"TAG Heuer Young Gun Award" presented to 11 J.League players representing the next generation

Established in June, this award aims to foster the next generation of young players in the J.League and contribute to the league's future development. It selects and honors the best 11 players from 519 under-23 players (Young Guns) belonging to J1 to J3 teams, with the cooperation of the Japan Professional Football League.
Award supporters, including former J.League players and editors-in-chief of soccer magazines, selected 30 candidates. The final 11 players were then determined through a final selection process that included public voting by fans on the official website.

RelatedArticle:TAG Heuer Establishes Award Honoring J.League's "Young Guns"[2017.06.29]
　

LVMH Watch & Jewelry Japan's Tag Heuer General Manager Yasuomi Kawamura referenced the brand becoming the J.League's first official timekeeper in 2016, stating, "This award recognizes players who performed consistently throughout the season and hold high future potential. We hope this encourages younger generations to attend more matches and develop an interest in watches." He revealed that the number of public votes exceeded approximately 13,000.

J.League Chairman Mitsuru Murai stated, "This award has given courage not only to the league and young players, but also to children dreaming of becoming J.League players. We hope the players will share the spirit of the brand message 'Don't Crack Under Pressure'."

Special guests Masashi Nakayama of Azul Claro Numazu and former soccer player Koji Nakata took the stage. The 11 award winners were announced, and General Manager Kawamura presented the "Aquaracer Calibre 5 Ceramic" watches to the seven attendees.

The players expressed their joy and gratitude for the award, commenting, "I want to live up to expectations," "I want to grow further," and "I aim for the league championship." J.League Vice Chairman Hiromi Hara praised them, saying, "If I could be a manager, I'd want to coach this team of eleven."
Nakayama remarked, "I hope they strive to become players who can compete on the world stage," then added with a laugh, "Since there are two players over 50 in the league, I'd like to see an 'Old Gun' award created too." Nakata responded, "I envy the younger generation who have this award. I think it boosts motivation. I'd also like to request a 'Middle' award for mid-career players."