AFC Champions League Elite
The club captain - who has been with the Japanese side since 2018 - wants Frontale to become a household name on the continental level and beyond and sees the final against Saudi Arabia’s Al Ahli Saudi FC as a great chance towards achieving it.
“Win or lose tomorrow will have very different meanings,” said Wakizaka on Friday. “To win against a big club like Al Ahli is very important for a club like us if we want to be a global club - so we will try to win.”
Wakizaka is proud to have the chance to lead his club out onto the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium pitch in what is Frontale’s first appearance in a continental final.
“I’m very excited to play tomorrow. Both our attacking and defending must be done well and we will try to win. I’m just thinking about winning together as a team."
Frontale defeated Al Nassr Club 3-1 in the semi-finals despite having a day less in terms of recovery, with Wakizaka and his teammates needing to repeat that feat again for the final.
“We only have two days which is very difficult but we try to eat well and sleep well. Of course physically is very important but I believe the mental side of things will also be more important.
“Even if we feel tired, we will try to compensate for it with mentally.”
The 29-year-old is also appreciative of the sacrifices Frontale fans have made throughout Jeddah 2025, not only those who are in Saudi Arabia but also those back home with the final kicking off in the wee hours of Sunday morning in Japan.
“We appreciate their support and it is for all of them that we will do our best.”
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