The state found beyond the struggle
Determined to show the spirit of fighting by returning to the origin
MF 37 Kei KOIZUMI
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?
In the 2025 season, when he fought as captain and the team's performance struggled to improve, Kei KOIZUMI also faced difficulties. What kind of experience has that been for him? And in the new season, as he approaches his fourth season—the longest tenure at a single club—what feelings does he hold deep in his heart?
Last season, as captain, he quietly supported the team. Watching the expressions of each teammate, he would occasionally speak to players who looked down, despite his awkwardness. During the first half of the league when the team was struggling, he often showed a troubled face. It is not hard to imagine the immense pressure he was under. After repeatedly facing his "lack of ability," Kei KOIZUMI arrived at a simple answer. It was those words he used to say like a mantra.
"I don't care what it is as long as I win"
He has continued to fight against the pressure and has felt the weight of the captain's armband more than anyone else. Toward the end of last season, he said, "Looking back on this past year, each member of the team has truly been through a lot. We saw each other every day. We spent more time together than with our families, and during that time, each of us worked hard and endured. Whether we can say that this past year was a good one, I still don't know."
However, the man who endured the pain said this.
"I couldn't deliver results, so I achieved nothing as a player or as a captain. But there were things I wouldn't have understood without trying, and I was able to develop new ways of thinking. I believe there are experiences that only those who have truly gone through it can appreciate. I discovered that previous captains must have spent every day with these kinds of emotions. If the team's performance had been better, I might have been able to focus more on myself. However, when the team wasn't doing well, I had to prioritize the team above all else. Honestly, during the difficult first half of the league, I couldn't balance both and lost sight of myself."
And looking ahead to the new season, Koizumi said, "I want to return to my original mindset once again."
"Once again, I reflected on what I felt when I first came to Tokyo. I整理ed why I came to Tokyo and what my goals were when I joined, and first of all, I want to complete this half-season."
Before I knew it, this season marks my 4th season wearing the blue and red. In terms of years with the club, it has become my longest tenure, tied with Albirex Niigata where I started my professional career.
"I believed that I needed to experience fighting for a long time with one club. Simply put, I haven't achieved anything yet in Tokyo. There are things I need to do here, and at a time when everyone is working hard together, I couldn't consider any other options. Even if I have to cling on, I felt it would be better to stay here a little longer. I want to show that determination."
After enduring hardship, I wanted to see the scenery that becomes visible. Although he says, "There were times I lost myself," his true nature is to run and fight harder than anyone else. It's fine to remain as you have always been. Just continue to be the man who is dedicated to victory more than anyone else.
That was the value of the man named Kei KOIZUMI, and where his pride lay. The elder brother of the blue and red, now deeper and more mature, has become a man with a face that other men admire.
(Honorifics omitted in the text)
Text by Kohei Baba (Freelance Writer)
