Serious ace aiming for league domination
J1 League total of 100 goals in sightFW 9 Diego OLIVEIRA
Special content introducing the all-blue and red warriors who will challenge the 2024 season. What are the players thinking and what kind of determination are they approaching the year with as they prepare for the opening? The stories of the players who have club love, a thirst for titles, a desire to perform, and the roles they must fulfill - in recent years in Tokyo, Diego OLIVEIRA has become the team's top scorer. The Brazilian-born ace understands that scoring goals himself will directly lead to the team's victory. "Soccer is something you do to win." With that philosophy in mind, Diego is determined to win the league.
The Brazilian who wears the number 9 is a valuable presence in any country and is admired by people. Diego OLIVEIRA is one of them. This is his 9th season playing in the J-League. Finally, his professional career in Japan has surpassed the number of years he spent in Brazil. He has a proven track record of scoring goals, a respectful personality towards those around him, and most importantly, advanced techniques that support his fantastic plays. All of this combined, it can be said that he is now an "icon" that represents Tokyo.
"Not only forwards, but players from various positions are being exported all over the world from Brazil. However, playing overseas is difficult for anyone. I am grateful for the support of those around me, as it has allowed me to come this far in the J-League, which is a high level league that only the best can enter. I am proud to represent the capital club in Tokyo, which is considered one of the largest cities in the world. Of course, there is pressure to play for this club, but instead of being burdened by it, I see it as a challenge and I want to continue fighting in the future."
The number of goals scored in the J1 League until the 2023 season is 85. If I score the same 15 goals as last season, I will reach the milestone of 100 goals in the J1 League this season. "There are still things I need to do," while emphasizing the need for self-improvement, "this is a significant number. Scoring goals can also benefit the team. I also want to achieve it myself," turning the big record that has come into view into my motivation.
And beyond personal records lies the long-awaited dream of the club.
"Everyone wants to win as many games as possible. That's the same for us. Games are meant to be fought to win, so of course our goal is to win the game in front of us. Our ideal is to accumulate victories and reach the championship. In the end, we want to win the most."
After receiving promotion to the J1 League in the 2000 season, Amaral was determined to win the league. Even now, Diego is only focused on winning the J1 League this season. The ace from Brazil will always be a player who carries people's dreams with his own shots.
Text by Wataru GOTO (Freelance Writer)
