Shinji Kagawa is a Japanese professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for J1 League club Cerezo Osaka. 2. Shinji Kagawa is widely regarded as one of the best Japanese players of all time. 3. Shinji Kagawa holds the records for most appearances and goals by a Japanese player in UEFA club competitions. 4.

The 34-year-old soccer player was born in Japan. He was signed by the Japanese team Cerezo Osaka when he was 17, becoming the first Japanese soccer player to earn a professional soccer contract before finishing high school. He helped lead Borussia Dortmund to Bundesliga titles in both of his seasons with the team.

Kagawa holds the records for most appearances and goals by a Japanese player in UEFA club competitions. Since making his senior international debut in May 2008, he has won over 90 caps and scored over 30 goals. On 29 November 2012, Kagawa was named Asian Football Confederation International Player of the Year.