With the strength of mind, technique, and body as his weapon,
he aims to secure a regular spot and achieve big goals
MF 21 Yuta SUGAWARA
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?
Yuta SUGAWARA, who demonstrated outstanding talent and a highly accurate left foot at FC Tokyo U-18, has been promoted to the top team. As a member of the blue and red, the left-footed player, who is steadily growing while keeping a big goal in sight, is preparing to face the professional world. How is he approaching this challenge?
In the 49th Japan Club Youth Soccer Championship (U-18) held last summer, FC Tokyo U-18 was eliminated in the Semifinal Round after losing to Kashima Antlers Youth in a penalty shootout. Among them, Yuta SUGAWARA made a strong impact as he advanced from the right side toward the opponent's goal. In addition to his daring attacks, he was the first to successfully convert a penalty kick in the shootout, showcasing his strong nerves.
Abundant stamina and a strong mentality. These strengths are clearly suited for the professional level. Without such qualities, it would be impossible to compete in a large top team filled with regular-class players. While his main position at FC Tokyo U-18 was right wing, what he desires in the top team is the defensive midfield role. Both positions are dominated by senior players backed by achievements and experience, but he has no intention of losing.
"I think it's an incredibly luxurious lineup. It might be a very high wall to overcome to secure a spot in the starting lineup. But standing on the pitch as a starter is not my goal; my goal is to play in matches and win the J.League. To get closer to that, it’s meaningless if I’m not part of the squad. Keeping that big goal in sight, I am motivating myself."
He is aware of what he must aim for as a member of the blue and red. He possesses a high level of awareness. He acts toward his big goals and has the mental strength to discipline himself. This fundamental strength, which exists before technique and physical ability, draws the attention of those around him.
"Starting from zero. I’m determined to work hard and make plays that will stick in Coach Matsuhashi’s mind, even if it’s just one. Being young, I can’t lose when it comes to running. I want to give my all even to the small things."
In terms of play, it is the “quantity” that truly stands out. Even though the right side is his main battleground, he does not just stick wide; his playing area is extensive. Defensively, he applies high press up front and presses back in the rear, showing no reluctance for hard work. The effective and high-volume play that earned the trust of coach Yukihiko SATO at FC Tokyo U-18 fully meets the conditions to potentially earn playing time in the top team as well.
Of course, it’s not just his stamina; as he himself says, "I kick with confidence using my left foot," so his high level of skill and sense cannot be overlooked. While working hard, he also demonstrates technique. Yuta SUGAWARA is full of such charm.
He boldly declares, "My goal is to win the championship with FC Tokyo, and my dream is to go abroad and become a billionaire."
The reason these words don’t come across as big talk is precisely because, while keeping distant goals in sight, there is an attitude of building up from zero with full effort. He also speaks about the current situation where players promoted from the academy have struggled to fully deliver results at the top level, saying, "I want to work hard driven by pride and responsibility."
The left-footed player, whose organized thinking reveals a glimpse of great potential, quietly aims to secure a spot on the team from his rookie year, carrying the determination and pride of an academy graduate.
(Honorifics omitted in the text)
Text by Masaru Goto (Freelance Writer)
