According to The Japan Sports Newspaper, in the first round of the Asian Qualifiers for the World Cup, the Japanese team defeated the Chinese team with a score of 7-0. Kubo Takefusa (23), the Japanese midfielder playing for Real Sociedad, scored his first goal in the qualifiers during the stoppage time of the second half, putting the finishing touch on this victory.
In the 12th minute of the first half, Kubo Takefusa assisted Endo in scoring through a corner kick from the left side, opening the door to victory for the Japanese team. In the 32nd minute of the second half, he assisted Ito Junya in scoring another goal. During the stoppage time, Kubo Takefusa received a pass from Ito Junya, broke into the penalty area, and scored with his left foot, completing his own goal-scoring feat.
Kubo Takefusa stated that he has experienced a shift in mindset, no longer feeling the need to shoulder too much responsibility, which allows him to blend into the game more naturally. “I feel like I’ve matured and am more relaxed mentally. Especially on the field, I no longer have the pressure of ‘I must do it.’ Football is a team sport, and I will do everything I can to do what is best for the team.”
Regarding the Ballon d’Or, Kubo Takefusa expressed his hope to be among the nominees in the coming years. “I hope to be included in the list of 30 candidates next year or the year after. On the women’s side, Hasegawa Megumi has already been nominated, and for the men’s category, I also hope to secure a spot. It is an era full of opportunities for young players because the two past superstars, Messi and Ronaldo, have stepped out of the competition stage. Although it feels a bit lonely, it is also a new opportunity for our younger generation. I will give it my all.”
He also emphasized the importance of teamwork: “Although there are sometimes individual ideas on the field, sometimes individuals are not the best solution. For the victory of the team, I will make the most beneficial choices for the team.” This 23-year-old player concluded, “Life only comes once, and precisely because of this, it becomes so splendid.”
