 2014, 2018), lifting the 2011 Asian Cup. He retired in 2024 and moved into coaching at Frankfurt.
In this guide
1. Who Makoto Hasebe is
2. Seventeen years in the Bundesliga
3. Captain of Japan
4. Why he matters
1. Who Makoto Hasebe is
The dependable leader who anchored Japan and thrived in Germany.
Makoto Hasebe began in Japan with Urawa Red Diamonds, winning the 2007 AFC Champions League, before moving to Germany in 2008 — where he stayed for the rest of his career.1 A holding midfielder who reinvented himself as a libero in his late thirties, he became a model of longevity and intelligence.
2. Seventeen years in the Bundesliga
Hasebe won the Bundesliga title with Wolfsburg in 2009, then became a long-serving leader at Eintracht Frankfurt, where he added the Europa League and DFB-Pokal and made more than 380 Bundesliga appearances across his career.1 He played top-flight German football into his fortieth year — an almost unheard-of feat — before retiring in 2024 and joining Frankfurt’s coaching staff.
3. Captain of Japan
For the national team, Hasebe was the captain at three consecutive World Cups (2010, 2014, 2018), a rare honour, and a key figure in the 2011 Asian Cup triumph. He won 114 caps and was admired as much for his calm leadership and professionalism as for his play.1
4. Why he matters
- He conquered the Bundesliga. 17 years in Germany, a league title and over 380 appearances.
- He led his country. Captain of Japan at three straight World Cups, with 114 caps.
- He redefined longevity. Played top-flight football into his forties, then moved into coaching.
In five lines
- Makoto Hasebe is one of Japan’s most respected leaders and professionals.
- He spent 17 years in the Bundesliga (Wolfsburg, Eintracht Frankfurt).
- He won the 2009 Bundesliga title and the Europa League & DFB-Pokal.
- He earned 114 caps and captained Japan at three World Cups.
- He retired in 2024 and moved into coaching at Frankfurt.
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Sources & notes
- Makoto Hasebe — Urawa (2007 ACL); Wolfsburg (2009 Bundesliga); Eintracht Frankfurt (Europa League, DFB-Pokal, 380+ Bundesliga apps); 114 Japan caps; captain at 2010/2014/2018 World Cups; 2011 Asian Cup; retired 2024. The Japan Times; AFC
A player profile dated 15 June 2026. Current club and totals change — flagged ⚠ items should be confirmed against official sources.
📅 更新履歴
| 日付 | 変更内容 |
|---|---|
| 2026年6月15日 | 初回公開 |
✅ ファクト再検証
最終検証日：2026年6月15日
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