A Rookie Year That Made Me Realize My Lack of Ability.Aiming for Official Match Debut Using Frustration and Objectivity as Strengths
GK 58 Wataru GOTO
Introducing all the Blue-Red warriors participating in the Meiji Yasuda J1 Century Vision League 2026 season in 'PLAYERS FILE 2026.' What kind of thoughts do the players hold, and with what determination are they preparing to face the special half-season tournament and the year ahead?
Wataru GOTO, who has been active in the Japan national team at various age levels and confidently achieved promotion to the top team, experienced his rookie year as a season that made him keenly aware of the "professional wall." Here, he reflects objectively on the sense of accomplishment and frustration he gained, as well as the significant inspiration he received in Europe during this off-season.
Awarded the Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament at the 2023 AFC U17 Asian Cup. As a promising star competing at the top of his generation, he was promoted from FC Tokyo U-18 to the top team. However, the professional world was not so easy that the brilliant achievements in the youth development stage would directly guarantee official match appearances.
"There is also frustration, and I have come to realize that this is what being a professional is all about."
The rings of years marked in the rookie year 2025 season gave weight to Goto's words.
"When I first joined, I underestimated the pros, but after actually playing, I painfully realized, 'This is the level I was at,' and I was reminded once again of the gap in ability. The season started with that recognition, and I feel that my play gradually improved, but it was also a year of frustration, wondering if I could have done more and pushed myself further."
By training consistently with the top team throughout the season, his confidence in kicking has increased. However, fundamentally, a goalkeeper's role is to protect the goal. Including basic techniques that support saving, such as "grabbing" and "deflecting," there are still many areas where improvement is needed.
"If I don't improve my skills more, I won't be trusted to handle things with confidence," Goto objectively viewed himself.
He has competed against overseas players as a member of the Japan national team in various age groups. As a leader of his generation, he has accumulated a wealth of experience and training. Even so, he keenly felt the huge gap, saying, "There is a completely different story between participating in professional training for a few days as a youth player and actually joining the team. It's because you do it every day that you start to see the areas where you are lacking."
After a year of facing reality, I went on a trip to Europe during the off-season. I watched a Sporting Lisbon match in Portugal and gazed with envy at the players performing in a passionate cauldron cheered on by people of all ages and genders. My emotions surged. Renewing my determination with the thought, "I want to be like this," I returned home eager to play soccer again. There was no time to be down. I set my mind for the new season and headed to the Kodaira Ground at the start of the year.
Exercising precise technique, making no careless mistakes, and stopping every ball that comes flying, no matter how unreasonable the shot may be. Gaining the trust of those around him, he stands on the official match pitch as a man in blue and red. His vision is clear. To become the guardian entrusted with the goal, Wataru GOTO's new season has begun.
(Honorifics omitted in the text)
Text by Masaru Goto (Freelance Writer)
