The 2025 J1 League season may be in its infancy, but Sanfrecce Hiroshima have wasted no time in showcasing their title credentials. Still smarting from the agony of missing out on last year’s championship on the final day, Michael Skibbe’s men served notice of their intentions with a pair of statement victories to kick off the new campaign.
Knocking Off the Contenders
First up was a tantalizing curtain-raiser against defending champions Vissel Kobe in the Japanese Super Cup. Sanfrecce made light work of their heavyweight opponents, romping to a comprehensive 2-0 win. A week later, they followed it up by edging out Machida Zelvia 2-1 in their league opener – the same Machida side that had pushed them all the way in last season’s riveting title race.
In the span of just seven days, Sanfrecce had knocked off the two teams that ran them closest in 2024. It was an emphatic way to lay down an early marker, especially with Vissel being held to a goalless draw by Urawa Red Diamonds in their first J1 assignment of 2025.
Stability and Quality
Continuity has been key to Sanfrecce’s strong start. Satisfied with the talent at his disposal, Skibbe retained the core of his squad in the off-season. The players have clearly bought into his preferred 3-4-2-1 system, with the wing-backs and dual playmakers thriving in their roles.
When at full strength, it is hard to dispute that Sanfrecce are one of the most formidable outfits in Japanese football.
The one question mark was up front, where a revolving door of imports failed to nail down the starting berth in 2024. Skibbe will hope he has found the solution in prolific striker Ryo Germain, snapped up from Jubilo Iwata after bagging 19 goals last term. If the new man can find his scoring boots, Sanfrecce will take some stopping.
Champs Not Going Quietly
Impressive as Sanfrecce have been, it would be foolish to write off the champions just yet. Vissel fielded a second-string side in the Super Cup as they prioritized their ACL commitments, where they duly sealed progress to the last 16. With Yuya Osako and Yoshinori Muto, the last two J.League Players of the Year, leading the line, Vissel have more than enough firepower to mount a strong title defense.
The battle lines have been drawn early in what promises to be another captivating J1 League season. Sanfrecce Hiroshima have thrown down the gauntlet with their fast start, but write off Vissel Kobe at your peril. With the two heavyweights not scheduled to clash until July, there will be plenty of twists and turns to come in the months ahead. One thing is for sure – the Japanese top flight is shaping up to be a must-watch in 2025.
