The ambitious 22-year-old knows well the value of a goal. In the professional world, results are everything— Even if the position is winger or inside half, his beliefs never change. Harumi Minamino, who joined on a permanent transfer from Gamba Osaka this summer, says this bluntly.

"The most important thing I can contribute to the team is by scoring goals."

He understands that pressing from the front, acting as decoys, and creating scoring opportunities from the flank are also required, but his core as a scorer remains unwavering.

Minamino has accumulated goals and stepped up from the J3 League. He grew up at the academy of Gamba Osaka and signed a provisional contract as a new signing for the following season (2023) in the fall of his third year of high school. In 2022, he played in eight official matches for the top team Trial, but he did not immediately establish himself on the J1 stage. He went through repeated loan spells and experienced long periods of early training.

In 2023, he was loaned to Tegevajaro Miyazaki in J3 at the time. From that time, he was thoroughly committed to aiming for goals with a bold desire. It's not just about reckless ambition. He has a keen sense of smell. He anticipated loose balls and passed them in, then timed his crosses to shake the net. At 19, he scored 10 league goals. And what caught his attention was a goal that earned him points. The 10 Trial Minamino scored have been unbeaten with 6 wins and 4 draws. The following year, after transferring to J2 Tochigi SC, he scored 7 goals with a gritty style and led to many victories. Minamino scored goals, but only lost 6 Trial 2 Trial.

"Since our J2 and J3 days, we have achieved results. We have to run hard for the team and create a starting point, but I believe what Reds requires is results. We want to meet the club's expectations."

His strength has already been proven both in J1 and on the Asian stage. In the first half of 2026, he scored 7 goals in 17 Trial in the J1 Centennial Vision League. Even here, what shone beyond the numbers was his clutch performance. In the match against Shimizu S-Pulse on May 24, he came on as a substitute in the second half and immediately scored the equalizer, scoring the go-ahead goal.

There is also some interesting data. Looking at his professional career, Minamino has lost only 3 Trial of 22 league matches Trial he has been a scorer. This is hardly a mere coincidence. His determined determination toward the goal may be what ignites the team.

In the 'Juice Special Match' against RB Omiya Ardija on August 1, he came onto the pitch as the right winger in the second half, trailing by one goal, and accelerated the Reds' momentum. In the 85th minute, with the score tied 1-2, Ado Onaiwu scored the equalizer, bringing the game to a draw. Minamino's own performance was also remarkable. He actively made runs into the back and pocketed pockets near the side of the penalty area. After the 80th minute, he came from the right side and unleashed a powerful mid-range shot with his signature left foot. Although it didn't lead to a goal, he showed great potential.

"Being able to aim for goals from that position is one of my strengths. I need to improve how I finish the ball, but if I can show the difference there, I should be able to contribute more to the team's victory. I want to take the point of putting him in the shooting position positively. If I keep doing this, I believe the results will follow, so I wonder if I can do it without rushing."

His words radiate confidence. Although he was known as a striker during his time with Gamba Osaka, from the middle of the second half he also played as one of the two shadows. While skillfully handling attacking positions, he maintained a proactive approach to goal.

"Two years ago (Tochigi SC), I was playing in similar positions. If it led to a goal, that would have been best, but I have a good impression of it."

With the start of the new season just around the corner, the team is in excellent condition. The opening match of his first year after the transfer is against Gamba OSAKA, who has been with the team for many years since his junior (elementary school days). Panasonic Stadium Suita, which has become an away ground this season, is a familiar spot, but he has no intention of getting sentimental.

"The momentum and flow of the season are often decided by the opening match. If the opponent is my old club, my motivation increases, but the feeling of fighting each match doesn't change. No matter where the opponent is, what we do is the same."

They will feel good, score, and win. If the man who dazzled them scores a goal, it should attract good luck to the win. Starting Friday, August 7, a new 'unbeaten myth' may begin for the Reds as well.

(Interview and text by Masayuki Sugizono)