Despite the unstable weather with intermittent rain on Sunday, many Antlers supporters gathered at Saitama Stadium 2002. Amidst cheers from behind the goal and applause from the main stand, the players were enveloped in the support of Antlers red. The first half kicked off at 1:30 PM. The match unfolded in a tense, evenly contested manner from the start, befitting a title match.
Antlers Youth quickly gained momentum from the outset. Centered around defensive midfielder Onuki, they recovered second balls with quick presses, increasing their time playing in Kobe U-18's territory.
Then, in the 37th minute, the much-awaited opening goal was scored. Hirashima received a perfectly aimed through pass from Yoshida on the right side of the opponent's half, executed a sharp turn inside the penalty area, and fired a right-footed shot. The controlled shot found the back of the net, and the Antlers red erupted in joy.
With the lead, Antlers Youth took control and intensified their attack. Right-sided midfielder Nakagawa created chances with sharp penetrations into the penalty area, aggressively seeking to extend their lead. Even when Kobe U-18 launched counter-attacks, Motosuna Enito Udemba provided stability with powerful defense, nipping attacks in the bud. The first half ended 1-0, a solid performance that saw Kobe U-18 without a single shot on goal.
In the second half, with a 1-0 lead, Antlers Youth found themselves increasingly pushed back by a resurgent Kobe U-18. Although Antlers Youth maintained strong concentration and defended well, in the 57th minute, they conceded a header from an opponent's free kick, making the score 1-1. They were caught up by a set piece.
With the score tied, Antlers Youth found themselves defending more often, but they didn't become passive, instead patiently aiming for a goal. As coach Nakano reflected, "Although we were pushed back for longer periods, we were able to focus on defending and then counter-attacking or trying to score." In the final stages, they rallied again and created several clear-cut chances. However, they couldn't score a second goal, and the 90 minutes of regular time ended 1-1, sending the match into extra time.
In the 10-minute halves of extra time, Antlers Youth took the initiative from the start. Both wide midfielders, Naga and Doi, who came on as substitutes in the second half, created chances with powerful breakthroughs. They aimed for a winning goal, but no second goal was scored, leading to a penalty shootout.
In the penalty shootout, Antlers Youth went first. After four takers from each team, two had scored, making it 2-2 for the fifth taker. Fukuoka of Antlers Youth confidently scored, while Kobe U-18's fifth taker missed, ending the shootout 3-2. A circle of joy formed around goalkeeper Oshita, who, with tactics and anticipation, had forced three misses from Kobe U-18 players.
With this championship, they achieved an unprecedented treble, having also won the "49th Japan Club Youth Football Championship (U-18)" and the "2025 J Youth Cup 31st J.League Youth Championship."
Thank you for all your support!
■Comments from the coach and players who participated in the final
[Coach Yoji Nakano]
Facing a very strong Kobe U-18 team, we started the game with solid defense. The first half went as planned, but in the second half, we were pushed back for longer periods. Despite conceding a goal, I think our victory came from our persistent efforts in enduring, counter-attacking, and focusing on scoring goals. This resilience led to the win.
We didn't specifically aim for the treble; we fought one match at a time. After the J Youth Cup, the players might have become a bit more aware of it, but their daily efforts ultimately led to this excellent result for them.
(Watching the players at the awards ceremony) I honestly thought, "They did well, these guys are amazing."
[GK 21 Kosei Oshita]
When we played against Kobe in the Wakura Youth tournament, we lost in a penalty shootout, so today I went into it thinking I would stop everything and win. Next year, I want to play every Premier League match, win the championship again, and aim to lead the team to victory with a clean sheet in the final once more. I want to grow and play at an even higher level.
[DF 2 Towa Asahina]
I'm genuinely happy because there were tough times over these three years. I made a mistake last year at Hodogaya (against Yokohama FC Youth), and not winning was truly frustrating. This year, I've been working hard every day, thinking I need to grow more so the team can win. I want to aim for a professional career, grow more in university, and return to Kashima.
[DF 3 Enito Udemba Motosuna]
Throughout the match, I think Antlers had more chances. However, we couldn't finish them, making it a difficult game. I missed in the penalty shootout, but everyone told me not to be down. I'm happy we won, and I feel a strong sense of relief. I'm really glad I was part of this team and won a championship; it's been a year I couldn't have imagined last year.
[DF 4 Yugo Okawa]
I'm incredibly happy that we achieved the treble, something no one has ever done before. Throughout the year, we were confident that we had practiced the most. I think we were able to deliver on that. The strength of this year's team is our ability to switch between on and off. We joke around a lot, but when it comes to football, we're serious, and I think the results show that we've done what we needed to do. Antlers is a club that must win, so I'm very happy that we achieved that today.
[MF 6 Rui Onuki]
Honestly, I'm very happy that so many people came to support us in this treble-deciding match, and we were able to finish with a championship. Yesterday, I felt more "excited," but after stepping onto the pitch today until the whistle blew, I was a bit nervous. Still, I made a pretty good play in the first action, and I was able to win the ball defensively, so from then on, I felt a growing urge to "go for it." I have a strong sense of gratitude for being able to play football on such a stage.
[MF 10 Daigo Hirashima]
I really wanted to win the treble, so I'm truly happy. The goal I scored today was only possible because Coach Okamoto consistently stayed with me for extra practice after training. I'm genuinely thrilled that the practice we put in directly translated into a goal. This year's team has no players who slack off or lose heart. Even in the final, everyone showed their tenacity by running and fighting, just as usual. In the future, I want to be involved not only in youth activities but also with the top team. My goal is to win titles with the top team, so I want to work towards that.
[MF 14 Tenku Nakagawa]
In terms of my own play, if I were to be greedy, I would have liked to have scored or assisted, but before the match, I decided to "play purely for the team today," and I believe I fully carried out my duties. I'm very happy to have achieved the treble, something no team has ever done before, and to have made history. I believe this is because everyone approached daily training with full effort and engaged in Japan's best practice. It's great that this season concluded with a triumphant finish. We were the strongest and best team.
[MF 26 Sora Iwado]
I'm simply happy. This treble was truly achieved with the help of my senior teammates, so next year, I want to be the one helping them and achieve it again. Today, I got goosebumps from the moment I stepped onto the pitch, and it made me strongly feel that if I become a professional, I'll be seen by 50,000 or more people, and I really want to become a professional.
[MF 27 Yuwa Fukuoka]
It's the best. The desire to win was definitely the strongest, and today, especially since the treble was said to be unprecedented, the feeling of absolutely wanting to win was very strong. This week, rather than pressure, the excitement of "I can't wait for the match" was stronger. The supporters always come, and they're truly a source of strength. Even in the second half or extra time, they cheered loudly, which motivated me to work even harder.
[FW 15 Akito Takaki]
Finally, to become the best in Japan with these teammates, that makes me truly, truly happy. There were times when I didn't get much playing time, and even when I got chances, I couldn't capitalize on them, which was frustrating. So, I'm incredibly happy that I was able to play in the match like this at the end. Everyone on the team shares the belief that "Antlers is a team that must win," and leading up to today, there was a strong conviction that we had to approach training with a very high level of awareness. The desire to "win" grew stronger every day.
[FW 40 Minato Yoshida]
I'm truly happy to have won and become the best in Japan. Personally, in the three national tournament finals I've played in domestically so far, I haven't scored a goal in any of them. I really wanted to score today, so I'm both truly happy to have won and also feel some regret. I believe we achieved the treble because the third-year students led this team, so I'm truly grateful. However, even with this win, we must continue to win more titles. The reality is that we've just won a title, and from now on, I want to be involved with the top team as well.
[GK 29 Shoei Kurosawa]
It was great to achieve the treble with these beloved teammates. It was a season where I didn't get to play much, and I played for a year with a sense of frustration. Nevertheless, it was a year where I learned the importance of daily effort and preparation. I believe that by fighting united as players and staff at all times, we achieved the wonderful result of the treble in the end.
[DF 22 Kohki Kurahashi]
At the beginning of the season, I had injuries and couldn't play, which caused a lot of frustration. But I worked hard from there and was able to get involved in many games in the latter half of the season. I really wanted to play in the final, but couldn't, so my regret was greater than my joy at winning. Next year, I want to be on the pitch and lead the team to victory myself.
[DF 25 Kanta Hayashi]
I'm genuinely happy that I was able to win a title with the third-year students I've played with since junior youth. However, this year I played a lot of games with the B team and, although I was on the bench for the (A team) games, I didn't get much involvement. So, next year I strongly want to play in the games myself and win a title.
[MF 8 Yuto Sato]
Compared to the beginning of the season, our resilience grew with each tournament, like the Club Youth and J Youth Cup, and we became tougher. I think everyone understood what to do in important moments and acted accordingly. That's why the part where we won by combining our strengths is significant, and I think we all grew throughout the year.
[MF 33 Jigen Monoi]
I'm genuinely happy. It was a season where I wasn't involved in many games, and despite feeling frustrated, I tried to do what I could for the team, and it was great to finally win like this. I believe that everyone grew in the games through daily training, pushing each other with high intensity and awareness.
[FW 9 Yuto Masaki]
I didn't play in the game today, but I'm happy. Watching the game from the bench today, I honestly almost cried. All the memories of the year came flooding back, and that feeling of happiness was the strongest. Even though I wasn't on the pitch, I'm really glad we won.
[FW 11 Hayate Naga]
Honestly, I feel relieved. I got injured before summer and couldn't play in the Club Youth final, so I've been carrying that frustration until today. I came on as a substitute today, but I'm glad I was able to play and contribute to the championship. Having so many supporters made it very rewarding. I want to work hard to fight with this emblem on my back again.
[FW 44 Shusei Takizawa]
Although I didn't play, I made an effort to think "what can I do" to ensure the players on the field could perform comfortably. Watching the game from the bench, I strongly wished I could score a goal and lead the team to victory. Next year, I will score goals and win for the team. I'm grateful to have seen the best in Japan up close. We will win the treble again next year.
[FW 55 Sora Doi]
It was the biggest stage I've ever played on, so I think it was good that I was able to play with enthusiasm. I wasn't very nervous; it was more like "I'm going to do it" and "let's enjoy it." I'm also playing in the Premier League this season, but I haven't produced results yet, so I want to work hard to gain recognition from others and aim higher.