sportbible homepage
sportbible homepage
  • Football
  • Boxing
  • UFC
  • Home
  • Football
    • Premier League
    • Champions League
    • World Cup
    • England
    • Transfer News
    • Manchester United
    • Liverpool
    • Arsenal
    • Real Madrid
    • Barcelona
  • Formula 1
    • Red Bull
    • Ferrari
    • McLaren
    • Mercedes
    • Max Verstappen
    • Lewis Hamilton
    • Lando Norris
    • George Russell
    • Charles Leclerc
  • Boxing
  • UFC
  • More Sport
    • Tennis
    • Golf
    • NBA
    • NFL
    • Darts
    • Athletics
    • Rugby
    • Wrestling
  • Advertise
  • Terms
  • Privacy & Cookies
  • License Our Content
  • About Us & Contact
  • Jobs
  • Latest
  • Topics A-Z
  • Authors
Facebook
Instagram
X
Snapchat
TikTok
Threads
YouTube
Submit Your Content Here
  • LADbible
  • Tyla
  • GAMINGbible
  • LADbible Group
  • UNILAD
  • FOODbible
  • UNILAD Tech
Shunsuke Nakamura just scored hat-trick of free-kicks in his farewell match, they were all screamers

Home> Football> Football News

Updated 13:11 17 Dec 2023 GMTPublished 12:10 17 Dec 2023 GMT

Shunsuke Nakamura just scored hat-trick of free-kicks in his farewell match, they were all screamers

The former Celtic midfielder scored five goals in his farewell match against J-Dreams.

Jack Kenmare

Jack Kenmare

google discoverFollow us on Google Discover

You probably won't be surprised to read this but, on Sunday afternoon, Celtic and Japan legend Shunsuke Nakamura scored a hat-trick of free-kicks in his Yokohama FC farewell match.

The 45-year-old attacking midfielder, best known for a prolific four-year spell with Scottish Premiership side Celtic, where he scored 33 goals in 166 appearances, was renowned for taking a wonderful set-piece.

From a last-gasp free kick winner against Kilmarnock to win the league title, to that famous strike against Manchester United in the Champions League, when he sent Parkhead into an absolute frenzy.

Nakamura will go down in history as one of the best free-kick takers of all time. So what's the secret behind his success rate from range?

Advert

Back in 2012, the former Espanyol man opened up about technique in an interview with UEFA.

"I try to keep my right foot firmly on the pitch and inject some power into the shot using the movement of my hips," Nakamura said.

"When I connect with the ball, I try to turn my ankle upwards. If you do this correctly the ball will curl and drop down at the right moment.

"For me, psychology is the most important thing. I try not to feel too eager. If my head is clear and my mindset right, I take my best free kicks."

With all that in mind, Nakamura produced the goods on Sunday, when he scored three free-kicks in a farewell match at the NHK Spring Mitsuzawa Stadium in Yokohama.



Wearing two specially made kits for the occasion, the former Japan international, who scored 24 goals in 98 games for his country, scored five times as he turned out for both Yokohama and a J-Dreams XI.

Back in October last year, Nakamura announced his retirement from football.

"In my long football career I have had many struggles and setbacks, but there was always someone who supported me and pushed me forward," he said in a statement.

"I was able to fight as a football player because I had so much support."

Nakamura started his professional career at J1 League side Yokohama F. Marinos in 1997 before enjoying spells at Reggina, Celtic, Espanyol, Jubilo Iwata and Yokohama FC.



He will certainly be remembered for his laser-accurate free-kicks. Happy retirement, Shunsuke.

Featured Image Credit: X/@OkI0xvQeFG6AoLX

Topics: Celtic, Japan, Football, Scottish Premiership, Scotland

Jack Kenmare
Jack Kenmare

Jack Kenmare is the Senior Journalist for SPORTbible, one of the world’s biggest social publishers. He specialises in long-form feature writing and has an encyclopedic knowledge of Football Manager wonderkids from 2005 to the present day. He has a BA (Hons) in Journalism and News Practice.

X

@jackkenmare_

Recommended reads

Barry Hearn sends message to Ronnie O'Sullivan over snooker future as Crucible prediction madeGettyTyson Fury explains why his 14-year-old son Prince has “no choice” but to become a boxerGettyTyson Fury targets Jon Jones clash as next move after boxing confirmedGetty“I don’t fight for a country” – Michael 'Venom' Page reveals why he won’t walk out with a flag at UFC LondonGeoff Stellfox/Getty Images

Advert

Choose your content:

2 hours ago
4 hours ago
14 hours ago
  • Getty
    2 hours ago

    Craig Bellamy instantly shuts down journalist's Mo Salah question in Wales presser

    The Wales boss was not keen on discussing Mohamed Salah following confirmation of his Liverpool exit.

    Football
  • Getty
    2 hours ago

    Phil Foden leaves England teammates stunned with darts performance

    The Manchester City man surprised his England teammates while away on international duty.

    Football
  • Getty/SPORTbible
    4 hours ago

    Ranking the hardest players in world football

    This may upset a few people...

    Football
  • Getty
    14 hours ago

    Liverpool choose 'number one target' to replace Mo Salah as alternatives emerge

    Salah announced on Tuesday that he will leave Liverpool at the end of the season.

    Football
  • James Tavernier scores stunning free-kick against Celtic in Old Firm derby
  • Former Scotland manager Alex McLeish reveals he has a large picture of Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta in his home