Vissel Kobe plan to honor Andres Iniesta with statue

newsonjapan.com -- Jan 25

The 2022 J1 League campaign is due to begin on 18 February, which means that clubs throughout Japan are already busy launching their new kits, alongside season ticket campaigns to fill an impressive array of magnificent stadiums throughout the country.

As the euphoria and excitement builds ahead of the new league campaign, Vissel Kobe have something extra special in mind, which is dedicated to their most famous player.

Former Spain international Andres Iniesta has become hugely popular in Japan, ever since making the switch from FC Barcelona to Vissel Kobe in 2018. That deal was reportedly worth around $30 million per season for the player, which he extended last season until January 2024. According to AFP reports published via France24, the club has now launched a project aimed at honoring their iconic footballer.

“To say that it’s a miracle to be around to watch Iniesta playing in Japan is not an exaggeration,” reads the crowdfunding page on the official Vissel Kobe website. This aims to raise around $130,000 to place a statue of Iniesta outside the Noevir Stadium in Misaki Park, while the club insists this will help turn the venue into the “sacred ground” of Japanese soccer. Fans can also help choose how the bronze statue will be designed.

New kit pays homage to home city

Amidst the plans to honor Andres Iniesta as their most famous player, the soccer team is eager to pay homage to its home city. The new Vissel Kobe 2022 season uniform launch revealed that front and center of the crimson jersey, the iconic Kobe Port Tower takes pride of place, accompanied by the Mount Rokko range as the backdrop. The principal motif on the chest is also emblazoned with the Rakuten logo, reflecting the club’s ownership and main sponsor.

“Our Home” is the central theme of the launch, speaking of the surrounding natural beauty of the sea and mountains, which also feature in the unique motif design on the chest, while the Kobe Port Tower highlights how the ancient port city has evolved in modern times. Likewise, having Iniesta as the main face of the launch underlines cultural diversity of the port city, famed for having welcomed cultural ideas from Japan and overseas.

The distinctive crimson color of the home jersey dates back to 2004, when the club was purchased by Hiroshi Mikitani, who is a native of Kobe and president of Rakuten, the massive Japanese online merchant. The fortunes of the club have improved significantly following the arrival Andres Iniesta in 2018, who was joined by fellow Spanish players David Villa and Sergi Samper in 2019, when Vissel concluded the season as Emperor’s Cup champions. After the retirement of Villa, his replacement in 2021 was Bojan Krkic.

2022 season brings ambitious outlook

Given the exceptional progress made over the last few seasons, particularly since the arrival of Andres Iniesta, there’s no doubting that Vissel Kobe will be seeking to continue their quest for trophies. The Spanish connection was inspirational when the team won the Emperor’s Cup in 2019, then the Japanese Super Cup in 2020, along with reaching the AFC Champions League semi-finals. Finishing 2021 third in the J1 League was the highest the club has ever achieved.

Heading into the 2022 campaign, reigning J1 League champions Kawasaki Frontale will undoubtedly be outright betting favorites, having lifted the title four times since the competition was rebranded in 2015. The latest SBO best Japan betting sites guide covers how to wager safely and securely, rating and reviewing all the top online bookmakers, along with evaluating all the latest odds and offers available.

Vissel Kobe will undoubtedly be amongst the genuine challengers, as bookmakers weigh up their potential ahead of the 2022 season. The club will undoubtedly be aiming to win the J1 League this season, whilst also keeping focused on continental progress, possibly with a bid to win the AFC Champions League this year. Indeed, it could be an exceptional campaign for Andres Iniesta and company, as they seek to build a lasting soccer dynasty in Japan.