Eintracht Frankfurt, competing in the German Bundesliga, announced on Tuesday that 39-year-old defender Makoto Hasebe has extended his contract for an additional year, meaning he will continue until 2024. Hasebe expressed his happiness, stating that he "will be able to play at the highest level with Eintracht for another year," and noted that "it's special to be part of the squad in such a great and successful club as I turn 40." He added, "I will continue to take responsibility and want to be a role model for our young players... the city of Frankfurt has become my home, and Eintracht is my team."
Hasebe, who won the Bundesliga title in 2009 with Wolfsburg, has played 16 matches in various competitions this season, raising his total appearances with Eintracht to 279. The former captain of the Japan national team, who has been with Frankfurt for nine years, has achieved significant success in recent years, winning the UEFA Europa League last year and the DFB-Pokal in 2018. Hasebe's player contract runs until 2024, but he has another agreement with the club until 2027 that allows him to enter the coaching world once he stops playing. Eintracht competed in the Champions League this season, reaching the Round of 16 before being eliminated by Napoli last week.
