Japanese backup goalkeeper Shunsuke Ando makes his first appearance in nine years

Serving as a backup goalkeeper can often feel like an unappreciated role, but for Japan’s Shunsuke Ando, aged 34, the fruits of patience manifested this week as he played in a match for the first time in nearly a decade.

Now in his 17th season as a professional footballer, Ando had only made 24 career appearances before he received the call-up for Kawasaki Frontale’s Asian Champions League home clash against Australia’s Central Coast Mariners on Tuesday.

His last game prior to this week had been in May 2016, yet Ando displayed no signs of inactivity, contributing to a solid performance as Kawasaki, who had already secured their place in the next round, won 2-0.

Having spent nearly his entire career at J. League first-division side Kawasaki, Ando told AFP he holds no regrets regarding the path his career has taken.

“The role of goalkeeper is unique and it’s not easy to rotate them frequently, but I always believed my opportunity would come and I train diligently to ensure I’m ready when it does,” he explained.

“I’ve never truly lost faith in myself or become disheartened. Naturally, there is frustration, but my motivation has remained unwavering.”

Ando rose through the ranks in Kawasaki’s youth setup before turning professional in 2009 and making his debut two years later.

He faced challenges in displacing the club’s first-choice goalkeeper and subsequently went on loan to Shonan Bellmare, where he made 15 appearances before returning to his parent club the following season.

Yet, he still found his way to the Kawasaki first team obstructed, with only one appearance to his name in over 11 years until Tuesday night.

Team-Oriented Approach

Ando has occasionally contemplated transferring to another club during his career, but ultimately decided that playing for Kawasaki was “the most significant aspect.”

“Playing the other night was such a joyful occasion for me,” he remarked.

“If I had moved to a different club, I believe my enthusiasm would have waned.”

Ando is not alone in the football world; several goalkeepers have spent a significant portion of their careers on the sidelines. For instance, Spain’s Albert Jorquera only made seven league appearances in six years with Barcelona in the 2000s, while England’s Stuart Taylor, a former player for Arsenal and Aston Villa, appeared in fewer than 100 matches across a 21-year career.

Ando insists he has never perceived himself merely as a backup, consistently training each day as if he is set to be selected for the upcoming match. If he doesn’t make the cut, he focuses on motivating his teammates and providing support to those left out of the squad.

He also plays a pivotal role in ensuring that the club’s other goalkeepers remain competitive during training sessions.

“When you have four goalkeepers in a club pushing each other in training, everyone improves, which benefits the team,” he commented.

“Everyone must maintain confidence, give their all in training, and prepare for matches collectively; that’s when you discover who will play, who’ll be on the bench, and who’s watching from the stands.”

“If anyone eases up, that cohesion can easily unravel.”

Renewed Ambition

Kawasaki is among Japan’s most accomplished clubs, having claimed four J. League titles in five seasons between 2017 and 2021.

Ando joined in the jubilations, yet acknowledges that his non-playing contributions sometimes left him feeling devoid of “a sense of fulfilment.”

There have been challenging periods, including last season when he was included in Kawasaki’s matchday squad for only two games and was left unregistered for the Asian Champions League.

However, his unexpected return to the starting line-up this week has reinvigorated his passion, even though he was not called upon to make any significant saves against a lacklustre Central Coast side.

“I’m eager to play again; this experience has only intensified my hunger,” he declared.

“I don’t want this to be just a one-off; I’m eager for what comes next and the opportunity that follows.”

“I kept a clean sheet, which boosts my confidence.

“It’s evidence that what I’ve been doing hasn’t been in vain.”