There is a player in Vissel Kobe who crossed the sea at the age of 22 and has been active in countries with different languages, cultures, and soccer styles such as Germany, England, and Spain.Why has Yoshinori Muto always placed himself in challenging environments?And, how much of a result have we achieved there?Facing the wall, surely, there is growth only beyond overcoming it.

Player Muto says that when he saw the World Cup in 2023, he felt frustrated that he could not be there.

“As a soccer player, I was aiming for that, and I want to continue aiming for it.”

And then continued as follows.

“To achieve that, results are very important. That’s why I want to change my training methods and make various innovations to further develop myself.”

Never satisfied with the status quo, he continues to work hard. This attitude has not changed since he was a young man. While still a student at Keio University, he joined FC Tokyo, and two years later moved overseas to pursue a higher career path. However, in an environment with a completely different lifestyle, there were many things he had to overcome in addition to soccer.

“In Germany, everyone eats potatoes instead of rice. It was hard for me because I like rice. I also had a hard time getting used to the local food culture in England, and it rains a lot there, so I sometimes don’t feel uplifted. I felt difficulties not only in the language but also in the culture and environment.”

It is difficult to perform at your best without adapting to the environment in which you are placed. Furthermore, not only do they need to get used to life, but they also need to get used to the team. Although it is a meritocracy, soccer is a team sport. The forward position requires a pass in order to score a goal. Trust from the team is essential to achieve results. I felt the importance of communication even more when I moved abroad.

“In order to integrate myself into the team, I had to first get them interested in me as a “funny guy,” so I tried to make fun of them. Of course I was embarrassed (laughs). But by doing so, I had more opportunities to be talked to, and I learned that I had to do things I didn’t want to do if there was a return for me. Soccer is not a game you can play alone. I think it is difficult unless you are a player who makes people think, ‘I will do my best for this guy. I tried to fit in with the team in areas other than my soccer ability.”

Try. Muto uttered those words many times. It is not easy to play overseas and achieve results. Of course, he has experienced many setbacks. But even so, he keeps looking forward and keeps trying. Where does this strength come from?

“I think it is because they have experienced many failures. You try again and again, and even if it is a failure, you feel greater joy when you succeed. Because of this experience, I am no longer afraid of failure. I think one of the greatest assets I gained from going abroad was that I came to believe that “failure is a good experience.”

There is a conviction that remains unshaken no matter what situation one finds themselves in.

“If you’re going to do it, aim for being the best.And then, trying things out.”

Player Muto, who represented Japan at the 2018 World Cup and has been a mainstay of the team since joining Vissel Kobe in 2021, is now pushing himself to greater heights as he gets older.

“It is said that after the age of 30, one’s physical condition declines and one can no longer run as well as run physically. That is why, on the contrary, I want to be the kind of player that people say, ‘Muto has evolved again’ after turning 30.”

Their unwavering dedication and continuous effort, not just relying on their own talent, have made them a respected figure at Vissel Kobe.However, now it’s not just about making efforts for oneself.

“The younger players are watching us, so I believe that we experienced players must fight harder than anyone else and continue to sweat and fight. I believe that this will help raise the level of the team, and I am confident that good results will follow.”

It is not only the result, but also the contribution to the team. Muto’s presence is sure to raise the team to another level.

INTERVIEW & TEXT: Chiharu Abe