Kashima Antlers Youth crowned “true champions of Japan” after penalty shoot-out – Prince Takamado JFA U-18 Premier League 2025 Final
The Prince Takamado JFA U-18 Soccer Premier League 2025 Final was played on 21 December at Saitama Stadium 2002, with Kashima Antlers Youth, champions of the EAST division, facing Vissel Kobe U-18, winners of the WEST division. After a tense battle that could not be settled over 90 minutes plus extra time, Kashima prevailed in a penalty shoot-out to claim the title of “true No.1 in Japan” at U-18 level.
Match summary & result
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Competition | Prince Takamado JFA U-18 Soccer Premier League 2025 Final |
| Fixture | Kashima Antlers Youth (EAST champions) 1-1 Vissel Kobe U-18 (WEST champions) Kashima win 3-2 on penalties |
| Date | Sunday 21 December 2025, 13:30 kick-off (JST) |
| Venue | Saitama Stadium 2002, Saitama |
| Full time & extra time | 1-1 (HT 1-0 / FT 1-1 / ET 0-0) |
| Penalty shoot-out | Kashima 3-2 Kobe |
| Attendance | 4,854 |
Kashima started on the front foot, pressing aggressively and attacking down the flanks to pin Kobe back. Their positive approach was rewarded with the opening goal in the first half. Kobe responded after the break, tightening their defensive block and committing more numbers forward, eventually finding an equaliser to send the match into extra time.
Both sides continued to show impressive concentration in extra time, with goalkeepers and back lines producing crucial interventions to keep the score level. In the decisive penalty shoot-out, Kashima’s takers held their nerve and their goalkeeper produced key saves, sealing a 3-2 victory from the spot and confirming their status at the summit of Japan’s U-18 game.
Historic treble for Kashima Antlers Youth
The triumph in the Premier League Final completes a remarkable treble for Kashima Antlers Youth, who had already lifted the Club Youth Championship and the J Youth Cup earlier in the season. By winning league and cup competitions alike, Kashima underlined both their squad depth and their ability to perform in high-pressure knockout fixtures.
About the Prince Takamado JFA U-18 Premier League Final
The Prince Takamado JFA U-18 Soccer Premier League is contested in two divisions, EAST and WEST. The champions of each division meet in the Final to decide the “true champions of Japan” at U-18 level. The competition regularly features players who go on to represent Japan at youth and senior international level.
More information on the competition format, previous winners and broadcast details is available on the JFA’s official tournament page:
Prince Takamado JFA U-18 Soccer Premier League 2025 Final – official page (Japanese)
Scenes of celebration at Saitama Stadium
After the decisive spot kick, Kashima players ran towards the stands to celebrate with the travelling supporters, creating emotional scenes worthy of a national title. The tournament’s official X (Twitter) account has shared photos and clips of the trophy lift and post-match celebrations that capture the atmosphere inside Saitama Stadium 2002.
Official highlights & media
Official highlights and footage from the presentation ceremony are available via the tournament’s X account and JFATV on YouTube. Supporters who could not attend in person can relive the key moments through the following links.
For full statistics and the official match report, please refer to the JFA website.
Source: JFA News – PK shoot-out victory makes Kashima “true champions of Japan” (Japanese)
