The position is called the last line of defense. Standing in front of the goal means bearing the sole responsibility when a shot goes in. We spoke with Vissel Kobe's number 1, Daiya Maekawa, about how he deals with that pressure. His answer: preparation, unwavering conviction, and teamwork. The goalkeeper's presence ― and the effort he puts in ― is what brings the team together.

I had always pictured a goalkeeper as a lonely figure ― the only one standing in front of the goal, alone, even during attacking play.

“I think that’s a misconception,” Maekawa says, directly meeting my gaze.
“Every goalkeeper probably has different ideas, but I believe whether you feel lonely depends on the trust and communication you build with your teammates day to day. Yes, it’s the position that bears the most responsibility for mistakes and goals conceded, but when the situation is beyond my control, my teammates often come over to me with positive words. I genuinely feel their support as I play.”

Goalkeepers wear a different-colored jersey, are the only outfield players allowed to use their hands, and train on completely different drills. Simply perfecting their technique is not enough in order for a goalkeeper, who operates alone apart from other members, to communicate effectively with fellow teammates so they can all focus on winning. That’s why Maekawa emphasizes how crucial it is to build trust through daily communication ― so he can be trusted as a person, not just as a player.

“I’m always conscious of being watched, and I make a point of taking the lead in my actions. That includes not just approaching my teammates for talks, but also how I spend my time and how I behave off the pitch. I try to pay attention to the little things.”

Eliminating mistakes and conceded goals would be ideal, but even when they happen, daily effort and trust allow the team to cover for each other and move forward. That’s why, Maekawa says, “this too is part of my preparation for matches.”

Preparation is the thing Maekawa says he values most. And it becomes a shield that deflects pressure. There were periods in the past when he was weighed down by the size of the pressure, or hurt by criticism. He had to build enough confidence through preparation to rise from those moments.

“I’m positive that I’m working harder than anyone else, both in training and in how I carry myself outside of it. I aim to put in enough work so that if a mistake happens, I can say with confidence that there wasn’t anything else I could have done. By preparing the best I can, I can remove the sources of anxiety before a match, and I believe that preparation alleviates the pressure. It’s the small things, like picking up garbage on the streets. I think it’s the accumulation of your actions that lets you say: I’ve done everything I can, so I don’t need to worry..”

Through effort and overcoming hardship, he’s developed a resilience that “won’t be shaken by small things.” But what hasn’t changed is his own character.

“Personally, I think the ideal goalkeeper might be someone more solid and imposing, like a pillar of strength. But a goalkeeper who people can talk to easily, who’s trusted as a person including off the pitch ― that feels more true to who I am. I want to keep pursuing the kind of goalkeeper I’ve envisioned for myself. I want to be an original.”

His playful smile and his gentle manner, and the way he embraces his authentic self to become someone truly unique. Watching him, trying to grow into a one-of-a-kind goalkeeper rather than forcing himself to be someone else, is far more captivating than any performance. And maybe that’s precisely why, even in a squad like Vissel Kobe filled with overwhelming personalities and talent, he can stay true to himself yet fit right in.

Text: Chiharu Abe