A Rookie Year Marked by Realizing My Lack of Ability.Aiming for My Official Match Debut Armed with Frustration and Objectivity
GK 58 Wataru GOTO
Introducing all the blue and red warriors taking on the 2026 Meiji Yasuda J1 Century Vision League in 'PLAYERS FILE 2026.' What thoughts do the players hold, and with what resolve are they preparing to face the year ahead, especially with the special half-season tournament approaching?
For Wataru GOTO, who excelled in the Japan national team by age group and confidently earned promotion to the top team, his rookie year was a season in which he keenly felt the "professional wall." Here, he reflects objectively on the sense of achievement and frustration he gained, as well as the significant inspiration he received in Europe during this off-season.
He received the Best Goalkeeper Award at the 2023 AFC U17 Asian Cup. As a promising star competing at the top of his generation, he was promoted from FC Tokyo U-18 to the top team. However, the professional world was not lenient enough for the brilliant achievements he made during his youth development to directly translate into official match appearances.
"There is frustration, and I also came to realize, 'So this is what being a pro is like.'"
The years etched during the rookie 2025 season gave weight to Goto's words.
"When I first joined, I underestimated the pros, but after actually experiencing it, I painfully realized, 'So this is the level,' and once again became keenly aware of the gap in ability. The season started with that recognition, and while I do feel my play gradually improved a bit, it was also a year filled with frustration, wondering if I could have done more and pushed myself further."
By training consistently with the top team throughout the season, his confidence in kicking has increased. However, fundamentally, a goalkeeper's role is to protect the goal. Including basic techniques that support those saves, such as "grasping" and "deflecting," there are still many areas where he is lacking.
"If I don't further improve my skills, I can't be entrusted with confidence," Goto objectively assessed himself.
He has faced overseas players as a member of the Japan national team in age-group competitions. As a leader of his generation, he has accumulated a wealth of experience and training. Even so, he keenly felt the huge gap, saying, "There is a world of difference between participating in professional training for a few days as a youth player and actually joining the team. It's precisely because you do it every day that you realize what you are lacking."
After a year of facing reality, he went on a trip to Europe during the off-season. In Portugal, he watched a Sporting Lisbon match and cast envious eyes on the players performing in a cauldron of passion where people of all ages shouted. His emotions surged. Renewing his determination with the thought, "I want to be like this too," he returned home eager to play soccer again. There was no time to be down. Setting his mind toward the new season, he headed to the Kodaira Ground at the start of the year.
Exercising precise technique, avoiding careless mistakes, and stopping every ball that comes flying, no matter how unreasonable the shot may be. Gaining the trust of those around him, he steps onto the official match pitch as a man in blue and red. His vision is clear. To become the guardian entrusted with the goal, Wataru GOTO’s new season has begun.
(Honorifics omitted in the text)
Text by Masaru Goto (Freelance Writer)
