Supporting the team both on and off the pitch
Reliable "Dama-san"
GK 1 Tsuyoshi KODAMA
A special content introducing all the blue and red warriors challenging the 2024 season. What are the players, who are about to start the season, thinking and what kind of determination are they bringing into the year? The stories of the players, who hold in their hearts their love for the club, their thirst for titles, their aspirations for success, and the roles they must fulfill—. The goalkeeper Tsuyoshi KODAMA, who turned 36 at the end of last year. This will introduce his efforts, which emphasize the importance of communication.
A graduate of the Kyoto Purple Sanga (currently Kyoto Sanga F.C.) academy. After attending Kansai University, he started his professional career with the top team in Kyoto and is now counting his 15th season in the 2024 season. This is his sixth season since joining FC Tokyo, and he celebrated his 36th birthday on December 28 last year. However, there is no decline in his agility, explosiveness, or skills as a goalkeeper, as well as his ball-handling techniques. Truly a steel man. That is Tsuyoshi KODAMA.
He was said to have a mischievous personality during his academy days. However, after reflecting on his 14 years of professional life, which he describes as "short yet long," Kodama has grown to be a beloved veteran known as "Dama-san," supporting the blue and red team. During team building activities held at camp, he took the initiative to communicate and played a role in connecting players of various ages.
"With the experience I have cultivated so far, I believe I must contribute to the team's strength in human relationships, and I understand that I should be in a position to speak up actively. I intend to understand what roles are necessary. I will do what I can."
As symbolized by a strong awareness as a senior player, the love for the club has deepened year by year. Behind the decision to renew the contract was a strong desire to win in Tokyo as a fundamental premise. The desire to combine the success of the club and the individual and to achieve results here led to that decision. Whether I can stay in Tokyo or continue my career, in either sense, I have approached the last few seasons with the thought that 'this season might be the last.' This season, with that same enthusiasm, I feel very strongly that I want to be a strength for Tokyo. I want to express my gratitude to the team for giving me the opportunity to play as I aim for my first title.
In addition, we discussed the approach and vision for the 2024 season with the club. Starting the build-up from the goalkeeper, the attacking style that breaks through the center is suitable for Kodama, who is agile and has good foot skills. Whether in ball play or group work off the pitch, Kodama will inspire this team from the back in his own way.
Text by Katsu Goto (Freelance Writer)
