Column – Page 10 – J.League Regista

Sayonara, 2021

2022 is gonna be a busy year, but never forget the ones who said goodbye to J. League this season: a perspective over retirements from 2021.

A long-awaited return to J1, an unexpected drop, and many, many talents: these have been the awards for 2020 in the second division.

From a needed renewal to the most incredible relegation in J2 history: that’s 2021 in a nutshell for Matsumoto Yamaga.

Júbilo Iwata won the title almost too easily, yet their roster doesn’t rely on young blood. Is there a future for this group?

A promoted and strong pack, the surprise from the North and a winger turned into striker: these have been the awards for 2021 in the third division.

Brenner was a crucial piece to put the Grulla’s run to promotion together, but the Brazilian showed a submerse tendency in J3.

Yuya Sato has been relevant mostly for his mistakes in the last years. Nevertheless, Kumamoto was his turning point.

A consolidated dynasty, an Aussie gatekeeper, and young guns: these have been the awards for 2021 in the top tier.

At many turns of his life, Ryuho Kikuchi risked of losing his J. League dream, but he fought through to come this far.

After years of personal success, but lesser fortune with his squads, Ataru Esaka is finally a key-player in a solid project.