Hidetoshi Nakata (Nakata Hidetoshi; born January 22, 1977 in Yamanashi), is a Japanese football (soccer) player. He is one of the most famous Asian footballers of his generation.
After playing for five different clubs in Italy (and winning an Italian league title), Nakata has moved to England in August 2005 to try his luck in the Premiership with a loan spell at Bolton Wanderers. Nakata's first start for Bolton was in the club's first-ever European match, the first leg of their UEFA Cup tie against Bulgarian side Lokomotiv Plovdiv, which Bolton won 2-1.
Nakata has adapted well to the pace and physicality of the English Premier League, forcing his way into contention for a regular starting place with Wanderers, and looks set to become one of manager Sam Allardyce's finer signings.
