Motohiko Nakajima

is a Japanese football player who plays for Vegalta Sendai.

Career Cerezo Osaka

On 29 September 2017, Nakajima was promoted to the first team. On June 6 2020, it was announced that he would return to Cerezo Osaka for the 2021 season. He made his league debut against Yokohama F. Marinos on 6 April 2021. Nakajima scored his first league goal and his first goal in the J1 League against Avispa Fukuoka on 10 April 2021.

Cerezo Osaka U-23

He made his league debut in J3 League v Kagoshima United FC. On 2 December 2018, during the Osaka derby, Nakajima scored and assisted in a 2-0 win.

Loan to Albirex Niigata

On 20 July 2020, Nakajima joined Albirex Niigata. He made his league debut against Mito HollyHock on 25 July 2020. Nakajima scored his first league goal against Machida Zelvia on 4 October 2020, scoring in the 45th+1st minute.

Loan to Vegalta Sendai

On 6 April 2022, Nakajima was announced at Vegalta Sendai. He made his league debut against Renofa Yamaguchi on 10 April 2022. Nakajima scored his first league goal against Zweigen Kanazawa on 15 May 2022, scoring in the 38th minute.

Nakajima won the 2022 MVP of the Year award, as chosen by the supporters.

Nakajima won the May 2024 Meiji Yasuda J2 League MVP award.

International career

In February 2017, Nakajima was selected for the Japan U18s tour of Spain.

Style of play

Nakajima can play as a midfielder or forward, and has been praised for being able to strike a free kick with either foot well.

Club statistics Updated to 14 September 2022.

International

Japan national under-16 football team Japan national under-17 football team Japan national under-18 football team