Argentinos Juniorsidentified as the “Seedbed of the World” for the historical value of its lower divisions, announced today the hiring of a young Japanese forward, who will be on loan until December 31, with a purchase option.
Ryoga Kida18 years old and 1.76 meters tall, will initially join the Reserve team led by Cristian Zermatten under a contractual productivity scheme.
Born in the capital of Japan, Kida began playing soccer in the Tokyo Verdy junior team, then moved to FC Tama until reaching the youth teams of Nagoya Grampus, which allowed him to debut in the first division last year. He played 20 games in the highest category of Japanese football and scored three goals.
To announce the news of his arrival, Argentinos used a video with images of the soccer player and others from Supercampeones, the emblematic soccer anime series.
“Since I started playing football, admiring Lionel Messi, I follow South American football and Argentine football, and I always wanted to challenge myself if I had the opportunity. It was a very difficult decision take on the challenge of going to Argentinabut I thought this was the perfect moment,” he told the Nagoya Grampus official site.
This is how Ryoga Kida plays 🇯🇵 the new reinforcement of #AAAJ for the reserve squad.
The 18-year-old Japanese plays as a forward and offensive midfielder.
During 2023 he played 21 games, scoring 5 goals and 1 assist. pic.twitter.com/7Ss9S0KSdm— Davi🐞🧣 (@DavidovichLucas) January 25, 2024
“I will do what I can. The best thing is to generate growth from the other side of Japan. For this decision to be the right one, I will show my soul in Argentinaeven in the face of adversity, and I will play football with my life at stake,” the forward promised.
Until now, only two Japanese footballers have played in the first division of Argentine football: Nahoiro Takahara in Boca (2001/2002) and Yasuke Kato in Huracán (2007). The promotion was done by Yasushi Kawakami for Banfield (1984) and Kou Goutou in Almirante Brown (2018).