The versatile left foot that brings joy
'Involved in over 10 goals from set pieces'
MF 71 Fuki YAMADA
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?
Fuki YAMADA boasts a highly accurate left foot that can truly be called a "family heirloom sword." Responding to repeated love calls, he decided on a full transfer to FC Tokyo. The left-footed player, who has a record of scoring three direct free kicks in a season, will surely bring some kind of advantage to "Rikizo Tokyo."
Once on loan to Verdy, having experienced the excitement of the "decisive battle" firsthand, my heart was restless and unsettled. "Honestly, I struggled a lot." Would the side that cherished the green uniform accept me? Would they acknowledge me──.
What dispelled the swirling doubts in his heart was the passion and straightforward message of Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI.
"The coach seriously told me, 'Your left foot, with its distinctive play, will definitely fit in.' I realized that I need the next step to increase my value. The biggest reason I decided to transfer was because I believed I could shine at FC Tokyo."
The desire to aim for even greater heights and the ambition to turn the intense atmosphere born from the match against Tokyo V into my own strength. My resolve was firm, and it didn't take long to brace myself.
The greatest feature is none other than the accuracy of the kicks delivered from the left foot. In the 2024 season with Tokyo V, he scored three direct free kicks, the most in the league. Backed by absolute confidence in this weapon, he casually states, "If it's a position where I can aim directly, it will almost certainly go in."
Last season, FC Tokyo scored zero goals from direct free kicks. Attacks from set plays rarely led to significant chances. The versatile left foot that transforms past sighs into cheers is sure to become an essential piece for victory. When Yamada sets the ball in the opponent's territory, the stadium's excitement inevitably rises, and the trajectory launched from his left foot will be drawn toward the goal.
"I think watching my left foot is interesting. I have nothing but confidence in both direct free kicks and corner kicks. If given the chance, I believe I can increase the number of goals from set plays."
The AFC U23 Asian Cup Final Round in May 2024, which also served as the final Asian qualifiers for the Paris Olympics. In the match against Uzbekistan held in Doha, Qatar, despite it being additional time in the second half, he kept running without stopping, fired his specialty left-foot shot, scored the winning goal, and secured the championship. Based on the high-intensity play style of hard work in both offense and defense cultivated at Kyoto SANGA F.C., his beautiful and brilliant left-foot kicks bloom like flowers, making a striking and overwhelming impact against any opponent.
What he aims for in the new environment is to be involved in more than 10 goals. "When I enter the goal area, the penalty box, my left foot really comes alive, and I believe I can increase my goal tally," his confidence remains unwavering.
His proud "family heirloom sword" can be the trump card for winning the title. Fuki YAMADA draws a joyful parabola and leads the team to the top with his left foot.
(Honorifics omitted in the text)
Text by Yuji Matsuoka (Chunichi Sports)
