A versatile left foot that brings joy
'Involved in over 10 goals from set plays'
MF 71 Fuki YAMADA
Introducing all the blue and red warriors taking on the 2026 Meiji Yasuda J1 Century Vision League in 'PLAYERS FILE 2026.' What thoughts do the players hold, and with what resolve are they preparing to face the year ahead, especially with the special half-season tournament approaching?
Fuki YAMADA boasts a highly precise left foot that can truly be called a "family heirloom sword." Responding to repeated love calls, he decided on a full transfer to FC Tokyo. With a track record of scoring three direct free kicks in a single season, what kind of boost will this left-footed player bring to "Rikizo Tokyo"?
Having once been on loan at Tokyo Verdy and having experienced the fervor of the “decisive battle” firsthand, my heart was restless and unsettled. “Honestly, I struggled a lot.” I wondered if I, who had grown attached to the green uniform, would be accepted. Would I be recognized──?
What dispelled the swirling doubts in his heart was the passion and straightforward message from coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI.
“The coach sincerely told me, ‘Your left foot and distinctive style of play will definitely fit in here.’ I realized I needed the next step to raise my own value. Believing I could shine at FC Tokyo was the biggest reason I decided to transfer.”
A thirst to reach even greater heights and an ambition to turn the intense atmosphere born from the match against Tokyo V into his own strength. His resolve was firm, and it didn’t take long for him to steel himself.
His greatest feature is nothing other than the precision of the kicks delivered from his left foot. During the 2024 season with Tokyo V, he scored a league-high three direct free kicks. Backed by absolute confidence in this weapon, he casually asserts, "If it’s a position where I can aim directly, it’ll almost certainly go in."
Last season, FC Tokyo scored zero goals from direct free kicks. Attacks from set plays rarely led to significant chances. The versatile left foot that can turn past sighs into cheers is sure to become an indispensable key piece for victory. When Yamada sets the ball in the opponent’s territory, the stadium’s energy inevitably rises, and the trajectory launched from his left foot will surely be drawn toward the goal.
"I think my left foot is interesting to watch. I have nothing but confidence in both direct free kicks and corner kicks. If given the chance, I believe I can increase the number of goals scored from set plays."
The AFC U23 Asian Cup Final in May 2024, which also served as the final qualifying round for the Paris Olympics in Asia. In the match against Uzbekistan held in Doha, Qatar, despite it being stoppage time in the second half, he kept running forward without stopping and struck a decisive goal with his specialty left-footed shot, securing the championship. Built on a high-intensity playing style honed at Kyoto Sanga F.C., characterized by gritty hard work both offensively and defensively, his left-footed kicks bloom beautifully and brilliantly, making a vivid and overwhelming impression against any opponent.
What he aims for in his new environment is to be involved in more than 10 goals. "When I’m in front of the goal, inside the penalty area, my left foot really comes alive, and I believe I can increase my goal tally," he says with unwavering confidence.
His proud “family heirloom sword” could become the trump card for winning titles. Fuki YAMADA will draw arcs of joy and lead the team to the top with that left foot of his.
(Honorifics omitted in the text)
Text by Yuji Matsuoka (Chunichi Sports)
