First Night
I had a dream like this.
Unable to even cross their arms, they just hung their heads. FIFA World Cup 2022 Qatar. Immediately after being stopped by the wall of the best 8, every member of SAMURAI BLUE (Japan national team) was looking down in frustration. Yuto NAGATOMO, who returned to the locker room, repeatedly said, "Raise your face," and spoke to his teammates, "Connect to the next future." With large, moist eyes, the inside wrapped in long eyelashes was just completely black.
In those pitch-black eyes, the figure of Takumi MINAMINO vividly appeared. After a fierce 120-minute battle against Croatia in the Final Round 1st Round, during the penalty shootout, he was the first to step up and miss. These were the words spoken to Minamino.
"You’re really brave, seriously. I can’t kick it. Thanks a lot. It was super fun."
Those around might have thought, "This is the end."
However, behind the deeply translucent black color of the eyes of this 36-year-old soccer player, a different scene was reflected. "What you can imagine, you can achieve." That is what he has always said.
"Honestly, when I was young, I never thought I would go to five World Cups. I graduated from university, and honestly, as I got older, I achieved my goals one by one. I have become someone who never lets go of what I truly set as my target or prey. In four years, I will be 40, and actually, I thought the Qatar tournament would be my last because of my age, so I talked about it in the final meeting..."
At the last meeting, I was called "Yuto." From others' perspective, it might have been an opportunity given to leave a farewell poem as a representative player. But this is Yuto NAGATOMO.
"If Nagatomo starts saying he aims for the next World Cup, everyone please laugh."
All the teammates and staff present burst out laughing. It was said jokingly. However, the true feelings were different. The image of fighting in a blue uniform at a stadium yet to be seen floated in my mind. "I wonder what I'm looking at, this doesn't make any sense." I was confused myself because I had hinted at "retirement" to a limited number of people.
"But, within myself, I firmly regarded it as a clear goal. I absolutely believed that I could do it. There was no basis for it. There was a part of me that saw it that way. I could clearly imagine it. I thought, I can make it."
Looking back four years ago, I said such things with a straight face, so while saying "sorry," I couldn't help but say "that's a bit creepy." I guess I'm used to that reaction. I laughed and said, "Yeah, right," and continued, "It's creepy, isn't it? I really thought I was gross myself."
"But I thought I could go because I could imagine it. I have always grasped what I could imagine. Although I say it with words, I couldn't grasp what I couldn't imagine. In the past, I sometimes said things arrogantly. But when it comes to truly grasping it from the bottom of my heart, that wasn't the case. Such things really can't be grasped. This World Cup, however, I had grasped it and thought I could go."
When I looked at the distant sky, a single star of dawn was twinkling. "Four years later had already come," I realized from that moment.
Second Night
I had a dream like this.
"To become the world's best fullback"
Those words were spoken in the summer after the 2010 South Africa World Cup. He crossed the sea from FC Tokyo and moved on loan to AC Cesena (now Cesena FC) in Italy's Serie A. Six months later, he moved to one of the world's top big clubs, Inter Milan.
There, I met the real players. "I couldn't dodge, nor could I take the ball." I lost confidence and grew increasingly impatient. It was at such a time that Javier Zanetti, known as 'Il Capitano' for his absolute captaincy and recognized by everyone as the world's best fullback, stood right before me. So, without hesitation, I asked him straightforwardly.
"How can I become a player like you?"
Sanetti tapped his temple with his index finger and said.
"Yuto, this is it. Be 'Positivo' at all times. You must think positively. It's important to enjoy both good times and bad times, and to always stay calm and composed."
In the country of calcio, it was not uncommon to be subjected to harsh words from the world's most intense media. It was also a daily occurrence to be showered with heartless words from passionate Inter fans. Every time he hung his head in defeat, Zanetti would encourage him by saying, "Positivo, Positivo Yuto."
"He always taught me. Whether I was not doing well or the team was not getting results, he always kept saying that. I've never seen his mentality waver."
When on the pitch, he leads the team with inexhaustible stamina and high tactical insight. He was saved many times by Zanetti's true captaincy. Before I knew it, I was following his figure with my eyes, moved every time I talked to him, and chased after his back wanting to get closer.
"For me, the best full-back in the world was Zanetti. 'Reaching the top level in the world for several years' is not enough. My concept of the best full-back in the world is different. It's about how long you can perform at the forefront. And how much influence you can have on many people. In that sense, Zanetti was special."
The "one and only soul" who calls himself "Big Habit" was nurtured in this way. He experienced rock bottom many times in his career. Each time, the words of Zanetti resonated deep in his heart: "Positivo, Positivo Yuto." That's why he was always able to look forward.
Night 3
I had a dream like this.
"Win the World Cup"
The 2014 Brazil tournament. At 27 years old, in the prime of his career, he faced a major setback on the big stage. Highly favored and aiming for the championship, the team lost to Ivory Coast in the group stage opener, shattering the confidence they once had. The team, shaken by doubt, drew with Greece in the second match and suffered a heavy defeat to Colombia in the third, ending their dream.
"Although I mentioned winning the championship, I wasn't truly convinced deep down. Of course, there was the quality of the players, but Japan did not have the ability to actually win the championship."
I experienced the biggest setback of my career. It was the presence of a new family that helped me recover from the depths of despair and look forward. I announced my engagement to actress Airi Taira in 2016, and we submitted our marriage registration in January of the following year. Since then, we have been "fighting together" as a team.
After much effort, they finally reached the Russia tournament, their third World Cup. However, with a last-minute coaching change, the Japan national team was in darkness. Nishino Japan suffered two consecutive losses from the start and was standing on the edge of a serious dilemma. It was the day off after returning from the match venue in Switzerland to the pre-camp location in Seefeld, Austria. The players split into groups and went out to the town for a meal.
However, only Nagatomo went straight to the dormitory. After the break, he appeared in a flashy blonde look, calling himself a "Super Saiyan." He absorbed the swirling hate, stood at the forefront of criticism in a crisis, and brought light to the Japan national team.
When he stepped onto the pitch, he got his uniform dirty with grit and ran more than anyone else. It was undoubtedly Nagatomo who pulled the team up from rock bottom. Even so, they couldn't overcome the wall of the best 8. They fell before Belgium's beautiful counterattack that remains in football history and shed tears at Rostov Arena.
Many of the comrades who fought together spoke of retiring from the national team and graduated from SAMURAI BLUE. Even so, Nagatomo survived. He faced further criticism, turned it into fuel, and ran in the Qatar tournament. With unstoppable energy, as if treading through fresh grass──.
Night 4
I had a dream like this.
"Announced to continue active career and aim for the North and Central America tournament"
However, since the Qatar tournament, that name has remained absent from the SAMURAI BLUE member list. That period lasted for more than a year.
"I thought the Japan national team was something irreplaceable. It became a driving force within me, and it was a period where I once again felt both loneliness and pride in the Japan national team."
Still, they climbed back up. Amid the disappointment of the Japan national team being eliminated in the quarterfinals of the 2024 AFC Asian Cup, they made their first post-tournament appearance in March during consecutive matches against the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, marking their return to the national team for the first time in 1 year and 4 months since the Qatar tournament.
"When I returned to the national team, honestly, the atmosphere was not good. Of course, we had lost in the Asian Cup, and I felt that the air was somewhat stagnant. But on my first day back, I was confident that I could change that atmosphere into a positive one, like an air purifier."
However, the assigned role emphasized work off the pitch rather than on it. Even when called up, days outside the bench continued.
"I had the desire and frustration to stand on the pitch. It was tough. But supporting the team rather than prioritizing my own feelings is definitely connected to the World Cup. I believed the path would definitely open. So, I was able to do it. Although I haven't stood on the pitch, I will definitely be selected as a member of the World Cup team and demonstrate my strength there. For that, I will give 100% to what I can do now. That was the one thing that never changed."
Even when called up, he was not used in matches—each time Coach Moriyasu conveyed this, he accepted it and continued to fulfill his role. Just as Zanetti once did, he supported his beloved juniors and helped them face forward.
"That's obviously painful. That's why no one else can do it but me. However, I have that mental strength within myself."
He conveyed his own experience and pride in representing the team, continuously pouring passion into the team both openly and behind the scenes. To Coach Moriyasu, who often looked apologetic, he always smiled and said, "I will become a monster in this tournament. I will definitely make sure Moriyasu-san selects me. Please don't worry." When the team secured qualification for the final round of the Asian qualifiers, he said, "I felt a little rewarded."
"I have been suppressing my feelings and fighting to connect to the World Cup. The World Cup is a dream and a goal. I was honestly happy to have connected to it."
The relief lasted only for a moment.
"All that's left is to become a monster. To regain the peak form of my Inter days."
With those words, he threw himself into the survival race leading up to this tournament. Like waking a sleeping child, he steadily improved his condition starting around last summer. His freshness and former playing intensity revived, and he began to run freely across the pitch.
Fifth Night
In a slightly trembling voice, he said, "I had a dream like this."
"Now Yuto has a standout story. Then, Yuto will wear the captain's armband and lift the championship cup. That's amazing."
In March 2026, two months before the announcement of the 5th World Cup squad, during the first half at 22 minutes of Sec. 6 of the Meiji Yasuda J1 Century Vision League Regional League Ground match against Mito Hollyhock, he was forced to leave the game due to an injury to his right thigh.
Even the usually strong Nagatomo felt down, and when he returned home from an away trip and opened the door, his wife, who was waiting for him, spoke to him like this.
"Airi is a god. No one can support such a formidable person. Normally, it's impossible. She is one of a kind in the world."
Saved by the words of the goddess and the smiles of the children. However, considering the period of physical training, returning to play before the World Cup member announcement was extremely difficult.
"Both the doctors and the trainers, everyone had sad faces. I had misunderstood the full recovery period as the number of days until I could return to the game. Originally, it was supposed to be a three-month course until recovery."
Impatience grew. There were times when I almost gave up. "My motivation isn't rising at all," that carefree smile was beginning to fade.
He has devoted everything to soccer and made many sacrifices. Those involved with FC Tokyo, who know those days, do not scoff at him no matter how much he boasts. It is because they know he lives each day as if shaving off his life, and the amount of sweat he squeezes out. Even now, approaching 40 years old, he has consistently upheld the ideal image of a professional every day.
Therefore, the entire club came together to support Nagatomo's dream. The trainers even gave up their days off to provide care and stayed by his side continuously.
"Everyone really felt my goal to return by the announcement and supported me. Each and every FC Tokyo staff member guided me with their heartfelt dedication."
Made it just in time with a desperate effort. On May 10, just before the World Cup squad announcement, he made his starting return in Sec. 16 against Verdy. In the match in front of Coach Moriyasu, he stirred his spirit and fought hard running.
"I did everything I could. So, no matter what happened, I had no regrets. Regardless of the outcome, I never thought, 'If only I had done this back then.' But I believed that if I didn't show myself moving, it would be over. So, I was quite nervous. My eyes had a wild look for the first time in a while, didn't they? Even when I greeted the juniors, everyone looked away. My legs were fine, and I was able to play for nearly 80 minutes. Maybe somewhere, God was watching over me. I think He saw me struggling but pushing forward without holding back and gave me a reward. It was that kind of day."
Final Night
Let's all share this kind of dream.
"It's time to make the fifth time the charm"
On May 15, during the announcement of the SAMURAI BLUE World Cup members, Yuto NAGATOMO's name was read aloud by Coach Moriyasu. Something welled up naturally. Before I knew it, my tear ducts had broken down. A heartwarming scene came to mind. The feelings behind the word "gratitude" are worlds apart from the "gratitude" I had expressed until now.
"I am already 1000% grateful. My gratitude overflowed. More than feeling happy or relieved, my gratitude poured out. Although it was tough to get here, I have walked through these four years. I am thankful for the support of my family, everyone at FC Tokyo, and the encouragement from fans and supporters. Faces of those who have supported me flashed through my mind like a slideshow, and I was filled with a feeling of 1000% gratitude. During difficult times, everyone helped me. My family, Airi, the Tokyo staff—all of them were truly desperate to take me to the World Cup. The entire club was desperate. That love came through, and tears of gratitude overflowed."
Immediately after, I called my worried wife's mobile phone. To her words, "That's great," I replied, "Thank you." As if confirming our bond, we vowed, "Let's prepare for the best from here again." To our four children, I have always said, "Because I am a man who will participate in the World Cup five times." I was able to avoid becoming a lying father.
"Airi was crying too. She was sobbing. We've been fighting together. I really wouldn't be who I am now without Airi's support. I have to make her happy even after my active career, but I want to perform well in this World Cup, lead Japan to victory, and repay Airi, everyone at FC Tokyo, and all the people who support and cheer for me."
Mobile phones did not stop ringing immediately after the announcement. Ritsu Doan said, "You're persistent," and Takefusa KUBO sent a message saying, "You're the best man. Let's make it happen."
"It feels similar to how I felt in 2010. Back then too, I set off to the world carrying the blue and red."
The day after the announcement, during the match against Urawa Reds, the blue and red supporters held up a banner that read 'Blue and Red Pride Yuto NAGATOMO.'
"I'm purely happy. That everyone feels proud of me as I set off carrying the blue and red. I will never forget the emotions I felt when I witnessed that firsthand. I was that happy. To complete this story, I want to conclude the final chapter in the best possible way. Thank you for following and supporting someone like me. I know I have a strong personality, so there are probably many people who dislike me. But there have always been people who believed in me from when I was young and supported me. I want to repay that gratitude by lifting the Club World Cup. I want to say thank you. So, please watch."
Repeatedly subjected to criticism and sometimes even scoffed at. Nagatomo and the people around him do not care. Because it is definitely 1000 times more fun to laugh together with such a bravo man.
Since the first challenge in 2010, we have experienced despair, tragedy, and joy. And now, the fifth time's the charm──.
He knows the harshness of that wall and the joy of challenging it without running away. That is probably the appeal of the World Cup that captivated Nagatomo.
Through good times and bad, there have always been people by my side who believed in me and ran together with me. Carrying all of their feelings on my back, I will go see new scenery. Our pride will surely bring smiles to all of Japan.
Yuto NAGATOMO has such a dream.
(Honorifics omitted in the text)
Text by Kohei Baba (Freelance Writer)
Photos by Kenichi Arai / Tomoo Aoyama / JFA / J.LEAGUE
