Yotaro Nakajima (Sanfrecce Hiroshima) Wins the 2025 J.LEAGUE YBC Levain CUP New Hero Award!

Based on votes from media representatives from the First Round through the Semifinals and discussions held by J.League, Yotaro Nakajima of Sanfrecce Hiroshima has been selected as the winner of the 2025 J.LEAGUE YBC Levain CUP New Hero Award.

Nakajima started every match he appeared in during the tournament and played the full 90 minutes in both legs of the quarterfinals. His opening goal in the first leg of the semifinals was a crucial contribution that helped lead his team to the final. His consistent performances and significant impact earned him this season’s New Hero Award.

Nakajima will receive a cash prize of 500,000 yen, a crystal ornament, and one year’s supply of Yamazaki Biscuits products.

This marks the second time a Sanfrecce Hiroshima player has won the New Hero Award—the first since Yojiro Takahagi in 2010, fifteen years ago.

2025 J.LEAGUE YBC Levain CUP New Hero Award

Yotaro NAKAJIMA

Sanfrecce Hiroshima / Midfielder / No. 35

• Date of Birth: April 22, 2006
• Height/Weight: 175 cm / 68 kg
• Hometown: Hiroshima Prefecture
• Previous Team: Sanfrecce Hiroshima Youth
• 2025 J.League YBC Levain Cup Record:
  • 3 matches (225 minutes) / 1 goal
• 2025 Meiji Yasuda J1 League Record (as of Oct. 23):
  • 16 matches (800 minutes) / 0 goals
• Total J.League Career Record (as of Oct. 23):
  • Levain Cup: 5 matches / 1 goal
  • Meiji Yasuda J1 League: 28 matches / 0 goals

Comment from Award Winner: Yotaro Nakajima

“I’m very happy to receive the New Hero Award. I owe this to the support of so many people, and I’m deeply grateful. Now, I want to win the championship and celebrate together!”

Selection Background

Because Sanfrecce Hiroshima participated in the AFC Champions League 2024/25, they entered the Levain Cup from the Playoff Round. Nakajima played full matches in both legs of the Prime Round Quarterfinals, contributing to a 4–1 victory in the second leg that overturned the first-leg loss and secured a place in the semifinals.

He also started in the first leg of the semifinals, where he scored the opening goal to give his team a major step toward the final. Nakajima started in every match of the Levain Cup this season and played a key role in the team’s run to the final.

His performance, steady growth in J1 League appearances, and increasing importance within the team were all recognized, leading to his selection as the 2025J.LUAGUE YBC Levain CUP New Hero Award winner.

Overview of the New Hero Award

Eligibility

• Players aged 21 or younger as of December 31 of the season.
• Includes players registered under the “Type 2 Top Team Eligible” and “JFA/J.League Specially Designated Player” categories.

*Players who have previously won the award are not eligible.

Selection Process:

Based on votes by media representatives at each match venue from the First Round through the Semifinals, with final selection made by J.League.

Award Details:

• 500,000 yen in prize money
• Crystal ornament
• One year’s supply of Yamazaki Biscuit products

Past Winners by Club
*Age listed as of the first match of the year; club at time of award in parentheses.

Number of New Hero Award winners by club

*Note: Yokohama F = Yokohama Flügels