Gonda has consistently challenged himself at high levels, signing a professional contract as a high school student and twice attempting to play in Europe. For such a player, what kind of challenges await in 2022?

'First, I was appointed captain of Shimizu S-Pulse. Honestly, last year's results were not satisfactory. Shimizu is a city with a strong football culture, but fans often say, 'It used to be a strong team.' So, as captain, I want to lead the team and make this a season where people say, 'This is the strongest team in history.' That might require winning titles, and I want to make it a year that excites and thrills the people of Shimizu, a city of football.'

And another thing, this year is also a World Cup year.

'There's no doubt that SAMURAI BLUE is improving as a team, but the final qualifying match against Australia is in March, and if we lose that, qualifying for the World Cup will be difficult. So, first and foremost, I want to focus on securing World Cup qualification and achieving results. The current national team's football aims to play in a way that we can win against any opponent, so I want to qualify and challenge the world's top teams.'

While it will be a year of challenges both for the club and the national team, Gonda emphasizes the importance of daily practice and consistent effort.

'You don't suddenly become a better soccer player just by waking up in the morning (laughs). By facing soccer earnestly every day, the probability of achieving results increases. When asked to write my favorite phrase on an autograph board, I write 'Continuous Growth,' as daily improvement is always my theme.'

So, beyond this continuous daily growth, where do you set your ultimate goal?

'Hmm, that's difficult... For example, even if I participate in the World Cup this year and we win, I'd want to win again. It's the same with the club; if we win the J.League, we'd want to win consecutively. Probably, no matter how hard I try and achieve results, I won't feel like I've reached the goal, and I'll retire with a sense of dissatisfaction (laughs). Perhaps, no matter how far I go, it will always be about continuous growth.'

Surprisingly, Gonda only began to like cars after becoming a professional athlete.

'My family home was right in front of the station, so I was more into model trains and trains than cars (laughs). Once I became a pro, I started getting interested because senior players would commute to practice in cool cars. I got to ride in various cars and noticed how the engine sounds and ride comfort differed by manufacturer, making me realize how deep the world of cars is. I became particularly fascinated by the engine sounds, and I got hooked on a game where I'd guess the car by its engine sound from behind. I think it was around 2010, during an Italian tour, when I heard an incredible sound. I braced myself, expecting some supercar, but it was a compact car. That's when I learned about Abarth. From that moment, I always wanted to drive an Abarth.'

More than ten years have passed since then, and now he drives an Abarth every day.

'The Abarth's engine sound really gets me going. I even downshift and accelerate firmly just to hear that sound. Also, perhaps because I'm an athlete, I appreciate the car's responsiveness when I turn the steering wheel or press the accelerator. Driving is so enjoyable that when the Japan national team had a match in Makuhari in January, I drove my Abarth all the way from Shimizu. It was about 200 km, but it wasn't bothersome at all. So, I drive quite a lot.'

In 2022, the Abarth 595C Turismo is subtly inspiring Shuichi Gonda as he continues his challenges with Shimizu S-Pulse and the Japanese national team.

GONDA Shuichi
Born in Tokyo in 1989. Signed a professional contract with FC Tokyo while still in high school in 2007. After playing for clubs in Austria and Portugal, he transferred to Shimizu S-Pulse in 2020. He shoulders the important responsibility of captain for the 2022 season.

The SCORPION SPIRIT #MY GOAL - I won't yield my goal.
Abarth's new branding project, 'The SCORPION SPIRIT #MY GOAL,' featuring professional footballer (GK) Shuichi Gonda, has launched. What are the four '#MY GOALs' he has set for the pivotal 2022 season? Don't miss the special movie starring Gonda and his beloved 'ABARTH 595C Turismo.' A campaign is also underway for a chance to win Abarth original items for 30 lucky winners!