He is one of Asia's most successful exports; in fact, it has opened up many opportunities for Asian footballers to play abroad. For nine years, he became one of the most recognizable soccer players Japan or even Asia has ever produced. But few people really know the man behind the mask; he is a sporting superstar who has propelled Japanese football and Asian football onto the world stage. A national idol, whose website can gather “fifteen million visits in a single day”(1). A fashion icon, known for his keen fashion sense and neater haircut. He has a marketing dream with a lucrative contract for some of the world's biggest brands. Yet, at the peak of his powers, with the world at his feet, he decided to pull the plug. At just 29 years old, Hidetohshi Nakata shocked the nation by announcing his retirement from football. He trades the football field for the country of departure, with the intention of traveling the world for months, even years. Hidetoshi Nakata became the first Japanese player and the first Asian player to succeed at top European clubs in Italy and England. His passion for sport was evident from a very young age. He was forced to choose the love of football and the more popular sport, baseball. As Nakata explains, “baseball teams were stricter and you had to cut your hair and practice more” (4), which is why he more easily chose football. Nakata's talent began to attract interest from Europe, he moved to Italy to play for top clubs, gaining new fans with his performances and his efforts to absorb European culture. Football journalist Gabriele Marcotti comments on Nakata: "Commercially he was phenomenally successful, even at one point his jersey was the second best-selling jersey... middle of paper......in Europe and also be remembered as someone who never fulfilled his potential on the football field. Even if Asia and Europe were shocked by his decision. Nakata left behind a career that opened the world's eyes to Japanese and Asian football. It also occupies a special place in the Asian honors arena. During his life after his retirement from the world of football, Hidetoshi Nakata encountered poverty, prosperity, opulence and austerity. He watches, listens and observes new experiences. These days, Nakata has taken his influence to another level. He found a calling as a traveler and ambassador to spread goodwill around the world with football as the main ingredient. He is inspiring, creative, influential, visionary and pioneer. It seems that what Nakata touches turns to gold. Hidetoshi Nakata is surely the best and most fashionable athlete..