is a Japanese professional footballer who plays for J2 League club Sagan Tosu.
A versatile midfielder, Sakai can play in many different positions, although left wing is his preferred position.
Club career
On 2 November 2010, Sakai signed for J. League club Albirex Niigata. He made his J. League debut on 7 May 2011, coming on as a substitute for Yoshiyuki Kobayashi against Omiya Ardija. After playing 450 minutes with Albirex Niigata, Sakai signed a Professional A contract with the club on 5 June 2013.
On 7 January 2014, Sakai was announced at Avispa Fukuoka on a one year loan.
On 19 July 2016, Sakai was announced at Fagiano Okayama on a six month loan.
On 7 January 2018, Sakai was announced at Omiya Ardija on a permanent transfer. On 8 December 2020, the club announced it would not be renewing his contract for the 2021 season.
On 29 December 2020, Sakai was announced at Sagan Tosu on a permanent transfer.
On 21 December 2021, Sakai was announced at Nagoya Grampus on a permanent transfer.
On 4 July 2024, Sakai was announced at Renofa Yamaguchi FC on a six month loan. On 9 December 2024, his loan with Renofa Yamaguchi expired, and his contract with Nagoya Grampus would expire at the end of the season.
On 5 January 2025, Sakai announced that he would return to newly relegated J2 club Sagan Tosu.
Personal life
Sakai is the younger brother of Gōtoku Sakai, who is currently playing for J1 League club Vissel Kobe, while his youngest brother Goson Sakai last played for German club FV Illertissen. During the 2011 season with Albirex Niigata, he shared a squad with Gōtoku Sakai.
Career statistics Club Nippon Sports Kikaku Publishing inc./日本スポーツ企画出版社, "J1&J2&J3選手名鑑ハンディ版 2018 (NSK MOOK)", 7 February 2018, Japan, (p. 164 out of 289)Nippon Sports Kikaku Publishing inc./日本スポーツ企画出版社, "2017 J1&J2&J3選手名鑑 (NSK MOOK)", 8 February 2017, Japan, (p. 123 out of 289) + Appearances and goals by club, season and competition Club Season League National cup League cup Other Total Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Japan League Emperor's Cup J. League Cup Other TotalAlbirex Niigata2011J.League Div 1300000–302012201010–402013701030–1102016J1 League900030–12020171111020–141Total321309000441Avispa Fukuoka (loan)2014J.League Div 237710––3872015J2 League39733–204410Total76144300208217Fagiano Okayama (loan)2016J2 League6020–20100Omiya Ardija201836300–10373201922220–1025220205000––50Total635200020675Sagan Tosu2021J1 League2983020–348Nagoya Grampus20221720051–22320232004044–2842024301010–50Renofa Yamaguchi2024J2 League102–102Sagan Tosu2025000000–00 Career total256322032156030340
References
External links Profile at Nagoya Grampus