This article is part of a two-part series collab action between Junpiter Futbol and SoccerKakis.
Tadanari Lee may be 37 years old this year but it seems like he has plenty left in his tank. Perhaps it is little surprise since we live in a world where many professional footballers are pushing boundaries and playing well beyond their mid-30s, which was what was traditionally considered the retirement age. But Lee is well-known in Japan and Asia for something else. When he struck that sensational volley a little more than a decade ago in the 2011 AFC Asian Cup Final, he etched his name into Japanese folklore. Lee’s goal helped the Samurai Blue overcome a resilient Australian side boasting the likes of European heavyweights Tim Cahill, Harry Kewell, and Mark Schwarzer. In the process, Lee helped Japan clinch their fourth Asian Cup title.
Of course, Lee was well on course to achieving stardom before the iconic strike. A product of the Yokogawa Electric and FC Tokyo youth systems, it was Kashiwa Reysol that gave Lee the opportunity to kickstart his professional career and he seized it firmly – learning to become a big game player in the process. A move to Sanfrecce Hiroshima followed and in 2010, Lee lost the J.League Cup final to Júbilo Iwata. These experiences helped mould Lee but nevertheless, it was his volley that finally crowned Japan as the Best in Asia in 2011 that catapulted his career into the stratosphere. Furthermore, it helped him realize the impact the beautiful game had on the masses.
“Scoring that goal changed everything,” shares the former Japan international. “Of course, playing in international matches helped me gain more exposure that eventually led to the Premier League move but that goal in 2011 was something else. Scoring that volley helped me learn the brilliance of sports and its power to lift people’s spirits and inspire them.”
Tadanari Lee turning out for Albirex Niigata Singapore
A move to Southampton soon transpired and Tadanari was given a golden opportunity to compete in the Premier League, the highest level possible. As one can imagine, adapting to the English top flight was no walk in the park and the high levels initially stunned the forward.
“The speed of the game is completely different and it shocked me, explains Lee. “I recall during the first training session, I was assessing the speed of the game and it was out of this world. In fact, it really seemed closer to basketball. The ball would swiftly move back and forth from one end to the other.”
Thankfully, Lee was able to acclimatize to the pace by communicating regularly with his fellow Saints who helped him.
And if you were wondering, the language barrier wasn’t too much of an issue for the Japanese international, who made it a point to learn English.
“I had an interpreter for the first few months. However, during that time, I also had a private tutor who taught me basic English so I could communicate with others. As they say, practice makes perfect and after half a year, I could go about my daily life in England without needing a translator.”
During his time with Southampton, Lee had some memorable encounters, including a FA Cup tie against English behemoths Chelsea FC. It was a game that forced him to push beyond his limits as he came face to face with the toughest opponent he’s ever faced.
“Playing against a big club like Chelsea was something I remember fondly because they play at a really high level. It was during that game that I faced Ashley Cole, who I believe is the best player I have ever fought against. He was an incredible player and made it difficult to get past him.”
Lee may have only scored once whilst in England but it was a scorcher of a goal against Derby County for the Saints.
Tadanari Lee in action for J.League’s Urawa Reds
After a two-year spell with Southampton, Lee would return to Japan in 2014 and forge a championship-clad chapter in his career. Emboldened by his stint with Southampton, he played with renewed vigour and was hungry for success. It is little wonder why then he was able to win close to everything possible.
And no, I’m not kidding.
In 2017, Lee clinched the AFC Champions League and Suruga Bank Championship with Urawa Red Diamonds. In 2018, he would go on to win the Emperor’s Cup with the Red Devils before making a move to Yokohama F Marianos. Under the stewardship of current Celtic gaffer Ange Postecoglou, Lee would add the J League title to his resume in 2019.
Yet, which year trumps the rest? Which one does Tadanari hold dearest to his heart?
Possibly to the surprise of many, winning the 2016 season where he won the Levian Cup with Urawa Red Diamonds that Tadanari considers the most memorable one.
“In 2016, Urawa Red Diamonds won the Levian Cup and it was the club’s first silverware in 15 years. I was named MVP for that final and that victory really changed Urawa Red’s history. It instilled a new sense of confidence and all of us wanted to reach greater heights. The next year, in 2017, we won the AFC Champions League (ACL) and Suruga Bank Championship. Of course, winning the ACL is memorable too but it was the 2016 Levian Cup win that set the course for the years to come.”
Tadanari Lee scoring 12 goals in his debut season in Singapore Premier League
The veteran striker must now find room for yet another trophy in a relatively stacked cabinet – the Singapore Premier League. That chapter will be covered in the second part that will be featured on SoccerKakis so look out for that but it seems that Lee is achieving his objectives.
“The level of Southeast Asia and in particular Singapore is improving with each passing year. Within this maelstrom that is Singapore Football, I believe I can contribute to its growth with my experience. I do think that this is a worthwhile league to be in and as time goes on, you can expect more international footballers featuring in the SPL.”
Why did he decide to come to our little red dot? What are his goals for the future? Stay tuned!
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