After experiencing frustration following the youngest-ever debut
Using it as motivation, 'I can't afford to stand still'
MF 77 Maki KITAHARA
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?
Maki KITAHARA made a powerful impact across Japan with his record as the youngest ever to debut in the J1 League. However, his career, which was expected to progress smoothly from there, unexpectedly passed by without him being able to accumulate many appearances. Facing his frustrations head-on, what are the thoughts driving his determination to make a comeback?
Maki KITAHARA — the name of the boy who carries the future of Japanese soccer.
At the pre-season camp last year, a 15-year-old middle schooler with a youthful innocence continued to make a strong impact. Kitahara extended his scheduled training participation and earned his place with extraordinary talent and skill.
"I felt myself getting better day by day while participating in the camp, and it was an enjoyable time. After that, I gradually adapted more and more and gained confidence in what I could do."
He made his league debut as a substitute in the 38th minute of the second half during Sec. 4 of the 2025 Meiji Yasuda J1 League against Kashima Antlers, becoming the youngest ever at 15 years, 7 months, and 22 days old. This broke the record previously held by Takayuki Morimoto (then Tokyo Verdy 1969), who debuted at 15 years, 10 months, and 6 days old in the 2004 season.
Furthermore, on his 16th birthday, he signed a professional contract and changed his jersey number to 77. It seemed as if a shining future awaited him. However, after signing the professional contract, he found himself distanced from the official match pitch.
"After becoming a professional soccer player, I wasn't able to play in a single match. There were happy moments, but the frustration outweighed them. Of course, I wanted to be involved in matches, so I kept doing what I could every week to make the squad. I regretted not being able to deliver results during the time I was on the pitch, and I felt my own lack of ability."
Every time the weekend lineup was announced, there were moments when I had to grit my teeth and endure. The fact that I was able to gain match experience with FC Tokyo U-18 was at least some consolation, but moving back and forth between the two teams was by no means easy.
“Every week, I prepared to give my best, and if I was left out, I reset my mindset and focused on the next training. It was tough, and even though I felt capable, I still couldn’t make the squad. Honestly, it was mentally challenging. But that too was an experience. I was able to participate in matches with FC Tokyo U-18, so I was grateful to have that environment.”
Having gone through the 2025 season, he welcomed the new year. The boy, determined to make a comeback, spoke with a slightly tougher expression.
"I see it as starting over from zero once again. I have an incredibly strong desire, even more than last season, to face my feelings toward soccer and give it my all."
I have learned the way of a professional. That is precisely why I yearn for the goals I was unable to score.
"I have always believed that producing results, including scoring goals, is my strength. Last season, in that sense, I lacked that, so I couldn't continue to be involved in matches. If I don't focus on that, I can't get on the pitch."
Humbly, he says, "There are still many things I lack, and I want to grow while learning." However, the words that followed "but" revealed a strong determination.
"This season, I will definitely be involved in matches. I can't afford to stand still. I feel a strong sense of urgency, and when I hear news that players of my generation have played or scored, I feel incredibly frustrated. There are many good players in the same U-18 age group. There is no time to stop. I have to pull ahead from here."
The top runner of the generation has no intention of yielding the lead. To achieve accelerated growth, he plans to embody the saying, "If you don't see a man for three days, look at him with renewed eyes."
In the 2026 season, Maki KITAHARA will make his name resound throughout the Japanese soccer world.
(Honorifics omitted in the text)
Text by Kohei Baba(Freelance Writer)
