He has kept struggling. Soma ANZAI knows that there are efforts that go unrewarded. The harsh reality of gaining and losing is an everyday occurrence in the world of being a professional soccer player. Behind the scenes where the fanfare sounds, there are players who spend their days in anguish.
"I want to live as a side back."
Even as he said those words, this season he has been deployed in various positions due to team circumstances. In addition to shadow, left and right wing-back, and side half, there were also matches where he played as the left stopper in a three-back formation. Unable to fully accept the reality that things didn’t go as planned, there was a period when his condition deteriorated significantly, keeping him away from the pitch.
Still, he came back well. After thoroughly confronting himself, he found the style of play he wants and things he wants to try. Anzai decided that he has no choice but to continue showing that to the fullest in the given place and time.
"The difficult times continue. The challenging period in terms of motivation might still be ongoing. During that time, many people talked to me, and I myself decided to accept it and move forward. Whether I play in matches or not, what I do doesn’t change. I just think I have to keep showing my presence on the pitch relentlessly. I want to keep doing that without change."
In that way, on November 9, he stepped onto the pitch at the Japan National Stadium for the 36th round of the 2025 Meiji Yasuda J1 League match against FC Machida Zelvia. His turn came at the 24th minute of the second half. Standing in front of the opposing bench was Coach Kuroda, who had coached him during his time at Aomori Yamada High School. Instead of words, they exchanged a handshake.
From the start of the match, there was no room for even a moment's lapse in concentration, with a relentless pace that allowed no breathing space. In the fierce battles for the ball, everyone put their bodies on the line, enduring Machida's waves of attacks. The match unfolded in a way that mirrored Anzai's own season.
That effort was rewarded in the 42nd minute of the second half. The ball was picked up in their own half and passed among several players as they advanced. Despite being blocked by the opponents along the way, they recovered the loose ball again. It was the moment when Keito Sato broke free down the left side. Anzai, running on the opposite side, pointed to the space ahead and called for the ball.
"The moment Megumi broke free, there was open space in front of me. Recently, I've been playing as a side back, but moving into that space is something I've been doing since last season. Being there is my role, and I'm glad I could contribute to the team's victory with my goal."
From there, I was completely empty-minded.
"I kicked without thinking. You can't aim for something like that. If you try to aim a left cross to the right, you'll definitely miss. So, it was just by chance, but when I kicked with a clear mind, it went under the goalkeeper's arm. It wasn't an easy shot. We had all defended the previous danger together, and I think it was a goal filled with everyone's spirit. My body instinctively ran behind the goal. I have many feelings, but it was the best moment."
After watching the goal net ripple, he suddenly found himself running behind the goal. He was roughly congratulated and swarmed by his teammates who followed him. The moment that was over, he responded to the cheers of the blue and red singers with a goal celebration, spreading both arms wide.
"That's Kuryu MATSUKI's rainmaker. I'm just his successor (laughs)."
Since this season, MATSUKI has returned to Southampton FC in the English second division, the EFL Championship, spending his days unable to step onto the pitch far away. A junior who spent the same time at Aomori Yamada High School and in Tokyo is struggling even more than himself. This was also Anzai's way of sending encouragement toward him.
"A player is only as good as the matches they play, so not being able to get on the field means I still lack something. To play in matches, I have to prove it with numbers. There are only a few games left, but if I can start and stand on the pitch, I believe that has value for me. I want to seize every opportunity to play even one more minute."
The joy lasted only for a moment. At the sound of the final whistle, the smile was left behind on the spot. On the 16th, they face the Emperor's Cup Semifinal Round against Machida once again at the same Japan National Stadium.
"We've lost three consecutive matches against Machida, and I've felt more frustrated than anyone else. Today, we managed to get one back, but I don't think this is where I belong. Next week, an even tougher match awaits. My focus is already on the next challenge. I want to spend the week preparing so that I can see a scene like today again next week."
There are everyday moments that don’t appear in the best scenes, and efforts that go unrewarded. The continuation of a tough today will carry on again tomorrow. Even so, Soma ANZAI keeps challenging himself to see the scenery where the fanfare resounds, believing that occasional rewards will come──.
(Honorifics omitted in the text)
Text by Tadashi BABA (Freelance Writer)
