Focusing on the details to win at the 'crucial moment'
Gaining mental toughness, now aiming for the top
MF 22 Keita ENDO
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?
The 2025 season started off significantly delayed due to an unexpected injury. Although he ultimately made a comeback in terms of numbers, it was a time filled with regrets for Keita ENDO. Amidst this, his play on the inside allowed him to leverage his natural goal-scoring ability. What the team seeks in the upcoming special tournament is a strong competitive edge. To become a winning team, the blue and red's number 22 is determined to shine on the pitch.
A major setback occurred. At FC Tokyo, which was working on a three-back formation, Keita ENDO, a strong candidate for wing-back, was injured just before the season opener. He was forced to take a break due to a dislocated right shoulder joint, and even after returning, he had to play while protecting his shoulder. Endo’s words, "The shoulder injury was truly an unexpected setback," were filled with genuine feeling.
"We were working on a three-back system as a new challenge, and it was enjoyable. However, I believe my absence caused difficulties in building the team, and I feel sorry about that."
Thanks to the support of my teammates who "were considerate of me even during practice," I recovered steadily and scored 3 goals in the second half of the league after the team switched to a four-back system, totaling 5 goals. I matched my goal tally from the 2024 season in the league and regained playing time to a level comparable to the previous season.
"Since the team's style wasn't to let the wing players go free and make plays, when I thought about the spot closest to the goal, the answer was definitely the inside. With that mindset, I wanted to play closer to the goal and be more involved in scoring."
This effort paid off. Personally, he felt a strong sense of accomplishment, and combined with the premonition that "this is a team that can make a big leap once it catches a break," he decided to continue his adventure with the blue and red. Entering his third season with the club, he started with high motivation to achieve further evolution and results, heading into the Okinawa Itoman training camp.
First is the short-term battle of the Meiji Yasuda J1 Century Vision League. They are sharpening their focus to secure a spot in the AFC Champions League Elite for the 2026/27 season.
“There are few matches to begin with, so it’s necessary to stay focused until the very end to avoid dropping points. This applies to offense as well. We must recognize how valuable it is to catch up when losing. More than in previous years, the fine details and critical moments of the game become crucial.”
Considering the penalty shootout held in the special tournament, a last-minute equalizing goal has the potential to turn zero points into two. And the one to score that goal might be Endo’s right foot.
"I pride myself on that competitive strength. If I can finish the season without injury, I believe I can score a fair number of goals."
There is room to leverage one’s own strength in this tournament with special regulations. If so, the only thing left is to overcome the weaknesses that have been challenges every season, demonstrate the strengths originally possessed, and reap the fruit of victory. The target for number 22 has been set. The time for blossoming is near.
(Honorifics omitted in the text)
Text by Masaru Goto (Freelance Writer)
