The young warrior, who has returned with numerous titles and records,
aims for the world stage
MF 23 Ryunosuke SATO
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?
Ryunosuke SATO, who volunteered for a determined developmental-type loan transfer seeking playing opportunities. His dynamic performance at Fagiano Okayama opened new doors, earning him many awards and records. After a significant turning point year, he has returned to Aoaka this season, facing a decisive season with further growth and big goals.
AFC U23 Asia Cup 2026 MVP & Top Scorer, 2025 J.League Best Young Player Award, J.League Outstanding Player Award, and debut for the Japan national team as the youngest player in the FIFA World Cup 26 Asia final qualifiers──. Ryunosuke SATO has returned from his development-type loan transfer to Fagiano Okayama, bringing with him numerous titles and records.
After finishing the fierce battles in Asia, he joined the team practice from January 28. On the same afternoon, he moved to Ajinomoto Stadium for the team's official photo shoot, putting on the blue and red uniform once again and smiling as he said, "I felt nostalgic, and I once again thought that I want to get on the pitch wearing this uniform as soon as possible."
It was a loan transfer with a fixed term. Frustrated by the lack of playing opportunities in the 2024 season, he strengthened his sense of crisis and decided to undergo rigorous training. In Tokyo, he was mainly used as a game maker in positions such as defensive midfielder and attacking midfielder, but in Okayama, he mainly played as a left or right wing-back. Showing hard work, he recorded 28 matches and 6 goals in the Meiji Yasuda J1 League, becoming a player loved in Okayama who left a mark both in records and memories. He himself said, "I was originally confident in my ability to switch between offense and defense, my stamina, and my strength in one-on-one situations, but I’m glad I was able to prove it with results," elevating his major decision to a success.
Recognized for his dynamism, he was selected for the Japan national team for the first time in June last year during the 26th Asian final qualifying round for the FIFA World Cup. He earned his first cap in the match against Indonesia held in Osaka, and then played in all three matches as a member of the Japan national team at the EAFF E-1 Football Championship in July. In the autumn, he participated in the FIFA U-20 World Cup held in Chile, and from the end of the year, he gave up his off-season to join the activities of the U-23 Japan national team, spending busy days moving between various age-group Japan national teams and clubs.
The standards I demand of myself and those demanded by others have risen. By joining the Japan national team, "the way people see me has changed, and the expectations placed on me have increased to some extent." Currently, "I am doing my best within that situation, so I want to enjoy my circumstances and enjoy playing football without taking excessive pressure too seriously."
In the U23 Asian Cup this January, he showed a strong presence against Asian teams. "I was confident that I could fully demonstrate my abilities at that level, and I am aware that I played a central role in both offense and defense for the Japan national team, so I have a strong sense of accomplishment," he reflects, and he is becoming a completely outstanding presence among his peers.
However, age does not matter. Once on the pitch, the conditions are the same. This is because there is a different height to aim for. The goal is to be selected for the Japan national team for the FIFA World Cup 26 this summer. To achieve that, it is necessary to make an overwhelming impact with the returning Red and Blue. Although there is a handicap of joining the team led by coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI, who has been building up the camp, the match sense and condition honed by fighting through the U23 Asian Cup are sharper than anyone else on the team. Ryunosuke himself confidently says that this is an advantage. The results in Tokyo will carve out his own future. He understands this better than anyone else.
"I want to grow even more to participate in the World Cup, and I want to show everything I have built up and grown in Okayama here in Tokyo. I want to play in ways that lead to goals in attack, dribble past opponents, and also take on the role of finishing. I want to do all the plays related to offense. I want to make an absolute difference with goals and assists and go to the World Cup."
In the half-season, armed with the growth and confidence gained from a year of rigorous training, Ryunosuke SATO's performance is highly likely to exceed everyone's expectations.
First, become an overwhelming presence in the J.League. Beyond that, an endlessly vast future should be unfolding.
(Honorifics omitted in the text)
Text by Tomo Aoyama
