The main ace aiming for league supremacy
Also eyeing a total of 100 goals in the J1 LeagueFW 9 Diego OLIVEIRA
A special content introducing all the blue and red warriors challenging the 2024 season. What are the players thinking as they approach the opening match, and what determination do they have for the year ahead? 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──. In recent years in Tokyo, the biggest source of goals has been Diego OLIVEIRA. The great ace from Brazil fully understands that accumulating his goals directly leads to the team's victory. "Soccer is something you do to win." With that philosophy in mind, Diego is seriously aiming for the league championship.
The Brazilian wearing number 9 is a valuable presence in any country and a source of admiration for many. Diego OLIVEIRA is one of them. This is his 9th season playing in the J-League. He has finally surpassed the number of years of his professional career in Brazil. With a track record of building a mountain of goals, a personality that respects those around him, and above all, advanced techniques that support his fantastic play, it can be said that he is now an 'icon' representing Tokyo.
"Players from Brazil are being exported to various positions all over the world, not just forwards. However, playing abroad is difficult for anyone. I am very grateful for the support around me that has allowed me to reach this point in the J-League, where I can only enter if I reach a high level. Tokyo is considered one of the major cities in the world. Of course, there is pressure in representing the capital club, but I want to turn that into motivation and continue to fight ahead."
By the end of the 2023 season, the total number of goals scored in the J1 League is 85. If he marks the same 15 goals as last season, he will reach the remarkable milestone of 100 total goals in the J1 League during this season. While acknowledging the need for self-improvement, he stated, "There are still many things I need to do. This is a significant number. Scoring goals also benefits the team. I want to achieve this for myself as well," turning this monumental record into his motivation.
And beyond personal records, there is a long-held aspiration as a club.
"Everyone wants to win as many matches as possible. We feel the same way. The purpose of the match is to fight to win, so of course, the goal is to win the match in front of us. Ideally, each victory accumulates to reach the championship. Ultimately, we want to win the most."
After being promoted to the J1 League in the 2000 season, Amaral was seriously aiming for the league championship. This season, Diego is only thinking about achieving the J1 League championship. The ace from Brazil continues to be a presence that carries people's dreams with his own shots, no matter the era.
Text by Katsu Goto (Freelance Writer)
