PLAYERS FILE 2024<br />
DIEGO OLIVEIRA

COLUMN2024.2.22

PLAYERS FILE 2024
DIEGO OLIVEIRA

Serious ace aiming for league domination
J1 League total of 100 goals in sightFW 9 Diego OLIVEIRA



Special content introducing the all-blue-red warriors who will challenge the 2024 season. What are the players thinking and what kind of determination are they approaching the year with as they prepare for the opening? The players' stories are filled with club love, thirst for titles, aspirations for success, and the roles they must fulfill. In recent years in Tokyo, Diego OLIVEIRA has become the team's top scorer. The Brazilian-born ace understands that scoring goals himself will directly contribute to the team's victories. "Soccer is something you do to win." With that philosophy in mind, Diego is determined to win the league.




The Brazilian player who wears the number 9 is a valuable presence in any country and is admired by people. Diego OLIVEIRA is one of them. This is his 9th season playing in the J-League. He has now surpassed the number of years he played in Brazil in his professional career in Japan. He has a proven track record of scoring goals, a respectful personality towards those around him, and most importantly, advanced techniques that support his fantastic plays. All of this combined, it can be said that he is now an "icon" that represents Tokyo.

"Players from Brazil are being exported all over the world, not just forwards, but players in various positions. However, playing overseas is difficult for anyone. I am grateful for the support around me that has allowed me to come this far in the J League, where only those who reach a high level can enter. Tokyo is a city that is considered one of the largest in the world. Playing for the capital club comes with pressure, but instead of being burdened by it, I see it as a challenge and want to continue fighting in the future."

The number of goals scored in the J1 League until the 2023 season is 85. If I score the same 15 goals as last season, I will reach the milestone of 100 goals in the J1 League this season. "There are still things I need to do," while emphasizing the need for self-improvement, "this is a significant number. Scoring goals can also benefit the team. I also want to achieve it myself," turning the big record into motivation.

And beyond personal records lies the long-awaited dream of the club.

"Everyone wants to win as many games as possible. That's the same for us. Games are meant to be fought to win, so of course our goal is to win the game in front of us. Our ideal is to accumulate victories and reach the championship. In the end, we want to win the most."

After receiving promotion to the J1 League in the 2000 season, Amaral was determined to win the league. Now, in this season, Diego is also only focused on winning the J1 League. The ace from Brazil will always be a player who carries people's dreams with his own shots, no matter the era.



Text by Katsu Goto (Freelance Writer)