An Ideal Model Learned from Kim Seung-gyu
A Mood Maker Vowing to Balance with the National Team
GK 31 Masataka KOBAYASHI
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?
Although he has had zero official match appearances in his two professional years, Masataka KOBAYASHI steadily increases his presence. The goalkeeper, who contributed to Asia’s championship as a member of the U-23 Japan national team, focuses on maintaining a bright and passionate demeanor both on and off the pitch. We delve into his mindset as he supports the team with outstanding mental strength and vows personal growth.
In the two seasons since his promotion to the top team, he has not appeared in any official matches for the blue and red. However, for Masataka KOBAYASHI, the 2025 season was a year in which he experienced solid growth and a sense of fulfillment.
He belongs to the generation aiming for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. In the 2025 season, he was selected for the U-22 Japan national team heading to the Los Angeles Olympics and participated in an England tour. At the end of the year, he gave up his off-season to join national team activities. He played in the IBARAKI Next Generation Match held in Mito and then traveled directly to the AFC U23 Asian Cup in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. In that tournament, he started in the third group stage match against the U-23 Qatar national team, contributing to a clean sheet victory. Although that was his only appearance, he showed a strong presence as a mood maker with his natural brightness and passion, firmly supporting the team aiming for the top of Asia.
"How do I bring my character and individuality to the forefront? That applies not only during play but also off the pitch. The 2025 season was when I intuitively grasped how to fully leverage my strengths to benefit the team. I simply love talking with those around me, so I truly believe it’s about the amount of communication. Communication is crucial when building a team in a short period, even with the national team, and I really think the battle starts off the pitch."
He is not just a joker. He constantly keeps his mind fully engaged, striving to demonstrate through words and actions. Both at Tokyo and with the U-23 Japan national team, he has raised his intensity from training onward, balancing brightness and strictness while working hard to improve both himself and the team.
"Being able to experience a tense and intense game in the charged atmosphere of an international match was truly a valuable time for me. I have been steadily building up my technical skills one by one, and I have also been able to train with (Kim) Seung-gyu at Tokyo, gaining a real sense that I am learning various ways of thinking during matches."
In July of last season, he was included on the bench for the first time for Tokyo in an away match against Kashiwa Reysol, and seeing the scene he had always watched from outside for the first time from the bench allowed him to reaffirm the place he aims for. Kim Seung-gyu, who made his blue-red debut in the same Kashiwa match, has become his greatest role model. There is much to learn from the guardian aiming for his fourth FIFA World Cup appearance as a member of the South Korean national team, armed with abundant experience.
“Sung-gyu tells me, ‘Hold yourself firmly and strongly; never break during a match.’ No matter the situation, you must never let your guard down. It’s about the importance of thorough preparation and perseverance, as well as mental strength. Similar situations will arise in the national team, and his approach to matches offers many valuable lessons. It’s also significant that I’m able to learn this at such a young age.”
Having claimed the top of Asia in Saudi Arabia, he set off on the journey back home. From here, he will join the team that has just wrapped up their Okinawa camp and face the increasingly fierce competition for the goalkeeper position. His vision for his future as a goalkeeper is clear.
“While always maintaining an aggressive attitude, I want to develop the stability and trustworthy presence of a goalkeeper like Mr. Seung-gyu. I intend to play with a strong mindset at all times.”
The 2026 season will likely require balancing duties with the U-23 Japan national team. Masataka KOBAYASHI vows to further grow in order to increase his presence both on and off the pitch.
(Honorifics omitted in the text)
Text by Tomoo Aoyama
