Yokohama FC have announced that midfielder Rita Watanabe of Teikyo High School will join the club in 2027. The club also announced that he has been registered as a 2026/27 JFA/J.League Special Designated Player.
Watanabe is from Tokyo. The club describes him as a player who uses his exceptional left-footed technique, wide range of skills and ability to wrong-foot opponents to produce eye-catching football. He is also strong in physical duels and does not shy away from contact, with the club describing him as a rare modern-day “fantasista”.
Following the announcement, Watanabe commented:
“I’m delighted to have the opportunity to play professionally, something I’ve been working towards since I was a child, but at the same time I feel this is where the real journey begins. I’m also hugely excited to begin my professional career at Yokohama FC, a club where I feel truly wanted and which is aiming for promotion to J1 through attacking football under the theme of ‘Impressive Football’, while giving many young players the opportunity to shine. I’m sincerely grateful to my family, coaches, teammates and everyone who has supported me along the way. I’ll keep working hard and pushing myself in training every day so that I can contribute to the team as a member of Yokohama FC as soon as possible. Thank you for your support.”
