Pipi (footballer, born 2003)

Takuhiro Nakai (中井 卓大), known in Spain as Pipi, is a Japanese professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Rayo Majadahonda, on loan from La Liga club Real Madrid and the Japan national team.

Club career
Pipi was born in Shiga, Japan, and was spotted by Spanish giants Real Madrid while playing in one of their training camps in Japan. He was invited for a trial in Spain and impressed enough to sign a contract in 2014. Prior to his move to Spain, Pipi had been playing for Azul Shiga. After Real Madrid was sanctioned heavily in 2016 by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), it was Nakai's mother who offered testimony that prevented Madrid from suffering further punishment. Her testimony also meant that her son would avoid punishment, as his move to Madrid had been under investigation by the CAS.

In October 2020, Pipi was called up to train with the Real Madrid senior squad for the first time. He was seen as one of Real Madrid's best prospects, and was named in English newspaper The Guardian's "Next Generation 2021", highlighting the best players born in 2003 worldwide.

In February 2022, Pipi signed a contract extension with Real Madrid until 2025. Ahead of the 2022–23 season, Pipi was promoted to Real Madrid Castilla from the club's under-19 side. Pipi made his debut for Castilla on September 25, 2022, coming on as a substitute in a 3–1 victory over CD Badajoz.

International career
Pipi was called up for the Japan under-16 side in 2018. He featured in three friendly games for the under-16 side, before going on to make two appearances at under-20 level in 2022.

Career statistics
.