With pride and gratitude in blue and red, aiming to be the world's best striker from the "very bottom"
FW 28 Leon NOZAWA
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 determination do they have as they face 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──. Last season, Leon NOZAWA experienced his J1 debut and training. He, who says he is starting from the very bottom, aims to be the "world's best striker." Without forgetting gratitude and pride, he continues to strive to reach greater heights.
Wipe away the tears and pursue the moment of joy. Last season started from a position where I couldn't even participate in the intra-squad match. Nevertheless, I clenched my fists and climbed back up, finally making my return in the first match of the group stage of the 2024 J League YBC Levain Cup against Cerezo Osaka.
However, they were unable to capitalize on the scoring opportunity in that match, and immediately after, something naturally overflowed.
"I played as if that match was my last. I had that level of determination, so I couldn't achieve the results, and it made me so frustrated that I ended up in tears."
Using that frustration as fuel, I built up steady days of hard work. My continuous efforts bore fruit, and I made my J1 debut in the 2023 Meiji Yasuda J1 League Sec. 18 match against Nagoya Grampus. I played in 8 official matches before moving on a developmental loan to Matsumoto Yamaga FC in the J3 League in August. I continued to play consistently at my training destination, scoring 2 goals in 15 matches. Having matured a little, I once again put on the uniform of the club I love.
I felt the meaning of fighting with the emblem representing the team. I have been savoring the responsibility of playing in the matches and the determination I have for each game. Each play carries responsibility, so I cannot afford to play lightly. As long as I fight with this emblem on my chest, I cannot allow myself to be inadequate.
However, even if I come back, my position hasn't changed significantly. "I'm starting from the very bottom again, and what I need to do hasn't changed. The shortcut is to do my best with what I can do and seize the opportunities in front of me. Nothing has changed, and I want to express the joy of being able to play here."
It's a restart, step by step. I have been supported by many people until now. I have always repeated, "I didn't come this far by my own strength. I must not forget my gratitude." The phrases I often use, "carrying my feelings" and "enjoying any environment," are life lessons I learned during my sensitive teenage years. Therefore, no matter how many times I fall, I will get back up. There are encounters and words around me that lighten my spirit.
"Fortunately, I have many people who support me. I think I have grown a little, so I want to be able to proudly say 'I'm back' through my play, attitude, and of course, results."
Third season as a professional. My achievements may still be limited. However, my goal remains unchanged: to be the "best striker in the world." The personality that encourages everyone draws the ball closer and makes you want to entrust it to him. I believe that is his greatest talent.
text by Kohei Baba (Freelance Writer)
