The path to the dream stage in a year and a half continues on an unprecedented journey.
DF 5 Yuto NAGATOMO
Every person and player has a story. '2024 PLAYER’S REVIEW' introduces all the blue and red warriors who fought through the 2024 season, player by player. What thoughts did they carry as they went through the season? Confidence, a sense of achievement, challenges, joy, regret... Reflecting on this season's battles through the words of each individual.
In March of this year, Yuto NAGATOMO was once again listed as a member of the Japan national team. Dressed in the blue and red uniform, he is relentlessly pushing towards his dream of participating in the FIFA World Cup for the fifth time. Although he has been left off the bench for the national team, his determination to lead Japanese football with a passion that makes every cell in his body tremble remains unchanged as he calmly analyzes himself. How does he perceive his journey this season, walking a path that no one has ever taken and striving to overcome all obstacles?
"Just wait and see in a year and a half. I will definitely reach that place."
Yuto NAGATOMO's name has been inscribed in the member list of the Japan national team aiming for the FIFA World Cup 2026 North and Central America tournament, marking his return after about 1 year and 3 months since the Qatar tournament. After finishing the last dream stage, thoughts of retirement crossed his mind. What kept him from stepping back was the desire to become the first Asian player to participate in five consecutive World Cups.
"Personally, I was glad to improve my performance in March and return to the national team. Although I couldn't play in the matches, being continuously selected has firmly connected me to my dream. I have confidence in winning, and I think it was good that I was able to break into that."
Nagatomo's season can be said to have opened with joy after 5054 days. Right after the announcement of the national team, in the Meiji Yasuda J1 League Sec. 4 match against Avispa Fukuoka, he scored with a powerful volley shot. This performance ignited his rivals, making it a season where the contributions of the full-backs stood out throughout.
"I believe that as a veteran, I was able to participate in the competition within the team and provide them with motivation. Conversely, I was also able to be inspired by them. In that regard, we had intense competition at the full-back position. It's rare to have a season where full-backs are so involved in goals, including other teams, and I think we had good competition in that aspect."
Nagatomo shakes his head and says, "Just."
"It's a positive way to look at it, but scoring feels like a bonus. It's not that I've suddenly become better and managed to score goals. I'm analyzing myself calmly on that front. Still, I scored two goals, but I couldn't extend my assists much. I don't necessarily think I've grown. Moreover, as a team, I'm frustrated and disappointed that we ended without winning any titles, including the cup competitions."
With such feelings as nourishment, the unprecedented challenge continues. There is no path before Nagatomo, and a path is created behind him. He himself does not consider this to be something special.
"Since it comes from within me, I can't think of looking at it from a distance. In the end, people are people, and I am myself. I'm just fighting for what I want to do and the dreams I want to achieve. I don't think I'm doing anything special; I'm just living and fighting towards what I want to accomplish. I can already imagine the figure of myself achieving that, and I'm sure I will reach it. At that time, I want to look back on my football life. It would be nice if I could finally realize that what I've done has value."
Not clinging to the past, but living in the 'now.' Words from such a man reach into the future.
"I have solidified my image of participating in the World Cup. It's a year and a half away, right? I have no worries at all. Even though I've been out of the bench and the media is concerned, asking 'Is Nagatomo okay?', I am not worried at all. I am confident that I can bring myself to the best condition where my mind, technique, and body are all in sync. Therefore, I have no sense of urgency."
I am not walking a path that leads somewhere. The footprints I leave connect to my dreams. For this distant journey, for this distant journey──.
Text by Kohei Baba (Freelance Writer)
