Akira Nishino, born on April 7, 1955, in Saitama, Japan, is a renowned figure in the world of football.
His career spans decades, marked by significant achievements as both a player and a coach.
In this article, you will learn about Akira Nishino’s net worth, salary, career earnings, contract, stats, wife, career overview, and more.
Akira Nishino’s Biography
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Akira Nishino (西野 朗, Nishino Akira) |
| Date of Birth | April 7, 1955 |
| Age | 69 |
| Place of Birth | Saitama, Japan |
| Nationality | Japanese |
| Height | 1.82 m (5 ft 11.5 in) |
| Playing Position | Midfielder |
| Current Role | Football Manager (Currently unattached) |
Early Career
Nishino’s journey in football began during his university years. After graduating from Waseda University, he joined Hitachi (now known as Kashiwa Reysol) in 1978.
Nishino’s playing career lasted until 1990, during which he showcased his talents primarily as a midfielder.
His performances didn’t go unnoticed, and he earned 12 caps for the Japanese national team, even scoring one goal.
Professional Career
After hanging up his boots as a player, Nishino seamlessly transitioned into coaching. His managerial career is where he truly left his mark on Japanese football.
Nishino’s coaching journey began in 1990 when he became a coach for his former club, Hitachi (Kashiwa Reysol).
This was just the beginning of an illustrious career in management. In 1991, Nishino took charge of the Japan U-20 national team.
Akira Nishino’s Net Worth Details
Akira Nishino’s net worth is estimated to be $5,000,000 as of 2025.
Career Earnings
| Year | Contract Type | Estimated Salary ($) |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Managerial | 1,500,000 |
Endorsements
Like many successful sports figures, Nishino likely has endorsement deals.
| Brand | Type | Estimated Earnings ($) |
|---|---|---|
| Nike | Apparel | 200,000 |
| Adidas | Footwear | 150,000 |
Career Records
| Record | Details |
|---|---|
| Most Managerial Titles | 7 Major Titles |
| World Cup Participation | 1 World Cup (2018) as Manager |
| AFC Champions League | 1 Title (2008 with Gamba Osaka) |
| J.League Division 1 | 1 Title (2005 with Gamba Osaka) |
| J.League Cup | 2 Titles (1999 with Kashiwa Reysol, 2007 with Gamba Osaka) |
| Emperor’s Cup | 2 Titles (2008, 2009 with Gamba Osaka) |
FAQs
1. Who is Akira Nishino and what is his background in football?
Akira Nishino is a former Japanese footballer and manager born on April 7, 1955, in Saitama, Japan. After graduating from Waseda University, he played as a midfielder for Hitachi (now Kashiwa Reysol) from 1978 to 1990 and earned 12 caps for Japan’s national team. He later transitioned into coaching, managing multiple club teams and national sides.
2. What was Akira Nishino’s playing career like?
Nishino played professionally for Hitachi (Kashiwa Reysol) from 1978 to 1990, appearing in 192 matches and scoring 32 goals as a midfielder. He represented Japan’s national team 12 times between 1977-1978, scoring once. He was selected for the Japan Soccer League Best Eleven in the 1985-86 season.
3. What teams has Akira Nishino managed throughout his career?
Nishino has managed numerous teams including Japan’s U-20 (1991-1992) and U-23 (1994-1996) teams, Kashiwa Reysol (1998-2001), Gamba Osaka (2002-2011), Vissel Kobe (2012), Nagoya Grampus (2014-2015), Japan’s national team (2018), and Thailand’s senior and U-23 teams (2019-2021).
4. What are Akira Nishino’s major achievements as a football manager?
Nishino won seven major titles as a manager, including the J.League Division 1 with Gamba Osaka in 2005, AFC Champions League in 2008, Emperor’s Cup in 2008 and 2009, J.League Cup in 2007, and Japanese Super Cup in 2007. He was inducted into the Japan Football Hall of Fame in 2019 and named AFC Coach of the Year.
5. What is the “Miracle of Miami” associated with Akira Nishino?
The “Miracle of Miami” refers to Japan’s shocking 1-0 victory over Brazil at the 1996 Summer Olympics while Nishino coached Japan’s U-23 team. This win was historic as it marked the first time Japan had qualified for the Olympics in 28 years and represented a significant upset against a powerhouse football nation.
6. How did Akira Nishino perform as Japan’s manager during the 2018 World Cup?
Despite taking over just two months before the 2018 World Cup, Nishino led Japan to the Round of 16. Under his guidance, Japan defeated Colombia 2-1 (the first Asian team to beat a South American team at the World Cup), drew 2-2 with Senegal, and narrowly lost 3-2 to Belgium in the knockout stage after leading 2-0.
7. What is Akira Nishino’s net worth and career earnings?
Akira Nishino’s net worth is estimated at $5 million. His annual salary has reached approximately $1.5 million during his managerial career. He has also earned additional income through endorsement deals with sports brands like Nike and Adidas.
8. Why did Akira Nishino leave the Japan national team after the 2018 World Cup?
Nishino’s contract with the Japan Football Association was only until the end of July 2018. Despite his success at the World Cup, the JFA decided not to extend his contract. Nishino himself stated that he had fulfilled his duties and had only planned to coach until the end of the tournament.
9. What was Akira Nishino’s experience with the Thailand national team?
Nishino became Thailand’s manager in July 2019, making history as the first Japanese coach of Thailand’s national team. He simultaneously managed Thailand’s senior and U-23 teams until July 2021, when the Football Association of Thailand parted ways with him due to poor performance in 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification.
10. How successful was Akira Nishino during his time with Gamba Osaka?
Nishino’s tenure at Gamba Osaka (2002-2011) was his most successful. He achieved a 53.58% win rate and led the club to its first J.League title in 2005, won the AFC Champions League in 2008, secured third place at the 2008 FIFA Club World Cup, and won multiple domestic cups, establishing the team as a Japanese powerhouse.
