Towards the fifth grand stage and winning a title in Tokyo The fierce tiger takes on the "last big challenge of his life"
DF 5 Yuto NAGATOMO
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?
Yuto NAGATOMO, who is challenging a well-known major goal. Now turning 40 this year, he maintains a level of physical and mental strength that can only be described as 'monster,' aiming to win a title with the blue and red and to participate in his fifth FIFA World Cup. Living with extreme stoicism, NAGATOMO speaks about his resolve as he faces the 'last big challenge of his life.'
Sunlight streams in, and his eyes sparkle brightly. Yuto NAGATOMO, who will turn 40 this September, faces soccer more seriously and purely from the heart than anyone else. He has positioned his 19th professional season, with the chance to appear in his fifth consecutive FIFA World Cup, as "the final big challenge of his life."
“The Tokyo title and World Cup appearance. If I don’t achieve these two goals and dreams, I feel like my entire career built up until now will be completely wiped away.”
To win that challenge, I asked Yuto NAGATOMO about his '2026 season theme.' Then, NAGATOMO smirked and raised the corners of his mouth.
"I'm no longer human. Nagatomo, that guy is already a carnivore. He's becoming a tiger."
The nostalgic phrase gave me a sense of déjà vu, and I couldn't help but mutter, "It somehow reminds me of the 2008 season."
On April 12, 2008, before Sec. 6 of the J1 League match against Tokyo Verdy, when asked "What kind of match will it be?", he himself mentioned the rivalry axis of "Superhuman Hulk (PITA) VS Gorilla," helping to hype up the game. When the match unfolded, on the pitch he restricted the freedom of former Brazil national team forward PITA and played a major role in provoking an own goal that became the winning goal. This caught the eye of Takeshi OKADA, then manager of the Japan national team who was scouting, leading to Nagatomo's first selection for the Japan national team candidate training camp shortly after. The following month, he earned his first cap for the Japan national team.
And then, just like that day, Nagatomo added, "Yes, yes, yes," to his words.
"So, I want to go back to basics, or rather, express that kind of fierce intensity, that wild, savage strength on the pitch. I want to become a ferocious tiger in every aspect of my performance. This year is the Year of the Horse, but I was born in the Year of the Tiger. I want to make this a year to show the power, flexibility, and strength like a tiger."
Turning the Year of the Horse into the “Nagatomo” year. That was the declaration of determination. On social media updated right after the 2022 season World Cup in Qatar, this was written.
“After being released from the intense tension of the World Cup and returning to everyday life, my heart feels empty, and somehow I can’t put my emotions into words. I have worn down my mind and body quite a bit, so I want to forget about soccer and rest slowly. From now on, I want to decide the path forward while conversing with the emotions that appear in my heart. Not choosing the correct answer, but making my choice the correct one.” (Original text intact)
Nothing changes. Always fresh, I have kept chasing the ball, rolling with freshly picked ambition.
"Look, I’m the most fired-up player on this team. That’s a bit lonely. I want there to be many more players who are just as fired-up. That kind of fire lights a spark in my heart again. I hope a player will appear who can ignite the flame in each and every one of our hearts even more."
Now, the high-stakes challenge of a lifetime begins. When asked, "Do you think you can win?", NAGATOMO repeated, "I think I can win..." while shaking his head.
"I'm doing this because I can win. I have absolutely no image of losing."
It was a foolish question for Yuto NAGATOMO, who leads his own choices to the right answer.
(Honorifics omitted in the text)
Text by Tadashi BABA (Freelance Writer)
