After the championship ceremony of the Meiji Yasuda J1 League, the players and staff of Vissel Kobe carried out a beer-spraying celebration at the party.The atmosphere, once tense during the season, has completely changed, with the players now in high spirits.The sight of both young and veteran individuals showering each other with beer is just like children playfully frolicking.When the editorial team of syncSPORTS by Rakuten sneaked into the beer-spraying celebration, they saw a different side of the players than usual...?

Just past 7 p.m. on December 8th.Just 3 hours after the decisive moment of the Meiji Yasuda J1 League championship.In the midst of such unabated excitement, the athletes were found at the championship celebration party.Amidst the press crowd, following the speeches by Vice Chairman Kenichi Mikitani and Manager Takayuki Yoshida, the beer shower started under the lead of Shota Arai.We all shared the joy together.

Yoshinori Muto, who won the J.LEAGUE Most Valuable Player (MVP) award this year.He scored prolifically due to his inherent competitiveness, and towards the end of the season, he brought victory points to the team with his spirited play.An impressive smile that’s refreshing!

Tetsushi Yamakawa, who continued to support the defense line as the vice-captain.Looking forward to not only the defensive aspect, but also scoring from set plays in the upcoming season!

This year, Gotoku Sakai has once again excelled as an unwavering fullback in both offense and defense.Even at the age of 33, his robust physical strength is still present.Attacked the press with beer, all with a mischievous grin!

Taisei Miyashiro scored double-digit goals in his first year after the transfer, continually threatening the opponent’s goal.The “Domain Expansion” after the goal has become his trademark. We hope he aims for the top scorer next year.

In the league’s final game,Takahiro Ohgihara scored with a spectacular mid-range shot.This season, he managed to steal the ball from their opponents at the mid-bottom and consistently created opportunities.Soaking wet from head to toe, looking a bit cold…?

Daiya Maekawa, the guardian deity of Vissel Kobe.Not only making big saves, but also initiating attacks with precise kicks, the contemporary goalkeeper can do it all.He will stand in front of the opponent’s offense again next season.

When discussing consecutive victories in the J.LEAGUE, Yuya Osako is undoubtedly an indispensable figure.Although the criteria became stricter from the 2023 season when he won the MVP, he demonstrated an overwhelming presence with plays that capitalized on his teammates.Even Osako, who usually targets the goal with a sharp look, shows this smile during the beer splash!

And, Manager Takayuki Yoshida, who led Vissel Kobe to their first J.LEAGUE consecutive championship and domestic double crown.Even amidst a relentless schedule, they upheld the attitude of “fighting every game with all their might,” and once again stood at the apex of Japan.The next goal is the peak of Asia!

Only one team each year gets to savor the fine wine of a league victory.Vissel Kobe raised the celebratory cup for the second consecutive year.Every day’s rigorous practice, every intense match, I’ve overcome all for this moment.However, that joy was short-lived.Each player and staff member carries various feelings as they head towards the coming season.I hope to see this smile again in 2025.

EDIT: Yohsuke Watanabe (IN FOCUS)
TEXT: Kodai Wada
PHOTO: Yukiko Noguchi