Makoto Hasebe

Makoto Hasebe is a Japanese professional footballer. Originally deemed to not be good enough to even play for his high-school team, Hasebe credits his grandfather as being his inspiration to keep trying to become a professional. It paid off and he signed for Japanese J1 League side Urawa Red Diamonds. His success at the club was not unnoticed and he signed for Bundesliga side VfL Wolfsburg in 2008 before moving to Eintracht Frankfurt, where he was part of the side that won the 2017/18 DFB Pokal. Known for his leadership and mental strength, Hasebe captained Japan's national team at the 2010, 2014 and 2018 World Cups, before announcing his retirement after their dramatic knockout game against Belgium in which they lost 3-2. Makoto has also written a book about philosophy.