Hidden Gems Scout

Club: Kashima Antlers Position: Forward / Second Striker Age: 16–17 Nationality: Japan Minato Yoshida has quietly emerged as one of the most intriguing attacking prospects in Kashima Antlers’ youth system, earning early exposure to J1 football through performance rather than reputation. His senior debut, made at just 16 years and nine months, was not symbolic. It came after tangible results in training and youth competition, underlining the club’s belief that his readiness is grounded in...

Divine Chinedu Otani is rapidly emerging as one of FC Tokyo’s standout young prospects, earning senior promotion thanks to a blend of physical dominance, direct running and genuine penalty-area threat.

The J3 League has come to an end for 2025. We take a look at three players aged 23 or under who have impressed in the 2025 campaign for their respective sides.