based on the 2026 season · updated 19 Oct 2026
Profile
Season stats
Full career & schedule →Domestic-league season · Vissel Kobe.
Performance data · by competition
| Competition | Apps | G | A | Min | Match |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 J1 League | 1 | 0 | 0 | 90 | 7.5 |
Scout report
G. Sakai is a 35-year-old central defender at Vissel Kobe, enjoying a standout season — 0 goals and 0 assists in 9 appearances, a Season grade of 36, top 22% of J1 League centre-backs. On long-term scout potential he's rated 13.5, ranking 179th of 193 in the J1 League. A seasoned veteran, he has been a rotation option (40.9% of available minutes). His defensive output reads 4.89 tackles, blocks and interceptions per 90. Below: strengths, watch-points, market-value outlook and the latest transfer news on Sakai.
Judged on this season alone, Sakai graded 36 — a strong campaign that ranks top 22% of the 37 centre-backs in the J1 League, on 4 clean sheets and 4.886 defensive actions per 90.
Year-on-year, that's a drop on last season (Season 41 → 35). Over the 7 seasons on record his form has trended upward, peaking in 2021/22.
On long-term talent our Rating reads 14, 32nd of 37 of the 37 centre-backs in the J1 League. At 35 Sakai is into the veteran stage, where the age curve weighs on the projection, and a market index of 1.8 reflects that trajectory.
Below his 2021/22 peak but holding a solid level — the platform for a return is there.
Output in context · Vissel Kobe finished 4th of 20 · an upper-table side
4.89 tackles, blocks & interceptions per 90 — solid defensive volume, with 4 clean sheets across 9 appearances. Behind an upper-table side (4th of 20) the side controls more games, so the defensive load is lighter — the value sits as much in composure and ball progression as in raw volume.
Strengths
- Defensive volume. 4.89 tackles, blocks & interceptions per 90 — does the unseen work.
Watch points
- Game time. Only 40.9% of available minutes — needs a settled run to prove the level.
- Age curve. At 35, both level and resale value are on the downslope.
- Level. Rates below a nailed-on top-tier starter on our model.
Outlook
With a Rating of 13.5, Sakai carries the 32nd-highest potential of the centre-backs in the J1 League of 37 — though on just 9 appearances this season, so the standing rests on a small sample. Defensively he reads as solid defensive volume (4.89 tackles, blocks & interceptions per 90). Veteran phase — a short-term, lower-fee proposition as both level and value decline (0.6× and falling).
Generated from Field Insider's rating model · AI-written analysis to follow.
Season statistics
Bars = where he ranks among centre-backs in the J1 League with 600+ minutes this season.
Shooting
Passing
Possession
Defending
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Transfer news
No transfer news found for this player.
