Japan’s most capped male player, an anime character, one of the best to never play in Europe.

Join us as we pay tribute to Yasuhito Endō

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There’s rather a lot to get through, but let’s start at the beginning. Endō was born on 28 January 1980 in Kagoshima, near the famous Sakurajima volcano.

After graduating from high school in 1998 Endō joined Yokohama Flügels, winning the Emperor’s Cup in his first full season.

That would prove Flügels last ever game, and after they went out of business Endō joined Kyoto Purple Sanga.

He quickly became a regular, but a squad also containing Ji-Sung Park and Kazuyoshi Miura would surprisingly taste relegation in 2000.

In 2001 Endō moved on to Gamba Osaka and things would never be the same again. To this day, he's still employed by them.

Endō would play a big part in manager Akira Nishino’s dynasty, which included Gamba’s first league title in 2005 and the 2008 AFC Champions League.

In 2008 Gamba also finished third at the Club World Cup. Losing 5-3 to Man United in the semi-finals, Endō was praised by Sir Alex Ferguson.

Shortly after he was linked with a move to Championship side Plymouth. Some reality check.

That game saw Endō score a penalty with his famous Korokoro technique. This sees him casually stroll up to the ball before stroking it in along the ground.

It clearly works, as despite playing for over two decades, Endō has over 90% conversion rate from the spot in J.League.

Alongside that is Endō’s silky playmaking skills and tireless running, which have seen him named Japanese Footballer of the Year twice and Asia’s equivalent in 2009.

Between 2003 and 2012 he was featured in ten consecutive J.League teams of the year. Death, taxes and all.

Then there's Endō free kicks. These are so good that they've been featured in the anime series Detective Conan.

Probably his most famous dead ball finish came in the 2010 World Cup against Denmark, where he whips it like JWP.

Endō has worn the Japan shirt on a record 152 occasions, playing in three World Cups and also winning the Asian Cup in 2004 and 2011.

On 16 October 2012 he became the Samurai Blue's most capped male player in a friendly against Brazil.

Unsurprisingly with 782 games Endō is also Gamba's record appearance holder. Since 1999 he's played at least 24 games a season.

He secured his legendary status by staying with the club when they were relegated in 2012, taking them back up at the first time of asking.

As if that wasn't enough, Endō then led Gamba to a clean sweep of J.League, Emperor's Cup and League Cup the next season.

For his efforts Endō was named J.League MVP for the second time in his career, at the age of 34.

Endō left Gamba last October, although only on loan to second tier Júbilo Iwata in search of playing time.

In fairness to the guy, he's 41 and currently on 1036 professional games. Hats off.