The Japan Professional Football League (J.League) have announced the appointment of Ritsu Doan as ambassador for the 2026/27 U-21 J.League, which kicks off on Saturday 22 August.
After being registered with Gamba Osaka's first team while still a youth player in 2015, Doan earned a full promotion to the first team the following year. As a member of Gamba Osaka U-23, he made 21 appearances and scored 10 goals in the 2016 MEIJI YASUDA J3 League. Speaking after his appointment as ambassador, Doan said: "It is no exaggeration to say I wouldn't be where I am today without that stage. It played a hugely important role in my football career." As the J.League prepares to launch the U-21 J.League, Doan's experience with Gamba Osaka U-23 closely reflects the competition's vision of providing meaningful development opportunities for young players, making him an ideal ambassador to help promote the new competition.
As ambassador, Doan will help promote the U-21 J.League through a range of activities, including appearances in the competition's key visual and promotional videos. In the promotional video released today, he shares his thoughts on becoming ambassador and his expectations for the new competition. More information is available on the official U-21 J.League special website below.
■ U-21 J.League Key Visual
■ U-21 J.League Special Website
https://www.jleague.jp/special/u-21/
