Exclusive: A-League star and Japanese legend Hiroki Sakai wants to make Auckland home after football career
Auckland FC captain Hiroki Sakai has fallen in love with New Zealand – and might be here for good.
The Japanese legend has been pivotal to the success of the expansion club and is one of the most talented players to grace the A-League. His impact has been huge – on and off the field – as he has helped to drive standards and bring instant credibility to Auckland FC, along with his quality on the park. But it’s been a mutual effect, with Sakai and his young family thoroughly enamoured with life here.
So much so that it might be a case of ‘Hiro-Kiwi’ in the future, as Sakai plans to seek permanent residency. It’s a remarkable situation – especially for someone of his pedigree - akin to the likes of Kieran Read or Beauden Barrett going to play Top League rugby in Japan for a few seasons, then opting to stay on permanently in the Asian country.
From an exclusive interview with the 35-year-old, the Weekend Herald can reveal:
– Sakai has already agreed terms for next season, which will mark his third year at the club.
– The Japanese legend wants to retire here and has no plans to play anywhere else.
– Discussions are ongoing between Sakai and the club hierarchy about a future role at the club, when he hangs up his boots.
– Sakai has already started the process to become a resident – and could seek to become a permanent resident.
While it’s great news for Auckland FC, it’s also a boon for football in this country, given what he could contribute in the coming years. Sakai has done it all in the sport – appearing 75 times for the Japanese national team, including three Fifa World Cup campaigns, playing for big clubs in France and Germany and winning the Asian Champions League with Urawa Red Diamonds.
But you wouldn’t know it. He is a man of great mana but also modesty and the kind of individual who can inspire across multiple demographics.
“As the captain, he really sets the tone of who we are as people, who we want to represent in the community,” says Auckland FC director of football Terry McFlynn. “For what he’s achieved in the game and continues to achieve, he’s so humble, so approachable, and he just wants what’s best for everyone in the club but also everyone in Auckland as well. When we ask the boys [about] engaging with the community, he’s one of the first ones to put his hand up, and you can’t really put a price on that.”
Future plans
We catch up with Sakai in the Auckland FC team room, after the post-training lunch. A teammate is playing on an arcade game, while a couple of other players are getting physiotherapy next door. Sakai offers a warm smile and greeting before we slip into conversation.
His English has improved considerably since our first interview, in August 2024, another example of his diligence. He studies most nights from 9pm – “when the children have gone to bed” for up to two hours and listens to audio classes on the daily drives to the Albany training base.
“I want to improve more,” he laughs. “My kids (11 years old, 6 and 4) pick up [things] so fast ... they are like sponges.”
A new adventure as a family was one of the principal reasons Sakai and his wife decided to move here, along with the unique proposition of building a club from the ground up.
“This is a good opportunity for my kids, I hope,” says Sakai. “They have to create their own life, but I just want to give them the opportunity.”
It has worked out even better than expected.
“My family and I are so happy to be here,” admits Sakai. “Of course, everything depends on the situation, but [right now] I want to retire as a football player here. I love this team, and we love this country.”
While Sakai emphasises – only half-jokingly – that his spouse holds the key to their plans – “About the future, my wife decides everything” – they are already thinking long term. Sakai will be eligible for residency from July next year and beyond that wants to become a permanent resident.
“I hope I can,” he says.
He is also in discussions about a club position when he does retire, saying it is an ideal opportunity, given his strong relationship with chief executive Nick Becker, McFlynn, Steve Corica and the coaching staff.
“We’ve progressed those conversations,” confirmed McFlynn. “He’s made it known to everyone that he would love to stay in New Zealand. For us as a club, it’s a privilege to have him walking into the building every day, with just the effect he has on everyone.”
The exact nature of the role has yet to be defined, but McFlynn said they would make the most of Sakai’s skill set, knowledge and global contacts.
“It would be wrong of us to pigeonhole him into something that doesn’t utilise everything he brings.”
For now, though, Sakai is focused on leading the team into at least the 2026-27 season.
“I’m a professional player, but my role is not only to play football,” says Sakai.
He knows he is the bridge between the players and the coaching staff and takes a lot of responsibility on, especially in the difficult moments when results go south.
“Of course I have to focus on my performance, but also I have to look at every situation.”
Injuries have disrupted his season but now Sakai is performing as well as ever, despite the physically demanding nature of the A-League. He remains a highly influential figure, both at training and in matches.
“As a leader he knows when the players need a lift and he does that through his actions,” says McFlynn.
That’s why there was no hesitation about another campaign, with McFlynn saying Sakai would continue playing as long as it was mutually beneficial for both club and player.
“He’s a very fit man for his age, and he can adapt his game to whatever style of football the coaches want to play,” said McFlynn.
Life in New Zealand
When Sakai arrived here in July 2024, he had never been to New Zealand. He knew little about the country – apart from the usual stereotypes – and it was a step into the unknown for the family. So what have they enjoyed so much?
“There are many things,” says Sakai. “The nature, the people are kind, we are all learning English. And for the kids, it’s not dangerous, it’s a relaxed place.”
Sakai has also embraced the outdoor lifestyle. He has been taking surfing lessons for the past year and on his days off can be spotted on his board at Muriwai or beaches north of Auckland – Omaha, Waipū Cove or Tāwharanui.
“At the moment my dream is Raglan,” laughs Sakai.
He goes fishing with his kids and has also taken up golf, after limited opportunities to play in the past.
“New Zealand is very good for golf – and not so expensive as well.”
Sakai has also appreciated the relative anonymity here, compared with Japan, where it was complicated to take his family to the beach, the mall or the zoo without getting a lot of attention, given his fame. He is getting more recognised though – but feels that is a good thing.
“It means football’s popularity is going up in New Zealand and AFC is also getting famous,” says Sakai. “This is very important. I am very happy because I can feel it went from zero to now it’s 30 or 40.”
He also appreciates that most fan interactions here are quite relaxed.
“It’s very casual,” says Sakai. “Say hello, can I take a picture or something, five seconds, then bye.”
Birthday bonanza
For a captain, Sakai is immensely popular among the squad. The younger players look up to him – wanting to hear his war stories of facing Neymar, Kylian Mbappe or Eden Hazard – and the more seasoned professionals admire his work ethic, enthusiasm and pure talent. In a demanding environment, he is also known for being unfailingly calm and polite – but also confident – in all his interactions with club staff and stakeholders.
“He’s very considerate,” says one staffer.
As our interview concludes, Sakai wanders off to deliver a special package to the club kitchen. He has imported five kilos of wagyu beef from Japan, which the chef will prepare for the team lunch next Tuesday, after his 36th birthday on Sunday, the day following the crucial home clash with Melbourne Victory. According to one expert, the cuts would be worth “four or five thousand” but that sums up Sakai, his generosity and the love for his team, his club and his adopted country.
“He’s been amazing for us,” says McFlynn. “Just to have some of Hiroki’s stature, presence, and character in the building is really what we’re all about as a football club.”
Michael Burgess has been a Sports Journalist for the New Zealand Herald since 2005, covering the Olympics, Fifa World Cups, and America’s Cup campaigns. He is a co-host of the Big League podcast.