Yokohama FM 16‑year‑old Mitsudera Shin scores debut goal in J1 season opener

In the opening match of the 2026‑27 J1 League season, Yokohama FM faced Kashima Antlers on February 7. Sixteen‑year‑old midfielder Mitsudera Shin started the game, becoming the youngest ever starter in a J1 opening‑match. He scored the team's first goal in the 7th minute, finishing a cross from forward Kondo with his left foot.

Mitsudera later suffered a cramp and was substituted after 60 minutes. He said he was nervous but grateful for senior teammates' support, and pledged to improve his stamina. The goal marks the second‑youngest in J1 history, trailing only a 15‑year‑old record set by a former FC Tokyo prodigy.

The match ended in a defeat for Yokohama FM, but Mitsudera's debut goal drew attention as the first goal of the new J1 season.