Pipi (footballer, born 2003) explained

Pipi
Fullname:Takuhiro Nakai
Birth Date:24 October 2003
Birth Place:Ōtsu, Shiga, Japan
Height:1.82 m
Position:Midfielder
Currentclub:Rayo Majadahonda (on loan from Real Madrid B)
Clubnumber:16
Youthyears1:2008–2014
Youthclubs1:Azul Shiga
Youthyears2:2014–2022
Youthclubs2:Real Madrid
Years1:2022–
Clubs1:Real Madrid B
Caps1:2
Goals1:0
Years2:2023–
Clubs2:Rayo Majadahonda (loan)
Caps2:14
Goals2:0
Nationalyears1:2018
Nationalteam1:Japan U16
Nationalcaps1:3
Nationalgoals1:0
Nationalyears2:2022
Nationalteam2:Japan U20
Nationalcaps2:2
Nationalgoals2:0
Club-Update:5 April 2024
Nationalteam-Update:18:44, 6 August 2023 (UTC)

, known in Spain as Pipi, is a Japanese professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Rayo Majadahonda, on loan from La Liga club Real Madrid and the Japan national team.[1]

Club career

Pipi was born in Shiga, Japan, and was spotted by Spanish giants Real Madrid while playing in one of their training camps in Japan. He was invited for a trial in Spain and impressed enough to sign a contract in 2014.[2] [3] Prior to his move to Spain, Pipi had been playing for Azul Shiga. After Real Madrid was sanctioned heavily in 2016 by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), it was Nakai's mother who offered testimony that prevented Madrid from suffering further punishment. Her testimony also meant that her son would avoid punishment, as his move to Madrid had been under investigation by the CAS.[4]

In October 2020, Pipi was called up to train with the Real Madrid senior squad for the first time.[5] [6] [7] He was seen as one of Real Madrid's best prospects, [8] [9] and was named in English newspaper The Guardians "Next Generation 2021", highlighting the best players born in 2003 worldwide.[10]

In February 2022, Pipi signed a contract extension with Real Madrid until 2025. Ahead of the 2022–23 season, Pipi was promoted to Real Madrid Castilla from the club's under-19 side.[11] Pipi made his debut for Castilla on September 25, 2022, coming on as a substitute in a 3–1 victory over CD Badajoz.

International career

Pipi was called up for the Japan under-16 side in 2018.[12] He featured in three friendly games for the under-16 side, before going on to make two appearances at under-20 level in 2022.

Career statistics

.

Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
ClubSeasonLeagueCupOtherTotal
DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Real Madrid U192021–222020
Real Madrid Castilla2022–23Primera Federación200020
Rayo Majadahonda (loan)2023–24Primera Federación1100000110
Career total1300020150

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Nakai. 6 November 2020. realmadrid.com. Spanish.
  2. Web site: Real Madrid Sign 9-Year-Old Wonderkid Takuhiro Nakai; Watch 'Pipi' Play. 9 October 2013. 9 October 2020. Bleacher Report.
  3. Web site: 'Pipi' Nakai, el nuevo diamante del Madrid que comparte agente con Bale. 'Pipi' Nakai, Madrid's new diamond who shares an agent with Bale. 15 October 2020. 6 November 2020. elconfidencial.com. Spanish.
  4. Web site: Pipi, de salvar al Real Madrid a entrenar con Zidane. Pipi, from saving Real Madrid to training with Zidane. 13 October 2020. 6 November 2020. mundodeportivo.com. Spanish.
  5. Web site: Real Madrid: Pipi, pride and joy of 'La Fábrica' called up by Zidane. 14 October 2020. 6 November 2020. en.as.com.
  6. Web site: Real Madrid Japanese teen Takuhiro Nakai enjoys senior team training call. 13 October 2020. 6 November 2020. tribalfootball.com.
  7. Web site: Real Madrid : Takuhiro Nakai, L'autre Prodige Nippon des Merengue. Real Madrid: Takuhiro Nakai, The Other Japanese Prodigy of The Merengue. 13 October 2020. 6 November 2020. onzemondial.com. French.
  8. Web site: ¿Quién es el japonés Pipi, el juvenil al que ha citado Zidane?. Who is the Japanese Pipi, the youth that Zidane has mentioned?. 12 October 2020. 6 November 2020. as.com. Spanish.
  9. Web site: Pipi: The Japanese prodigy training with Real Madrid's first team. 13 October 2020. 6 November 2020. marca.com.
  10. Web site: Next Generation 2020: 60 of the best young talents in world football. Marcus. Christenson. Jim. Powell. Garry. Blight. 8 October 2020. 9 October 2020. The Guardian.
  11. News: 2022-02-24 . Soccer: 18-yr-old Takuhiro Nakai extends Real Madrid contract until 2025 . en . Mainichi Daily News . 2022-02-27.
  12. Web site: 日本天才中井卓大将满16 有望与皇马签职业合同. Japanese genius Takuru Nakai is expected to sign a professional contract with Real Madrid at 16. 23 October 2019. 6 November 2020. sports.sina.com. Chinese.