Makoto Hasebe, the 40-year-old former Japan captain and long-term stalwart at Eintracht Frankfurt, announced Wednesday he will retire at the end of the season.
The Shizuoka Prefecture native captained Japan in three straight World Cups from 2010 and won 114 caps for the Samurai Blue, while enjoying a long successful career in the German Bundesliga where he has spent 17 seasons since 2008, racking up an Asian record of 383 top-tier appearances.
"It was a difficult decision, but I knew this day would come eventually. I think that this is the proper timing," Hasebe told a press conference, stating he will remain with Frankfurt and pursue a career as a coach.
He also wrote on Instagram, "I have decided to retire after this season. It doesn't feel real yet, but I want to enjoy the remaining month and give it my best until the end."
Hasebe joined Urawa Reds in the J-League out of high school in 2002 and initially thrived as a dribbler before turning himself into a versatile player following his move to Wolfsburg, with whom he won his only Bundesliga title in 2009.
Following a year at Nurnberg, Hasebe joined Frankfurt in 2014 and gained legendary status at the club after winning the German Cup in 2018 and the Europa League in 2022. The veteran was handed a unique contract that year that let him decide when he would quit playing and move into a coaching role at the club.
Known for his leadership and stamina, Hasebe, who has been playing as a deep-lying defender in recent years, was lauded by many including former World Cup-winning Germany captain Lothar Matthaus.
Hasebe has played seven league games this season and made two starts, the last coming Saturday at Stuttgart.
For Japan, Hasebe scored two goals and holds the record for the most appearances as captain with 81. He retired from international duty after guiding his country to the last 16 at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
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