Yuta Nakayama

is a Japanese professional footballer who plays as a centre back, left back or defensive midfielder for SuperLiga club Red Star Belgrade and the Japan national team.

Club career

Kashiwa Reysol Nakayama was born in Ibaraki, Japan. He made his official debut for Kashiwa Reysol in the J. League Division 1, AFC Champions League on 6 May 2015 against the Vietnam-based club Binh Duong F.C in Go Dau Stadium in Thu Dau Mot, Vietnam. He started and played the full match, receiving a yellow card in the 83rd minute. Nakayama and his club lost the match 1–0.

In 2017, Nakayama was named J.League Rookie of the Year.

PEC Zwolle On 15 January 2019, Nakayama joined Eredivisie team PEC Zwolle on a three-and-a-half-year deal. He made his debut for Zwolle on 31 March 2019, in a 3–0 home victory over FC Emmen. He scored his first goal in the Netherlands, on 17 January 2020, in a 3–3 draw against Utrecht.

Huddersfield Town On 15 July 2022, following PEC Zwolle's relegation from the Eredivisie, Nakayama joined EFL Championship club Huddersfield Town on a two-year deal. Nakayama scored his first goal in England in his third appearance for Huddersfield, a 3–1 victory over Stoke City on 13 August 2022.

Machida Zelvia

On 14 August 2024, Nakayama was announced at Machida Zelvia.

International career In May 2017, Nakayama was elected Japan U-20 national team for 2017 U-20 World Cup. At this tournament, he played full time in all four matches as center back.

He made his Japan national team debut on 17 June 2019 in the 2019 Copa América game against Chile, as a starter.

Nakayama was selected for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, but he was forced to withdraw from the official squad list, due to an achilles injury.

Career statistics Club

International

Honors

Club Machida Zelvia Emperor's Cup: 2025

Individual J.League Rookie of the Year: 2017