Nagoya Grampus has made headlines recently with two significant developments: the detailed match schedule for the 2025 season and the player acquisition news involving the return of Matheus Castro and the departure of Leonardo.
On January 22, 2025, the J-League publicly announced the match schedules for the 2025 Meiji Yasuda J1 League, which includes dates, kick-off times, and information about stadiums and broadcasts for matches from the 8th to the 28th fixture. The release has generated excitement among fans as teams prepare for another competitive season.
Matheus Castro, who has rejoined Nagoya Grampus, shared his enthusiasm for the opportunity to contribute to the club's success once again. "I am excited to return to Nagoya Grampus and contribute to the team's success," Castro mentioned, as reported by J-League. His previous stint with the club allowed him to hone his skills, and he is expected to play a pivotal role going forward. Castro is known for his strong left foot and has previously dazzled fans with impressive goals.
Meanwhile, Brazil's forward Leonardo has made headlines for his recent career developments as he transitions back to playing in China after his experiences in Japan. Following his tenure with Nagoya, where he struggled to find his form, Leonardo joined Fujieda MYFC but performed below expectations. After 2023, he signed with Suzhou Dongwu FC, where he notched 17 goals and 11 assists across 30 matches, leading to speculation about possible transfer opportunities.
Eventually, the Chongqing Longcheng club announced Leonardo's acquisition, which was confirmed on January 21. The club, established merely three years ago, has successfully ascended to the second division of Chinese football and shows promise for the upcoming season. "I had some great experiences at Nagoya, and I'm eager to show my progress," commented Leonardo upon his transfer announcement, as reported by J-League. His recent form suggests he may be ready to make significant contributions to his new team.
This year’s match schedule has fans buzzing about upcoming rivalries and high-stakes moments. The J-League has promised to reveal the details for the later matches (29th to 38th fixtures) by mid-to-late July, which will keep anticipation high as teams finalize their rosters and strategies.
With players like Castro returning and former players like Leonardo making moves, Nagoya Grampus has positioned itself for potential success both on and off the pitch. The integration of new talent and the familiarity brought by returning players suggest strategic depth and adaptability within the team heading toward the 2025 season. Fans are left hopeful for the club's objectives to secure favorable results as the upcoming season approaches.