Barca reunite with Iniesta in friendly win vs. Kobe
Mexico international Julian Araujo made his long-awaited Barcelona debut in a 2-0 friendly win over Vissel Kobe in Tokyo on Tuesday as Andres Iniesta played his final game for the Japanese club.
As J.League celebrates 30th anniversary, Japanese football has certainly come a long way
As the J.League celebrates its 30th anniversary, have the first three decades of the professional era in Japanese football been a success?
Japan legend Honda departs Cambodia with legacy of vibrancy and excitement -- and not just from stunning touchline fashion
Departing Cambodia manager Keisuke Honda leaves behind a vibrant and exciting legacy -- and not just because of his colourful touchline attire.
After storied career in Europe, success with Urawa following return to Japan is Sakai's crowning glory
For all that he achieved in his time in Europe, Hiroki Sakai's crowning glory has arguably arrived now that he is back in Japan.
ACL specialists Urawa get job done again to dethrone Al Hilal as kings of Asia
As they won a third AFC Champions League crown on Saturday, Urawa Red Diamonds once again just found a way to get the job done.
Glory awaits either Urawa or Al Hilal with ACL final still anyone's game
With glory awaiting either Urawa Red Diamonds or Al Hilal, the AFC Champions League 2022 is still anyone's game ahead of Saturday's second leg.
Old guard Koroki hands Urawa familiar advantage over Al Hilal in ACL final
Veteran striker Shinzo Koroki emerged as Urawa Red Diamonds' hero in their draw against Al Hilal in the AFC Champions League 2022 final first leg.
A long and winding road: Al Hilal, Urawa's arduous journeys to the 2022 ACL final
One year, one month. That's how long it will take for either Al Hilal or Urawa Red Diamonds to be crowned AFC Champions League 2022 winners.
As familiar foes Al Hilal, Urawa meet again in ACL final, they are every bit Asian football's modern-day rivalry
As they vie for the AFC Champions League crown once more, Al Hilal and Urawa Red Diamonds have combined for quite the rivalry in Asian football.
Move over, 'King Kazu': Even world's oldest soccer pro is way too young for Japan's new over-80s league
Kazuyoshi 'King Kazu' Miura may be the world's oldest professional footballer but he still has 24 years until he graduates from the "youth" ranks.
Months after escaping relegation, Vissel have turned their fortunes around with title charge
From escaping relegation last season, Vissel Kobe now look genuine J1 League title contenders. And they haven't even called upon Andres Iniesta.
Star names with plenty to prove adds to intrigue surrounding 2023 J1 League season
Some famous names in search of redemption is just one of several intriguing storylines to keep an eye on in the 2023 J1 League season.
Al Hilal become only the third Asian team to reach CWC final -- so who did it before them?
Al Hilal have become only the third Asian team to ever reach the FIFA Club World Cup final, but who are the two that have done it before them?
Returning Kagawa the latest former Europe-based star back in Japan
Shinji Kagawa's return to Cerezo Osaka sees him become the latest in a list of Japan stars back in the J1 League after noteworthy spells in Europe.
Kagawa can be proud of his time in Europe -- even if it was a tale of two halves
Although it did not end as well as it began, his 13 years in Europe is still something former Japan star Shinji Kagawa can be proud of.
Ex-Dortmund, Man Utd star Kagawa returns to Japan
Former Borussia Dortmund and Manchester United star Shinji Kagawa has ended a 13-year stay in Europe by rejoining Cerezo Osaka.
Japan reappoint Moriyasu through to 2026 World Cup
Hajime Moriyasu will become the first coach to lead Japan at two consecutive FIFA World Cup campaigns after being reappointed on Wednesday.
Iniesta: Messi WC win won't settle GOAT debate
Spain legend Andres Iniesta has told ESPN Lionel Messi's World Cup win will not settle the debate on who is the greatest ever footballer.
With Asia making their mark with some magical moments, 2026 now cannot come soon enough
After the magical moments Asia produced at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, four years is a long time to wait to do it all over again.
Amid heartbreak, Japan will learn that brute force is sometimes required to break down a wall
The 'wall of the best 16' remains standing in front of Japan. They may need brute force to break it down next time at the FIFA World Cup.
More than Croatia, the 'wall of the best 16' could be Japan's biggest obstacle in making history
Physically, Croatia stand in the way of Japan and a maiden FIFA World Cup quarterfinal. Mentally, the hurdle will be "the wall of the best 16".
Why Japan hero Ao Tanaka has already forgotten his dramatic winner vs. Spain
Ao Tanaka's winner against Spain will live on in the history of Japanese football -- so why have him and his teammates already forgotten about it?
No. 1 or not, veteran Kawashima remains loyal to Samurai Blue cause even with change in role
Not being first-choice for Japan anymore hasn't stopped goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima from playing his part in their stunning 2022 FIFA World Cup run.
Fearless Japan see no reason why they can't beat anyone and continue stunning World Cup run
After toppling both Germany and Spain to finish top of Group E, Japan see no reason why they can't keep this up in the World Cup knockout round.
After stunning upsets, Japan may as well smash and grab for the rest of the FIFA World Cup
Samurai Blue's unpredictable and uncharacteristic style keyed their comebacks over Germany and Spain. Can it lead to a deep knockout round run?
J Lge Table
| TEAM | GP | W | D | L | GD | P |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yokohama F. Marinos | 17 | 11 | 3 | 3 | +17 | 36 |
| Vissel Kobe | 15 | 10 | 3 | 2 | +21 | 33 |
| Nagoya Grampus | 16 | 9 | 5 | 2 | +10 | 32 |
| Sanfrecce Hiroshima | 16 | 9 | 2 | 5 | +7 | 29 |
| Urawa Red Diamonds | 15 | 8 | 4 | 3 | +8 | 28 |
| Cerezo Osaka | 16 | 8 | 2 | 6 | +3 | 26 |
| Consadole Sapporo | 16 | 7 | 4 | 5 | +6 | 25 |
| Kashima Antlers | 16 | 7 | 4 | 5 | +6 | 25 |
| Sagan Tosu | 16 | 6 | 4 | 6 | -2 | 22 |
| Kawasaki Frontale | 15 | 6 | 3 | 6 | +1 | 21 |
| Avispa Fukuoka | 16 | 5 | 5 | 6 | -4 | 20 |
| FC Tokyo | 16 | 5 | 4 | 7 | -4 | 19 |
| Albirex Niigata | 16 | 4 | 5 | 7 | -7 | 17 |
| Kyoto Sanga | 16 | 4 | 1 | 11 | -10 | 13 |
| Gamba Osaka | 16 | 3 | 4 | 9 | -14 | 13 |
| Shonan Bellmare | 15 | 2 | 6 | 7 | -4 | 12 |
| Kashiwa Reysol | 17 | 2 | 6 | 9 | -12 | 12 |
| Yokohama FC | 16 | 3 | 3 | 10 | -22 | 12 |