One To Watch
Keito Nakamura: Reims’ Japanese Star Delivering When It Matters Most
This season, Nakamura has recorded 12 goals and three assists across all competitions. However, over the last three matches, his contributions on the attack have helped Reims secure points at a time when they’re fighting to stay in France’s top flight.
Nakamura has notched four goal contributions in his last three matches, helping Reims win two of those games. That run has been crucial for Samba Diawara and his side, who now sit just two points clear of the relegation playoff spot currently held by Le Havre.
The 24-year-old elaborated on his form this season while speaking to FIFA’s official website before Japan’s World Cup qualifiers during the last international break.
“As a winger, my job is to dribble through the lines and get goals and assists. I felt that expectation last season, and I’ve been keeping it in mind this year too. We [Stade de Reims] have been struggling since the new year, but I’m producing results, so I feel as though I’m managing to support the team, at least a little.”
While Nakamura is shining on the pitch, he and Junya Ito has been helping a fellow countryman adjust to life in France since the start of 2025. Hiroki Sekine arrived during the winter transfer window and needed to jump on a moving train, so having two Japanese players on the team allowed the defender to make the transition to Ligue 1 McDonald’s.
Reims will count on all three Japanese players to help them fight off relegation in their final five league matches and pull off the upset in the Coupe de France final against Paris Saint-Germain on May 24.
Despite the rollercoaster of a season, Nakamura and his teammates have a chance to celebrate twice at the end of the campaign by staying in France’s top flight and winning a trophy that can guarantee them European football next season.
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