News & Events

On December 3, the Football Club held a press conference at University Hall on Surugadai Campus for five players who have been informally selected to join J-League teams. The Football Club has produced J-Leaguers for 16 consecutive years.

The following five players have been selected to join the J-League: Captain SHIMANO Rei (4th year, School of Law / Kashiwa Reysol), HAYASHI Haruki (4th year, School of Political Science and Economics / Kashima Antlers), MANABE Hayato (4th year, School of Political Science and Economics / Fujieda MYFC), FUJIMORI Sota (4th year, School of Political Science and Economics / Renofa Yamaguchi FC), MISHINA Naoya (4th year, School of Commerce / Kagoshima United FC).

At the press conference, INOUE Masaru, General Manager of the Football Club and Professor in the School of Arts and Letters, gave a speech, followed by newly appointed Head Coach IKEGAMI Hisayuki’s introduction to each player’s style of play and personality.

Head Coach IKEGAMI encouraged the team, saying, “Our players always give their absolute best, including in daily training. With the Intercollegiate Championship starting this weekend, we want to work together so that every member of the team can finish with a smile as we aim for the national title. I hope the players who have already secured offers to join professional teams will make the most of the strengths they have developed at Meiji University and go on to excel on their respective stages.”


Next, the five players expressed their gratitude to the members and staff of the club and their joy at the offer, and pledged their success after joining J-League clubs.
The players who have been informally selected to join J-League clubs and their comments are as follows:

Captain SHIMANO Rei / Kashiwa Reysol
Over my four years at Meiji University, I was able to improve my defensive skills and also grow a lot as a person off the field. Once I turn professional, I want to make the most of what I’ve learned at Meiji University, get on the field as soon as possible, and help Kashiwa Reysol win matches and titles. In the long run, I hope to become a player who can make an impact on the world stage.

HAYASHI Haruki／Kashima Antlers
The moment that stands out most from my four years was my first appearance and first goal in the opening match of the Prime Minister’s Cup against Kanto Gakuin University. At Kashima Antlers, I want to work hard to contribute to the club winning titles and aim to score double-digit goals.

MANABE Hayato／Fujieda MYFC
During the summer training camp in Kawakami Village, I was able to play alongside my teammates and strengthen my physical condition. Starting next year at Fujieda MYFC, I’ll be in a position where results are always expected, so I want to make the most of my strengths, aim for double-digit goals, and show my gratitude to everyone who has supported me through my performance on the field.


FUJIMORI Sota / Renofa Yamaguchi FC
When I was a freshman, the daily morning practices felt really tough, and living in the dorm for the first time was challenging. But looking back, these four years are full of great memories. Now, as I pursue my dream of becoming a professional soccer player at Renofa Yamaguchi FC, I want to keep working hard, step by step, toward playing in the J1 League.

MISHINA Naoya / Kagoshima United FC
At Meiji University, I was able to work on my defensive intensity and awareness, which were areas I needed to improve on back in high school. From next season with Kagoshima United FC, my goal is to start in the opening match. In the long run, I want to become a player who’s loved and cheered on by the fans, and I’ll keep giving my all every day to make that happen.

In addition, as a surprise, video messages from the clubs that had offered contracts to the players were shown. Kashiwa Reysol, a message came from alumnus SEGAWA Yusuke (graduated from the School of Political Science and Economics in 2016); Kashima Antlers, from scouts SHIIMOTO Kunihito and USHIJIMA Masatsugu; Fujieda MYFC, from President TOKUDA Kosuke; Renofa Yamaguchi FC, from Head of Player Development SATO Kensuke; and Kagoshima United FC, from Head of Player Development AKAO Akira.

Afterwards, a photo session was held, bringing the press conference to a close.

≪Japanese version≫