Kyogo Furuhashi, the talented striker who recently made the move from Celtic FC to French side Rennes, has opened up about the emotional toll of being consistently overlooked for the Japan National Team. After earning 22 international caps, with his last appearance coming against China back in November, the 30-year-old has expressed feelings of being "depressed and frustrated" due to his snubs during his successful tenure at Celtic.
Reflecting on this period, Kyogo shared how he learned of his exclusion from the Samurai Blue squad just before traveling for a Champions League match against Real Madrid—an announcement he described as particularly disheartening. "It was really frustrating, to be honest. I think the announcement of the squad was on the day we were traveling for the Champions League away game. I couldn’t let it dwell on me. To be honest, I was really depressed and frustrated, but I had to play in the Champions League, so I did my best to switch gears," he told Lemino Football.
During his time at Celtic, Kyogo's form was nothing short of spectacular. He recorded 85 goals and won eight domestic honors across three-and-a-half seasons, making his omissions from the national team selections all the more puzzling to fans and critics alike. Despite his track record, Kyogo found himself repeatedly disregarded for the national team, which he admits was hard to accept, especially after being left out of the squad for the 2022 World Cup held in Qatar.
Now at Rennes, Kyogo is determined to showcase his abilities and hopes this move can facilitate his return to international duty. He believes regular playtime in Ligue 1 will allow him to demonstrate the strength of his game. "I think if I can prove my strength here in France by playing every week, I will be called up by the national team again and I will be able to show a different side of myself. I cannot claim to be called up with certainty, but if I can demonstrate my ability at Rennes, it definitely adds to my chances," he said.
Kyogo's ambition is clear as he adapts to the challenges of French football, where he acknowledges the presence of highly skilled players. He stated, "I just want to make an impact here and create chances for my teammates. I’m very pleased we won in my opening game. There are a lot of players in France with very high technical abilities, and I know I will challenge myself every day." This eagerness demonstrates not just his commitment to his club but also his underlying desire to reinstate himself within the national squad.
Kyogo's situation highlights the fierce competition for positions within national teams and the emotional strain players undergo when their performances do not translate to international recognition. He aims to leverage his current position at Rennes as both a platform for personal growth and as an opportunity to reclaim his place among Japan's elite footballers. This highlights not only his resilience but also the broader narrative of athletes who strive for acknowledgment on international stages, often battling emotional uncertainties within the high-pressure environment of professional sports.
His experience resonates with many athletes who have faced similar disappointments, serving as both inspiration and reminder of the mental challenges sports figures can encounter. Kyogo's story sheds light on the human aspect of sports, illustrating how personal aspirations and frustrations can significantly impact players on their journeys.
Whether Kyogo's time at Rennes will yield the desired results remains to be seen, but his determination is evident. The player noted, "I just want to make an impact here and create chances for my teammates." His commitment both to the club and to potentially reclaiming his spot on the international scene will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike.
Kyogo’s situation encapsulates the intersection of personal dedication and professional acknowledgement, and his future performances will no doubt play a pivotal role not only in his career but also for Japan's national aspirations moving forward.