"I want to be a player who makes something happen"
Becoming a central player for the team with my own unique style
FW 28 Leon NOZAWA
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?
For Leon NOZAWA, who had repeatedly been on developmental loan transfers, the 2025 season finally became a year in which he was able to establish his own position. As his playing style was recognized and his opportunities to play increased, he grew more determined to truly become a central figure in the team—wearing number 28, he is eager to express his individuality and produce visible results.
For Leon NOZAWA, who had repeatedly been on developmental-type loan transfers, the 2025 season was undoubtedly the season he truly established himself at FC Tokyo. His 707 minutes of league playtime surpassed his previous longest stint during the 2023 season when he spent half a year at Matsumoto Yamaga FC. He recorded 1 goal and 1 assist in blue and red, with that one goal being the opening goal in the Sec. 15 match of the 2025 Meiji Yasuda J1 League against Yokohama F. Marinos, which became a major turning point in advancing toward J1 League survival. After accomplishing this memorable feat at Nissan Stadium, he was never left out of the squad from the bench in matches after July, except during the congested schedule of consecutive games.
Of course, the hungry wolf is not satisfied. "It was still not enough. I should have been able to leave more stats, play in more matches, and there were more opportunities to contribute to victories," he openly expresses his yearning.
At times serving as a kicker and orchestrating major plays as a playmaker, he delivered high-quality final passes and showed hard work both offensively and defensively. It was a season in which he evolved beyond the role of a forward and developed as a footballer. However, on the other hand, that may have also put a lid on his growth.
"I do feel that the range of things I can do has expanded. Of course, I also feel that I am gradually growing. But I was too caught up in that and couldn’t fully bring out my own strengths and weapons."
Responding to Coach Matsuhashi’s demands, contributing to the team, and meeting the conditions to appear in official matches—this attitude helped establish my position. However, because I fit in well with the team and functioned effectively, I have regrets about not being able to fully express my own color. With that reflection in mind, Nozawa crossed into the new year.
"The reason I am selected to play is precisely because I have unique strengths that only I possess. I have to bring those out. There are players who have returned to Tokyo and new players who have joined, and with the competition becoming even fiercer, numbers are also necessary to survive. Regarding fitting into the team, I have gradually started to grasp that since last season, so mixing in my own style and steadily making it truly my own is really important."
His self-proclaimed catchphrase is 'The Smiling Striker.' Whether deployed as a winger or a forward, the theme for the new season is to clearly demonstrate a stronger drive toward goal.
"If I come on, something will definitely happen. If I become that kind of player, I will become the core of Tokyo," he says with high expectations for himself. The man who was once the ace of FC Tokyo U-18 is now moving toward the heart of the top team— the day when number 28 completes this story may not be far in the future.
(Honorifics omitted in the text)
Text by Masaru Goto (Freelance Writer)
