Hiroki Sakai
Auckland FC

Hiroki Sakai

Defender at Auckland FC

🌍 JPDefender#2🎂 35 years📏 185cm👟 Right

Current Team: Auckland FC

Market Value
0.5M
SofaScore Rating
7.04

📊 Season Summary

All competitions • Real data
Hiroki Sakai Season by Season Statistics
SeasonCompetitionAppsGoalsAssistsRating
25/26A-League Men8027.04
24/25A-League Men25347.34
2025Australia Cup4017.17
2024J. League Cup1006.70
2024J1 League10126.84
23/24FIFA Club World Cup2006.45
23/24AFC Champions League Elite2007.10
2023J1 League25206.93
22/23Japanese Super Cup-00-
2022J1 League-00-
📅 Last updated: January 14, 2026 • Data: Official league records

📋 Match Log

Last 15 matches
Hiroki Sakai Recent Match Performance Log
DateCompetitionRating
Feb 1, 2025A-League Men7.1
Feb 15, 2025A-League Men7.7
Feb 22, 2025A-League Men7.2
Mar 1, 2025A-League Men7.5
Mar 9, 2025A-League Men7.3
Mar 16, 2025A-League Men6.7
Mar 30, 2025A-League Men8.0
Apr 5, 2025A-League Men6.8
Apr 12, 2025A-League Men7.3
Apr 19, 2025A-League Men7.7
Apr 27, 2025A-League Men7.3
May 3, 2025A-League Men6.5
May 17, 2025A-League Men7.7
May 24, 2025A-League Men6.9
Jul 29, 2025Australia Cup7.7
⚽ Performance ratings tracked per match. Data sourced from official match statistics.

⚡ Player Characteristics

Strengths

Heading

📈 Career Totals

Aggregated across 30 seasons, 16 competitions
6
Career Goals
9
Career Assists
77
Total Apps
66
Full Games

👥 Teammates at Auckland FC

Full Squad →

📊 Season Statistics

A-League Men 25/26
8 appearances
0
Goals
2
Assists
7.04
Rating
457
Minutes
2
Shots
12
Key Passes
12
Tackles
6
Interceptions

🏳️ International Career

Japan|74 caps1 goals

📝 About Hiroki Sakai

Hiroki Sakai is a 35-year-old JP professional footballer who plays as a defender. Currently representing Auckland FC, Hiroki Sakai stands at 185cm and is predominantly right-footed. With a market valuation of €465K, Hiroki Sakai represents a developing talent in today's transfer market.

Hiroki Sakai's professional career began at their academy. Over their career, Hiroki Sakai has made 7 transfers. The most recent move saw Hiroki Sakai join Auckland FC in 2024.

This season, Hiroki Sakai has contributed 2 assists in 8 appearances. Accumulating 457 minutes, averaging 57 per game.

On the international stage, Hiroki Sakai represents Japan with 74 caps and 1 goals. International debut came in 2012.

🎯

Expert Tactical Profile

KickAI Scouting Analysis

This tactical analysis and scouting report on Hiroki Sakai has been compiled by the KickAI Analytics Team. Our assessment covers Hiroki Sakai's role as a defender at Auckland FC, examining their JP playing style, statistical performance, tactical contributions, and future potential. Data is updated after every matchday.

Player Archetype

Destroyer

Hiroki Sakai profiles as a defensive shield who breaks up play and protects the back line. Elite qualities include heading, which make them a threat in aerial battles. At 35, Hiroki Sakai brings invaluable experience and leadership.

Formation Fit

Best deployed in:

4-4-2 (in a back four)3-5-2 (as a center-back with freedom)

✅ Key Strengths

  • heading

⚠️ Development Areas

  • No significant weaknesses identified

**Playing Style**: Hiroki Sakai fits the profile of a modern Destroyer – a defensive shield who breaks up play and protects the back line.

✨ What Makes Them Special

What sets Hiroki Sakai apart from other defenders? It's the combination of heading that creates a unique profile. This season's 7.0 average rating proves these qualities are translating to consistent performances.

🔄 Career Turning Point

The Defining Move: Hiroki Sakai's career trajectory changed in 2021 when Olympique de Marseille agreed to let them join Urawa Red Diamonds. The €1.5M move represented a significant investment and a vote of confidence in Hiroki Sakai's abilities. This transfer opened doors to a new league, new challenges, and new opportunities to showcase their talents.

🔮 Future Outlook

Future Outlook: In the twilight of a career at 35, Hiroki Sakai's focus shifts to legacy. Whether mentoring young players, pursuing coaching badges, or seeking one final trophy, the next chapter awaits.

📊 A-League 25/26 Analysis

In the current season, Hiroki Sakai has made 8 appearances in their competition, contributing 2 assists. With an average rating of 7.04, Hiroki Sakai has been excellent. Accumulating 457 minutes, Hiroki Sakai averages 57 minutes per game.

🔥 Recent Form

Over the last 5 matches, Hiroki Sakai has maintained strong form with an average rating of 7.36. Performance ratings ranged from 7.1 to 7.7, demonstrating reliable consistency.

📈 Form Guide (Last 15 Matches)

OldestLatest

📊 Performance Statistics

How Hiroki Sakai compares to league average this season

🎯 Assists2
0Avg: 215
📅 Appearances8
0Avg: 1538
Average Rating7.0
0Avg: 6.510
⏱️ Minutes Played457
0Avg: 9003420

Yellow line = league average. Green = above average performance.

🩺 Player Status & Availability

Fitness Status

Available

No reported injuries

📋Contract Status

Under Contract

Current club: Auckland FC

🔄Transfer Rumors

No Active Rumors

Last updated: 1/14/2026

📈Market Trend

€0.5M

SofaScore estimate

💹 Career Value Trajectory

Transfer fee history and market value trend

2024
Urawa Red DiamondsAuckland FC
-
2021
Olympique de MarseilleUrawa Red Diamonds
€1.50M
2016
Hannover 96Olympique de Marseille
Free
2012
Kashiwa ReysolHannover 96
€1.20M
2009
Mogi MirimKashiwa Reysol
-
2009
Kashiwa ReysolMogi Mirim
-
2009
Reysol U18Kashiwa Reysol
-

🔥 Recent Performance (12 Months)

Avg Rating: NaN
2/1/2025A-League Men
7.1
2/15/2025A-League Men
7.7
2/22/2025A-League Men
7.2
3/1/2025A-League Men
7.5
3/9/2025A-League Men
7.3
3/16/2025A-League Men
6.7
3/30/2025A-League Men
8.0
4/5/2025A-League Men
6.8
4/12/2025A-League Men
7.3
4/19/2025A-League Men
7.7
4/27/2025A-League Men
7.3
5/3/2025A-League Men
6.5
5/17/2025A-League Men
7.7
5/24/2025A-League Men
6.9
7/29/2025Australia Cup
7.7

Showing last 15 matches. Based on SofaScore statistical ratings.

💰 Transfer History

7 transfers

Transfer Fee Progression

2012
1.20M
2021
1.50M
DateFromToFee
7/25/2024Urawa Red DiamondsAuckland FC-
7/12/2021Olympique de MarseilleUrawa Red Diamonds1.5M €
7/1/2016Hannover 96Olympique de MarseilleFree
7/1/2012Kashiwa ReysolHannover 961.2M €
11/30/2009Mogi MirimKashiwa Reysol-
7/1/2009Kashiwa ReysolMogi Mirim-
2/1/2009Reysol U18Kashiwa Reysol-

📅 Career Progression & Journey

Hiroki Sakai's professional football journey began at a local academy, where the foundations of their career were established. Like many successful footballers, Hiroki Sakai developed their skills through dedicated training and competitive youth football before breaking into senior football.

The career path of Hiroki Sakai has taken them through 6 different clubs, each phase contributing to their development as a professional footballer. The most significant transfer came when Hiroki Sakai moved from Olympique de Marseille to Urawa Red Diamonds for €1.5M, marking a pivotal moment in their career trajectory.

Currently, Hiroki Sakai represents Auckland FC, the latest chapter in an evolving career. Having joined in 2024, Hiroki Sakai continues to develop and contribute to their team's objectives. The experience gained across different clubs and competitions has shaped Hiroki Sakai into the player they are today.

📈 Performance Analysis & Context

When evaluating Hiroki Sakai's performance in context, their average rating of 7.04 positions them among above-average performers for their position. With 2 direct goal contributions (0 goals, 2 assists) in 8 appearances, Hiroki Sakai averages 0.25 goal contributions per match. Averaging 57 minutes per appearance indicates rotational presence in the squad. For a defender at this level of competition, these statistics provide insight into Hiroki Sakai's impact and role within their team's tactical setup.

🔗 Related Content & Categories

Explore more content related to Hiroki Sakai, including teammates, similar players, and competition information.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Hiroki Sakai

What position does Hiroki Sakai play?
Hiroki Sakai is a professional defender who currently plays for Auckland FC. As a defender, Hiroki Sakai is primarily responsible for defensive duties, aerial challenges, and building play from the back.
How old is Hiroki Sakai?
Hiroki Sakai is 35 years old, born on April 12, 1990. At 35, Hiroki Sakai is in the twilight of their career, contributing their wealth of experience.
What team does Hiroki Sakai play for in 2026?
Hiroki Sakai currently plays for Auckland FC. They joined the club in 2024.
How tall is Hiroki Sakai?
Hiroki Sakai stands at 185cm (6'1") tall. This height is advantageous for a defender.
What is Hiroki Sakai's market value in 2026?
Hiroki Sakai's current estimated transfer market value is €465K according to professional football valuation metrics. Market values fluctuate based on form, age, and contract situation.
What nationality is Hiroki Sakai?
Hiroki Sakai is a JP footballer. They represent the JP national team with 74 international caps.
What are Hiroki Sakai's career statistics?
This season, Hiroki Sakai has made 8 appearances, scored 0 goals, and provided 2 assists. Their average match rating is 7.04.
Where did Hiroki Sakai start their career?
Hiroki Sakai's professional career began at a youth academy. Since then, they have made 7 career moves across various clubs.
What is Hiroki Sakai's preferred foot?
Hiroki Sakai is predominantly right-footed. This conventional preference influences their playing style and positioning on the pitch.
What are Hiroki Sakai's main strengths as a player?
Hiroki Sakai's primary strengths include heading. These attributes make them particularly effective in aerial battles.
How many international caps does Hiroki Sakai have?
Hiroki Sakai has earned 74 international caps for Japan, scoring 1 goals at international level. Their international debut came in 2012.
What was Hiroki Sakai's highest transfer fee?
Hiroki Sakai's highest recorded transfer fee was €1.5M when moving from Olympique de Marseille to Urawa Red Diamonds.
What is Hiroki Sakai's current form like?
Based on their average rating of 7.04 this season, Hiroki Sakai's current form can be described as excellent. and provided 2 assists in 8 appearances.
What shirt number does Hiroki Sakai wear?
Hiroki Sakai wears the number 2 shirt for Auckland FC. A classic defensive number carrying historical significance.
What is Hiroki Sakai's playing style?
As a defender, Hiroki Sakai brings heading to their team. Their tactical flexibility allows them to also operate as a dr.
K

KickAI Analysis Team

Football analytics experts using AI-enhanced data processing

Statistics sourced from official match data providers. Tactical analysis generated using proprietary algorithms trained on 500,000+ player performances.

📅 Last Updated:

Verify data from official sources:

📋 Quick Facts

Full Name
Hiroki Sakai
Nationality
JP
Age
35 years
Height
185 cm
Position
Defender
Foot
Right
Shirt
#2

📅 Season Stats

0
Goals
2
Assists
8
Apps
7.04
Rating