Throughout last year's battles, the keyword for the team was "passion."
The battles that fueled them were expressed as a desire to win, creating excitement in the stadium.
This season, WE ARE GAMBA OSAKA will focus on the spirit that each player has behind their "passion." What kind of power will their soul, enthusiasm, courage, and determination give to the team this season?

He gives his all in every situation and runs as hard as he can. His performances continue to convey this determination. Surprisingly, he says he is overcome with anxiety and negative emotions until the day before a match, but once he steps onto the pitch, his strongest self emerges.
"I'm basically an anxious person. In fact, until the day before a match, I always prepare for the worst case scenario. Not only my own play, but also the team's conceding a goal early in the first half, or being forced into a disadvantageous situation. But that's why I prepare for every possible scenario and give it my all in practice, and even if things don't go as planned during the match, I don't panic or waver because I've prepared for it. All I have to do is throw everything I've prepared at the opponent in front of me, with all my might. When I think about it that way, I feel like preparing for bad situations before a match ultimately gives me the fighting spirit."
In fact, there is no fear or anxiety in Yamashita on the pitch. No matter how strong his opponents are, he charges forward without hesitation, competes for the ball, and steals it from them. He is truly single-minded. Those who watch him are touched and fascinated by his appearance.
"I don't know when it started happening, but as soon as a match begins, it's like the person I was the day before was a lie, and I lose all fear. I wonder why that is. It's a mystery to me too. When I watch the video after a match, I often think, "I can't believe I was able to play like that!" (laughs). But soccer is ultimately a mental battle. The outcome always depends on how confident, positive, and passionate you are when playing soccer. On the other hand, if you think about unnecessary things or get scared, you will make mistakes and be surpassed by the other team. But, as I've said before, I'm by no means mentally strong. That's why I think I just need to make the best preparations I can for the match ahead, throw the spirit I've created there head-on, and keep fighting with all my might."
This is his second season with Gamba. His speed has undoubtedly become a weapon for the team. In fact, the moment Yamashita gets the ball, the stands erupt in excitement, and the way he breaks through opponents despite their physical differences makes the cheers even louder.
"I always want to become a player who can change the atmosphere of the stadium with one play."
All of this is for the sake of the team's victory. His love for Gamba, which is growing day by day, will be transformed into the power to take that first step faster and stronger.
"Every time I come into contact with the passion that Gamba's representative players, such as Takashi (Usami), Higashi(Masaaki HIGASHIGUCHI), and Aki (Kurata), have for Gamba, I am drawn to it more and more, and I fall more and more in love with Gamba. I am grateful to all the clubs I have played for up until now, but right now, the only club I love is Gamba, the club I'm playing for. I will fight with all my might for the club I love the most, and I want to share as many joys as possible with everyone."
As an aside, in contrast to the passion he continues to show on the pitch, he says that he actually "doesn't like to stand out." He also smiles wryly and says he still can't get used to being the center of attention in hero interviews after games.
"I'll try my best to make myself stand out on the pitch and let people know about my play!"
To that end, I just give it my all every day.


-
Text by Takamura Misa

Back Number