Makoto Hasebe extends playing career


The success story involving Makoto Hasebe and Eintracht Frankfurt is set to gain another chapter after the 39-year-old decided to extend his playing career by a further 12 months. The former Japan national team captain, who won 114 caps for the Samurai Blue and has been with Eintracht since 2014, will commence his tenth season as an Eagles player this summer.

Announcement in Tokyo

Hasebe has made 16 appearances across all competitions this season, taking the 2018 DFB Cup winner and 2022 UEFA Europa League champion to 279 competitive outings with the Eagles. A model professional, Hasebe will be 40 when his playing deal expires in summer 2024 and could overtake Rudi Bommer and Uli Stein as Eintracht’s oldest ever Bundesliga player during the 2023/24 campaign. Fittingly, the veteran’s contract extension was announced in the capital of his home country, where Hasebe enjoys legendary status.

Eintracht board member for sport Markus Krösche: “Makoto is the only professional player who can decide for himself whether to extend his contract. We’re glad he has made this decision and will remain a player with us for another year. With his attitude, discipline and football ability, he is not only a complete role model in our team but remains an asset to our game. At nearly 40 years old, he is a Bundesliga great and an ambassador for Eintracht Frankfurt and German football beyond this country’s borders.”

Makoto Hasebe: “I’m very happy to be able to play football at the highest level at Eintracht for another year. It’s special to be part of the team at such a big, successful club when I turn 40. I’ll continue to take on responsibility, I want to be a role model for our young players and I want to lead by example. Frankfurt has become my home and Eintracht is my club. That’s why I’m already looking forward to being part of this club after my playing career.”