A permanent transfer decided with gratitude and repayment
Many “salute” performances with jersey number 9
FW 9 Marcelo RYAN
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 2025 season, Marcelo RYAN, who appeared in 35 official matches and scored 13 goals on loan from Sagan Tosu, completed a full transfer to Tokyo. Changing his jersey number to 9, he vows to evolve further. What were the feelings behind this, and what is he thinking to enhance his value as a finisher with outstanding scoring ability?
A promising first season in blue and red. The 23-year-old striker achieved a hat-trick in the J.League YBC Levain Cup 2nd Round match against RB Omiya Ardija, and scored two goals each in Sec. 14 against Albirex Niigata and Sec. 20 against Cerezo Osaka in the 2025 Meiji Yasuda J1 League, as well as two goals in the Emperor's Cup quarterfinal against Urawa Reds. Repeatedly scoring multiple goals, he showed glimpses of his great potential. Despite frequent absences due to injuries, his 13 official match goals are more than enough to prove the ability of the young point-getter Marcelo Ryan.
However, the amount of time he spent away from the team due to minor injuries weighed on his mind. "If I hadn’t gotten injured, I could have contributed more to the team..."
It is true that Hian often wore a gloomy expression last season. However, this did not lead to frustration; rather, it became a driving force for him to become more accustomed to Tokyo.
"When I get injured, I also feel very negative. At such times, starting with interpreter Kazunori IINO, the people around me were considerate and helped me return quickly. I am very grateful for that."
Since Hian scored repeatedly under difficult team circumstances, there were surely many fans and supporters who feared he might leave. However, dreaming of success in Japan, he confessed, "In my heart, I always intended to stay with FC Tokyo," and this offseason, his determined full transfer was realized.
"I am grateful that everyone was concerned about my (transfer). However, I wanted to play in Japan for a long time, and after playing for FC Tokyo for a year, I thought it was a very good team, so I decided on a permanent transfer."
Having solidified his position as a member of Tokyo and changed his jersey number to 9, Hian said, "We players must continue to grow," and vowed further evolution in the 2026 season. In addition to focusing on build-up play and moving the ball forward as a group to finish, he also aims for goals from long passes that target behind the defense in one shot. "I discuss with head coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI and the coaches what I need and what I must correct," he said, intending to continue honing himself to become a player who can adapt to both aspects.
His ambition for growth goes beyond merely showcasing his potential; it is also to become a striker recognized by everyone and to give back to Tokyo, which has provided him with a great environment.
"I want to contribute by scoring as many goals as possible. I actually have a clear specific goal in mind, but for now, I’ll keep it to myself. Someday, when the results come, I’ll share it with you."
Hian, who reached an agreement with the club regarding the full transfer, confirmed his mutual affection with the blue and red and entered the 2026 season determined to showcase even more of his “salute performances,” pledging to enhance his value while contributing to the team.
(Honorifics omitted in the text)
Text by Masaru Goto (Freelance Writer)
