That left foot might be the very 'change' Tokyo has been seeking.
Embracing the expectations and determination behind the offer, Fuki YAMADA will bring a fresh breeze to the blue and red from the 2026 season.
The experience accumulated overseas and at Kyoto Sanga F.C. becomes a force that changes the flow, bringing many opportunities and a clear difference through highly accurate set plays.
That left foot will change the game and transform Tokyo.
Q. Please tell us your honest feelings when you received the offer from Tokyo.
A. The passion of Coach Rikizo MATSUHASHI and everyone in the strengthening department was truly amazing, and that was the biggest deciding factor. For me personally, I also felt that I might fit well with the style of soccer Coach Matsuhashi envisions. Ever since he was the coach at Albirex Niigata, I had always thought, "That looks interesting," and my own interest in watching that style of soccer was also one of the deciding factors.
Q. When you received the offer from Tokyo, what kind of expectations and evaluations did the club express to you?
A. First, I was praised for the accuracy of my left foot. I heard that Tokyo has not been able to score from set plays this season. They told me, "Just having one player who can deliver balls that lead to goals or assists from set plays can completely change the team. That left foot of yours fits perfectly there." I was happy that the fearsome quality of my left foot was properly recognized in the evaluation of my play.
Q. You played for Portugal's CD Nacional in the early part of this season. In the latter half, you returned to Kyoto Sanga F.C. Was your desire to prove yourself in Kyoto still strong?
A. Kyoto was in a position to compete for the championship, and since I am an academy player who grew up through Kyoto's youth system, I had a strong desire to be a piece that could help lead the team to victory. My wish to contribute somehow in the championship race was very strong.
Q. You have appeared in 12 league matches. How do you look back on your half-year at Kyoto?
A. When I first returned to the team, I somewhat felt like I had "ended up back in Kyoto." Mentally, it was a difficult situation, but as I continued practicing, I was inspired by the passion of my teammates, and I believe my motivation grew. In the 12 matches that followed, although I didn’t score any goals, I was given the role of coming on as a substitute to change the flow of the game, and I recorded 3 assists including in the Emperor's Cup. While I was able to leave some visible numbers behind, the season also ended with the frustration of not scoring any goals. However, I believe I was able to prove that whenever I came on, the momentum definitely shifted, and becoming a player who can change the flow even when coming on as a substitute was a positive event and a sign of my growth.
Q. Please tell us your impression of Tokyo from Yamada's perspective.
A. Including the goalkeeper, everyone is involved in the build-up, and it gives the impression that all players touch the ball as they move toward the goal. In fact, in the match against Tokyo during the summer this season, Kyoto won, but I remember it being very tough as they kept circulating the ball. If asked, "What was the toughest match in the past six months?" I would undoubtedly answer immediately that it was the FC Tokyo match, as they held and circulated the ball, making it a very hard game.
Q. Are there any players who left an impression on you in matches or with whom you have a close relationship?
A. It’s Kashif BANGNAGANDE, Teppei OKA, and Megumi SATO. We are the same generation, so we get along well. The player who left an impression on me this season is Motoki NAGAKURA. Simply put, I thought, "He’s really skillful." His plays that catch opponents off guard and the way he receives the ball made his positioning quite troublesome for the opposition.
Q. You have a record of one match against Tokyo Verdy during your time with them. What was your impression of that match and the battles on the pitch?
A. I was unable to play in the first half of the 2024 season due to the Paris Olympics, and it was only in the second half that I stepped onto the pitch for the first time in a match against FC Tokyo. Since it was a home game for FC Tokyo and a night game, the production including fireworks at the entrance left a particularly strong impression on me. I could feel firsthand the passion and dedication that everyone—fans and supporters alike—put into this match, including the atmosphere in the stadium. Although there are usually exchanges and greetings with opposing players before matches, I remember that the atmosphere for this game was tense, and it wasn’t the kind of situation for that. I had never played in such an atmosphere before, so I was very excited even before the match started.
Q, How do you want to integrate your strengths with Tokyo's style of soccer?
A. I believe I am probably the only one who can make a difference with set pieces using my left foot and with dead-ball situations. That is where I want to create an edge. Also, I want to be involved with the ball on the right side while creating space and showing coordinated play with my teammates. The style of soccer Coach Matsuhashi advocates—connecting the ball with everyone—is something that fits well with my playing style. Outside the box, I want to carry the ball forward simply by connecting passes, and when I enter the box, I want to make a difference with my left foot that leads to goals.
Also, I believe that reacting quickly to crosses after breaking down the defense on the opposite side is something Coach Matsuhashi expects from me. He even said, "Among the players I've seen, Yamada is the best at that." I have been conscious of that kind of play myself and have considered it one of my strengths throughout my career. I also want to show gritty, pressing play.
Q, I believe there are high expectations for Yamada in terms of increasing goals, especially from set pieces.
A, rather than aiming specifically for goals or assists, I believe the numbers will naturally follow. Of course, I’m happy about the expectations from those around me, but I don’t pay too much attention to them. First and foremost, I know best that this is what I need to do and my greatest strength. I think it’s best not to be overly conscious of it and just let the numbers come naturally.
Q, the phrase in your joining comment, "There may be some people who won't accept me at first," was very striking.
A, last season, I was with Verdy, and there was a free-kick scene when we faced them. It was from a position close enough to aim directly, and behind the goal, FC Tokyo's fans and supporters completely filled the stands. When I set the ball and was about to take the kick, I was booed intensely (laughs). Of course, they were the opponents, so being booed is only natural. Because of that and also because some players who were at Verdy might think, "An outsider has come in," I made that kind of comment. However, as I wrote in my joining comment, I will prove myself through results, so please look forward to it.
Q. Lastly, please give a message to the fans and supporters.
A, I believe FC Tokyo is a team that must win titles. To break into the title race, this left foot and a confident player like me are necessary. Together with the fans and supporters, I want to energize the club called FC Tokyo. I feel that the passion of the fans and supporters is among the top in the entire J.League, and I am very much looking forward to feeling that passion as an ally. Please continue your passionate support.
