Cricket
Racing
Rugby
League
Motorsport
Football
Golf
Combat Sports
Basketball
Tennis
Other Sports
Sport Nation
Auckland FC captain Sakai extends with A-League club for 2025/26 season
Sport Nation • February 18th, 2025 10:47 am
Photo: Auckland FC
Auckland FC have announced the one-year contract extension of Hiroki Sakai, with the club captain set to represent the Black Knights through until the end of the 2025/26 season.
Enjoying an incredible debut campaign in the A-League, Auckland sits top of the table on 36 points, five clear of Adelaide United through 16 matches.
Steve Corica's side have conceded the fewest goals in the league (12) with the Japanese right-back proving to be a key part of their success on defence, boasting nine clean sheets. Sakai has also contributed on the score sheet with one goal and an assist.
With the city of Auckland getting behind the new club, averaging the best ALM attendance with 16,875 across eight home games, the decision to extend his commitment was an easy one for Sakai.
“My family and I have really taken to Auckland. It is a beautiful city; we are all very settled and the support we have all received has been incredible," Sakai said in a statement.
"As for this team, they are fantastic. I love playing with them and running out in front of our fans – the love and support I have received from them is like nothing else.
“I try not to look too far ahead, especially when there is still so much we can achieve over the next few months, but I just couldn’t image packing up and moving on at the end of the season.”
The news comes as New Zealand's own derby week returns to Go Media Stadium with Auckland hosting rivals Wellington Phoenix who are currently tenth, six points behind Sydney FC for a coveted top-six spot.
Subscribe to Sport Nation's weekly football podcast Studs Up! on Spotify.
Hiroki Sakai extends with Auckland FC
