A striker with infinite potential looks ahead to the future with promotion to the top team
FW 55 Divine OTANI
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?
In the 2024 season, Divine OTANI made a powerful headed shot in Hiroshima, leaving a strong impact. About a season and a half after scoring his first official match goal at 17 while with FC Tokyo U-18, he has officially been promoted to the top team and begun his professional career. This striker, full of infinite potential, envisions his own career map and the immediate goals he is aiming for.
That man is beyond the ordinary──.
Divine OTANI, who holds infinite potential, has opened the door to the professional world. A glimpse of his overwhelming physical ability was proven by the goal he scored in the second leg of the J.League YBC Levain Cup Playoff Round against Sanfrecce Hiroshima two seasons ago.
That bottomless striker said he suddenly realized he had become a professional.
"At that time, I also felt like a guest. But now, I think the way I am seen as a member of the team is different. Until now, when I participated in the top team's training, I used the U-18 locker room, but since January this year, I have started using the top team's locker room, and I felt once again that I had become a professional."
Otani, speaking candidly about his awareness and responsibility as a professional, says, "I have no intention of losing when it comes to holding the ball up front using my physical strength." With extraordinary jumping ability and speed, he also showed plays during practice matches at the Okinawa Itoman camp that caused murmurs from the stands.
On the other hand, he says, "I need to fix the inconsistency and fluctuations in my performance. Communication is essential to bring out my best. I'm not particularly good at it, but I want to talk to various people to play better." He is facing these challenges head-on.
"Top players have fewer ups and downs. I also saw up close how veteran players come earlier than anyone else to stretch. I want to learn those routine habits from now on. Also, during the practice match against Vissel Kobe on the final day of camp, Shuichi GONDA gave me advice, saying, 'Your movements are big and easy to read, so if you review your shots and make your movements smaller, you'll score more goals.' I want to practice that more."
He envisions his career plan beyond learning and realizations: "This season, I aim to play in as many matches as possible and ideally secure a starting position from the opening of the 2026/27 season. Eventually, I want to take on challenges overseas."
In that process, he has his sights set on participating in the FIFA U-20 World Cup held in two countries, Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan, one year from now. He also expresses a strong sense of urgency, noting that some of his peers have already moved abroad and saying, "At this rate, I won’t be able to go to the U-20 World Cup."
"If I can perform well at the U-20 World Cup, which is my goal, it will naturally lead to the Los Angeles Olympics the following year. I want to succeed in Tokyo and first make it there. Tokyo has many outstanding players, but I am confident that my unique qualities and strengths will stand out among them. When I become negative, I can’t play well. I believe that as long as I can maintain a positive mindset, there will be at least some opportunities."
No one can see the bottom of his potential. To break out from the blue and red to the world, the extraordinary Divine OTANI continues to confront his own talent.
When he reaches beyond that profound depth, a goal scorer who will astonish the world will be born. Such a growth story is about to begin in blue and red.
(Honorifics omitted in the text)
Text by Tadashi BABA (Freelance Writer)
