The twists and turns until the first blue and red goal
were supported by warm cheering voices
FW 28 Leon NOZAWA
People, players, and stories. Introducing the 2024 PLAYER'S REVIEW, featuring all the blue and red warriors who fought through the 2024 season. What were their thoughts and feelings during the season? Confidence, progress, challenges, joy, and regret... Each player will reflect on their battles this season in their own words.
For Leon NOZAWA, it was a year that became a turning point in his soccer career. After a loan transfer, he returned to Tokyo and went through twists and turns before scoring his first goal in blue and red. Despite facing criticism, the voices of those who continued to support him gave him the strength to stand up.
"Let me hear your voice more."
Holding the emblem with his right hand, Leon NOZAWA, who scored his first goal in the J1 League in his third year as a professional, revealed his blue and red goal celebration with his left index finger to his ear.
"It was a long time. I'm relieved. I finally got it. I was so happy and my joy exploded at the moment of the goal. But, I was relieved because I had missed such scenes before."
It was the 33rd minute of the second half of the Meiji Yasuda J1 League 23rd round match against Albirex Niigata on July 13th. Kei Koizumi made a run behind the defense on the right side and sent a ground cross into the box. Number 28 was there, calmly guiding the ball into the net with his right foot, marking the long-awaited "1".
The journey there was by no means smooth. This season, after returning from a second training camp, we restarted with great determination in blue and red. At the beginning of the season, there was a time when we couldn't even participate in the red and white game. Still, we said, "Just climb up from the bottom," and faced each day.
The turning point was the two games against Sanfrecce Hiroshima in the YBC Levain Cup playoff round in June. In the first game, I missed a decisive chance and received harsh criticism. However, at the same time, I also received many words of encouragement and was able to motivate myself with the words "I believe in you".
In the following second game, at the stadium where his own cheering song echoed for the first time, he set up a goal to retaliate. Savoring the cheers, he said, "Honestly, I never thought I would have my own chant made for me."
After scoring his first goal in the J1 League, he was able to consistently make it onto the bench towards the end of the league. As he gradually increased his playing time, he also began to receive more passes from his teammates that responded to his ability to break through behind the defense. It can be said that he has handed out his business cards over the past year. That is why new feelings have also begun to sprout.
"I have been playing while creating opportunities for others to get to know me. Next season, I want to connect that bond to results."
The point scorer who climbed up from the bottom said, "I think there were so many people who supported me and my team, and I was helped by their cheers and support this season," and continued.
"I want to focus not only on scoring and assisting, but also on the results of the games I play. I hope people will see that I can create chances and score goals when I'm in top form. In order to do that, numbers are necessary. The foundation is gradually solidifying, so I want to connect that to my performance. I want to be even more focused and push myself to the limit next season."
I met the people who supported me during my sensitive teenage years at this club. That's why this season, I often heard words like "I have to perform here. It doesn't mean anything if it's not in this place." I stood on the pitch carrying someone's thoughts. It was Leon NOZAWA's third season, where his play made us feel warmth.
Text by Koji Baba (Freelance Writer)
