Former Japan international striker Yoshito Okubo, now serving as the club director of FC Sol Naciente in Spain, has organized a forward discovery tryout aimed at identifying raw talent and sharing his philosophy on scoring. Speaking about his experience in Spain, Okubo emphasized the stark contrast with Japanese football culture, saying, “It’s not like Japan.” The tryout, held at the club’s facilities, sought to uncover promising young attackers while also educating participants on the essence of finishing.
Okubo, who enjoyed a prolific career in Japan’s J.League and also played abroad, explained that his goal in Spain goes beyond simply finding players. “I want to pass on what a goal truly means,” he said. “In Japan, we often focus on tactics and teamwork, but here in Spain, individual creativity and the instinct to score are valued from a young age. That’s a big difference.” The former striker, known for his clinical finishing and clever movement, believes that understanding the mentality of a goalscorer is just as important as technical skill.
The tryout drew a number of hopefuls eager to impress the legendary forward, who has been working to build FC Sol Naciente’s youth and professional structure. Okubo’s hands-on approach, including offering real-time feedback during drills, highlighted his commitment to nurturing the next generation. “I want them to feel what it’s like to be a striker—the pressure, the decision-making, and the joy of finding the net,” he added.
This initiative underscores Okubo’s belief that Japanese football can learn from the Spanish emphasis on fearless individualism in the final third. As he continues his role in Spain, he remains focused on bridging the gap between the two football cultures while uncovering hidden gems capable of making an impact.
