Shinji Okazaki is one of the most underrated Leicester City players in the LE2 club's history. The former Japan international was so instrumental off the ball during that miraculous Premier League-winning season that it is hard to quantify his impact through mere statistics.
Certain commitments and contributions go unnoticed or are essentially intangible in football, and sport in general - Okazaki is a prime example there. Though the 'second striker' did produce moments of absolute quality on the ball as well, his bread and butter was as a remarkably innovative kind of attacking sweeper foil to Jamie Vardy's electrifying striker play. What a combination. Simpatico!
​During his four-year tenure in the East Midlands, Okazaki amassed 137 appearances and netted 19 goals, including that unforgettable overhead kick against Newcastle United. Beyond the numbers, his tireless verticality and selfless defensive tracking provided the structural integrity for Claudio Ranieri's counter-attacking philosophy.
Upon departing the King Power in 2019, his post-LCFC odyssey took him to Spain with Huesca and Cartagena. The 40-year-old eventually concluded his playing days at Sint-Truiden in Belgium.
What's next for ex-Leicester City star Shinji Okazaki?
​Now, a new chapter unfolds as Bundesliga outfit Mainz 05 have officially appointed their former talisman as an international ambassador. Okazaki, who remains the highest-scoring Japanese player in Mainz history, will focus on strengthening the side's global brand and youth development ties in East Asia.
"Mainz appoint Leicester icon Shinji Okazaki as ambassadorBulinews
Shinji Okazaki will serve as Mainz’s ambassador with a focus on the entire Asian region as the Bundesliga club announced the news on Sunday. The former striker netted 29 goals in 70 appearances in his two-year spell at the club."
This prestigious appointment signals a formal transition into football diplomacy. And, while he is currently entrenched in Germany with his own FC Basara Mainz, it invites the romantic possibility of a homecoming.
Should the Foxes and Mainz meet in the (very) distant future, perhaps in European competition, Okazaki would return to Filbert Way as a bridge between two worlds. Furthermore, given his enduring legacy and tactical intelligence, it is entirely plausible that Okazaki may be offered a similar ambassadorial position at on Filbert Way one day.
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