News
June 29th, 2025, J1 Update - top team tumble! Reysol and Sanga take advantage!
In a shocking first day of two, for the J1 matchday, Kashima Antlers at the top were shaken by a home defeat to Fagiano Okayama, while Sanfrecce Hiroshima (losing 2-1 at home to Nagoya Grampus) and Vissel Kobe - held to a 0-0 draw at Avispa Fukuoka - faioed to take advantage of that loss. Both Sanfrecce and Vissel still have a game in hand that could see them gain some ground on the top three.
In 2nd place, Kashiwa Reysol made easy work of Shimizu S-Pulse, in full view of Mount Fuji, with a 2-0 away win, and Kyoto Sanga continued to defy expectations with a 3-1 home win over Gamba Osaka, to sit in 3rd place at the end of the day. Machida Zelvia at Albirex Niigata and Kawasaki Frontale at Tokyo Verdy are the Sunday J1 games.
In the battles at the bottom of the division, FC Tokyo took advantage of an added time PK to see of unlucky Yokohama FC 2-1, while Yokohama F.Marinos managed a point at Shonan Bellmare, but still remain eight points from safety, and have the season-ending injury to Daiya Tono to add to their woes.
Week One Roundup
the 2025 MEIJI YASUDA J.LEAGUE season is back in action and we have a rundown of the results.
Gamba Osaka added a 3-1 home win against FC Tokyo to two away wins to make it three successive victories, and nine points that pull them clear of the bottom of J1. Two of Gamba's goals came from Tunisian striker Issam Jebali, who we caught up with after the game.
Happy Birthday J.League
The J.League marks its 30th anniversary this weekend. So much has changed in the years since, but the joy of The Beautiful Game continues from year to year.
Three Decades of Football
The J.League marks its 30th anniversary this weekend. To celebrate, we are posting a "Rising Sun News"-style match report on this weekend's matches. Hope you enjoy it.
As part of our revived coverage of the 2023 J.League, here is another interview with a player at J2 club Fagiano Okayama - Australian veteran midfielder Stefan Mauk.
As part of our revived coverage of the 2023 J.League, here is another interview with a new Gamba Osaka player - this time Israeli defensive midfielder Neta Lavi.
As part of our revived coverage of the 2023 J.League, JSoccer Magazine and Jsoccer.com interviews new Gamba Osaka players: First up, Tunisian forward Issam Jebali.
Dirty Deeds, Done Dirt Cheap
Transfer season always brings us a few truly deranged rumours. But sometimes there is more behind the story than readers might imagine. The rumours regarding a "deal" between Celtic FC and Urawa Reds - which never even came close to happening - may be one of the most "intriguing" stories of the year.
J.League All-Time ”Best 15”
To mark the upcoming kickoff of J.League's 30th season, I was asked to submit a list of what I consider to be "the most influential 15 players in J.League history. Do you have any suggestions for people I left out?