Celtic legend Shunsuke Nakamura is back in Glasgow, the city he describes as his second home and there’s a very special reunion with Kieran Tierney…
Naka back in town
NAKAMURAAAAAAAAAAA😎🍀 pic.twitter.com/EHcJjK6vO7— C. H. A. M. P. I. O. N. S 🏴🤝🇮🇪 (@TamtheTim3) March 27, 2026
After meeting up with Kieran Tierney yesterday he will be co-commenting on the Japanese TV’s coverage of this afternoon’s World Cup warm-up friendly at Hampden between Scotland and Japan.
Welcome back to Glasgow Naka, you’re a true Celtic icon…
Shunsuke Nakamura is a name well known at Celtic Park. The Japanese superstar wowed the Celtic supporters during his four year career in the East End of Glasgow, and left as a Celtic legend with more than a few memorable moments imbedded in the minds of the Celtic supporters worldwide.
You can pick up a copy of Majic, Stan and the King of Japan from Celtic Star Books. It’s written by Matt Corr and tells the story of how Gordon Strachan managed to sign Shunsuke Nakamura and his remarkable first season at the club. It’s just £10 plus P&P and is a brilliant read.
Naka is back in Glasgow, where he spent four years of his career, and this city is also the birthplace of his son this weekend, this time as a pundit for Japanese television as The Samurai Blue take on Scotland at Hampden in a warm up match for the upcoming World Cup finals in the USA, where both clubs will be competing.
How it started How it’s going pic.twitter.com/VNBiGsQkxu
— Nathan (@nathangreennn) March 27, 2026
The cultured midfielder was one of the best players to have played in this country, and made his mark not just domestically, but in the highest level of football in the Champions League.
Naka was well known for his precision from dead ball situations, with his ability to convert a free kick absolutely legendary not just in the Scottish game, but worldwide.
The Yokohama born playmaker who won 98 caps for Japan, fully carved his name in Celtic folklore by producing some memorable moments of magic during a trophy laden four years in the hoops, making the £2 million fee the club paid to Italian side Reggina look ridiculous.
The free kick Naka scored against a star studded Manchester United side doesn’t need any explanation, nor does his iconic last gasp dead ball effort against Kilmarnock at Rugby Park that clinched the league title.
幼少期のヒーローと再会したティアニーがインスタを更新🏴✨ pic.twitter.com/RejPHc0v8G
— Fooootest（サッカーブログ） (@Fooootest) March 28, 2026
His sensational long range effort against Rangers FC was just as memorable, but that is just the high profile efforts, as Naka was just as efficient and consistent in his entire Celtic career, scoring 34 goals and providing numerous assists in 166 appearances in the green and white.
Welcome home Naka!
The reunion of Kieran Tierney and Shunsuke Nakamura.#CelticFC pic.twitter.com/7BMLwDHzkL
— Yuri (@yurixlax) March 27, 2026
Just an Ordinary Bhoy
🏴🔥中村俊輔からスパイクを贈られた少年
後にプロとなった彼は、母国を28年ぶりのW杯出場へと導く英雄となる
その名は、キーラン・ティアニー
pic.twitter.com/Ycj0aWUBSO— サッカー速報-Football GPT- (@football_gpt) March 27, 2026
Shunsuke Nakamura 🇯🇵 pic.twitter.com/uGBuRUEmtN
— Celtic Curio (@Celticcurio) March 27, 2026
Shunsuke and Tierney#CelticFC
Pic credit: Shunsuke Nakamura Official FB Page pic.twitter.com/fafwxql8mA— Yuri (@yurixlax) March 27, 2026
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