Sano Ryuma's 'Monster' Solo: 22 Years Old, 2 Goals, Still Lost 3-4 — The Nagging Problem of Kamatamare Sanuki

The J3 League Round 4 match on August 29 produced a moment that made DAZN commentators exclaim "what a goal!". But don't let the beautiful solo goal fool you: Kamatamare Sanuki still lost 3-4 to Kagoshima United FC. A 22-year-old forward scored 2 goals, one of which was a dribble from his own half, finishing with a right-foot strike from outside the box into the top-left corner — and the team still left the pitch empty-handed. This is the story I want to dissect today.

In 27 years in this profession, I have witnessed countless 'genius' moments masking systemic flaws. But in J3, where every match can define a season, a solo goal is never the answer to defensive problems. Let me wade down and count every penny — every touch, every tactical gap — of this match.

Sano's second goal came in the 29th minute of the second half when his team trailed 2-3. Receiving the ball from a teammate's sliding tackle in his own half, Sano decided not to pass but to carry the ball forward himself. This is a pure transition attack — the opponent had pushed high, leaving space behind. But the question arises: why would a 22-year-old choose to dribble the full length instead of passing? Two possibilities: either there were no forward passing options, or individual confidence was overwhelming.

Sano's individual technique exceeds the J3 average, but that very quality exposes Kamatamare Sanuki's collective weakness.

Look at the data: the team scored 3 goals but conceded 4. While Sano shone with a brace, the defense is the biggest bottleneck. This is not a one-match problem — it is a signal of systemic fragility. J3 football has no room for teams that only attack and forget about defending.

I witnessed something similar in Russia during World Cup 2026, where talented young players were swallowed by their teams' lack of structure. In Russia, I saw people buy ages for players, but they couldn't buy a future for them. Here, Kamatamare Sanuki is betting its future on a 22-year-old while neglecting the defense.

Interestingly, Japanese media is building a 'new Sano' narrative — comparing Sano Ryuma to the two Sano brothers (Kaishu at Mainz, Kodai at PSV) playing in Europe. But look closely: the Sano brothers are midfielders, while Ryuma is a forward. The connection rests solely on a surname coincidence. This is a purely media construction with no genuine sporting substance.

The money flows beneath every match, and I have waded down to count every penny. But here, the problem is not money — it is how the team operates. Kamatamare Sanuki, a small club from Kagawa Prefecture, faces the classic J3 puzzle: develop young talent to sell to bigger clubs while maintaining competitiveness. Sano Ryuma, if he maintains form, will certainly catch the attention of J1, J2 clubs in the January transfer window.

But let's stay sober: one match, two goals, one viral moment. The sample size is far too small to conclude anything about Sano's career trajectory. If he keeps scoring in the next 5-10 matches, then we can talk about a real breakthrough. Otherwise, the 'monster' label will quickly become a burden.

I don't write about football. I write about the people swallowed by football. And Kamatamare Sanuki is swallowing its own potential with a fragile defense. In an empty stadium, the sound of money colliding is clearest — but here, money is not the issue. The issue is structure.

Sano's solo goal is a beautiful moment, but it does not change the reality: the team still lost. And in football, beautiful moments never save a broken system.