After debuting as the youngest ever
Turning frustration into motivation, "I can't afford to stand still"
MF 77 Maki KITAHARA
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?
Maki KITAHARA made a powerful impact across Japan as the youngest ever to debut in the J1 League. However, his career, which was supposed to progress smoothly from there, unexpectedly passed by without him being able to accumulate many appearances. Facing his frustrations, he is determined to make a strong comeback. This is his story.
Maki KITAHARA──. That is the name of the boy who carries the future of Japanese soccer.
Before the start of last season's camp, a 15-year-old junior high school student with a childlike innocence continued to make a big impact. Kitahara extended the scheduled practice participation period and secured his place with extraordinary talent and skills.
"I felt myself getting better day by day by participating in the camp, and it was an enjoyable time. After that, I gradually adapted more and gained confidence in what I could do."
In the 2025 Meiji Yasuda J1 League Sec. 4 match against Kashima Antlers, he came on as a substitute in the 38th minute of the second half, making his league debut at the youngest age ever of 15 years, 7 months, and 22 days. This broke the record previously held by Takayuki Morimoto (then Verdy 1969), who made his first appearance in the 2004 season at 15 years, 10 months, and 6 days old.
Furthermore, he signed a professional contract on his 16th birthday and changed his jersey number to 77. It seemed like a shining future awaited him. However, after signing the professional contract, he stayed away from the official match pitch.
"After becoming a professional soccer player, I couldn't play in a single match. There were happy moments, but the frustration outweighed them. Of course, I wanted to be involved in the games, so I kept doing what I could every week to make the squad. I regretted not being able to deliver results during the time I was on the pitch, and I felt my lack of ability."
Every time the weekend lineup was announced, I clenched my back teeth and endured the moment. The fact that I was able to gain match experience with FC Tokyo U-18 was at least some consolation, but moving back and forth between the two teams was never easy.
"Every week, I prepared to perform at my best, and if I was left out, I reset my mindset and thought about the next practice. It was difficult, and even though I felt I could do it, I wasn't included in the team. Honestly, it was mentally tough. However, that was also an experience. I was able to participate in matches with FC Tokyo U-18, so I was grateful to have that environment."
Having spent the 2025 season like that, the new year arrived. The boy, determined to make a comeback, spoke with a slightly tougher expression.
"I see it as starting from zero once again. I have an even stronger determination than last season to face my feelings towards football and give it my all."
I have learned the way of a professional. That is why I yearn for the goals I couldn't score.
"I have always thought that my strength lies in being able to produce results including scoring goals. Last season, in that sense, I lacked that and couldn't stay involved in matches consistently. If I don't focus on that, I won't be able to play in games."
Humbly, he says, "There are still many things I lack, and I want to grow while learning." However, the words following "but" reveal a strong determination.
"This season, I will definitely be involved in matches. I can't afford to stand still. I have a strong sense of urgency, and when I see or hear news that players of the same age group have played or scored, I feel extremely frustrated. There are many good players in the U-18 same age group as well. There is no time to stop. From here, I have to pull ahead."
The top runner of the generation has no intention of yielding the lead. To achieve exponential growth, he intends to embody the saying, "If you don't meet a man for three days, look at him with new eyes."
In the 2026 season, Maki KITAHARA will make a name for herself in the Japanese football world.
(Honorifics omitted in the text)
Text by Kohei Baba(Freelance Writer)
