The challenger of the 21st Pro season has set two goals
"There are things I have to do"
DF 3 Masato MORISHIGE
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?
Masato MORISHIGE, the longest-serving member of the red and blue team, now in his 21st professional season, is fired up. In addition to the goals he has consistently pursued, he has set a new theme for this season. Having repeatedly won the battle for the center-back position year after year, he aims to deliver solid results on the pitch and create a synergistic effect that elevates the entire team's level through his own performance.
You don't even need to ask anymore. Asking Masato MORISHIGE, in his 21st professional season, about his goals for this season would be a foolish question. Because the answer comes back naturally.
"Winning the Title"
However, this season, in addition to that, another goal has been added.
"I want to play continuously throughout the half-season once again. These two are clear and significant goals within myself. I want to spend my days working towards them."
It has become an annual tradition to hear about the theme for the new season during the camp period. The man, who has spent more than half of his life as a professional player, said, "This season, I think it's about raising my own limits," and continued as follows.
"To reach the next level, I definitely want to put in more effort. I've come to understand that if I keep working hard, my body responds positively. In that sense, I want to raise both the range of my play and my physical condition by one more rank."
In recent seasons, he has competed for his position against players who are a generation younger, ultimately securing his regular spot. This season as well, players aiming to "defeat Morishige" are coming at him to try to knock him off that position.
"The young players are also working hard to grow from here. Among them, I have the experience I have gained so far, and to demonstrate and make use of it, I first need to build a body that can move properly. If my body moves well, my experience will work to my advantage. I can express it on the pitch, not just with words. I am confident that I can demonstrate strength that won't be outpaced by the growth speed of the younger players. For me, that is the theme."
I have seen many veterans who are "noisy types." On the other hand, the man of few words has given his words credibility by continuing to stand on the pitch.
"I think it's about what you can convey and express on the pitch. That's the most convincing and easiest to understand. What you say with words, to put it extremely, can be done even after retirement. There are things that can only be conveyed on the pitch now. Expressing yourself on the pitch is, I believe, the form of a professional soccer player."
I have no intention of accepting the challenge from the eager juniors. Even after a 21-year professional career, the blue corner has always been my rightful place.
The more aggressive they get, the more aggressive I become. I think it's mutual. When I play well, they play even better. When the young players keep showing their skills, I feel I have to push myself harder, and that motivates me. This will likely have a positive effect on the team, and on an individual level, having competitors helps us grow. I want to keep that competitive spirit alive myself.
Saying "I want to grow" casually just before turning 40 is nothing other than "I have unfinished business."
"The Persistent Man" fiercely aims for the championship as a challenger.
(Honorifics omitted in the text)
Text by Kohei Baba (Freelance Writer)
