On 6 December 2025, the MEIJI YASUDA J1 League reached its final round. Kashima Antlers defeated Yokohama F. Marinos 2–1 at Mercari Stadium to clinch their first league title in nine years and a record-extending ninth championship overall. Kashiwa Reysol won again to make it six victories in a row, but fell just one point short in the title race.
Kashima 2–1 Yokohama FM: Leo Ceará brace crowns a historic night
Knowing that a win would secure the title, Kashima started on the front foot and pressed high from the opening minutes. Their approach paid off in the 20th minute, when Leo Ceará finished from close range to give the home side the lead.
Early in the second half, the Brazilian forward struck again, doubling the advantage with another decisive finish and taking his league tally to 21 goals for the season. With the stadium in full voice, Kashima moved to within touching distance of the trophy.
Yokohama FM, however, pushed back hard in the closing stages and pulled one goal back through a clever chip from Amano in stoppage time. Even so, Kashima held firm under intense pressure and saw out a 2–1 victory to finish on 76 points and secure their ninth J1 title.
Kashiwa’s late charge falls just short, Kyoto claim best-ever 3rd place
Kashiwa Reysol, starting the day one point behind Kashima, needed a win and help from elsewhere to overturn the standings. They did their part with a 1–0 home victory over Machida Zelvia, extending their winning streak to six matches, but Kashima’s triumph meant Kashiwa ultimately had to settle for second place on 75 points.
Kyoto Sanga FC also finished the season on a high. Goals from Marcos Tulio and Rafael Elias earned a 2–0 win over Vissel Kobe, securing third place — the highest league finish in the club’s history. The final round underlined the overall strength and competitiveness of the J1 “Hyakunen Koso” League.
Key results on the final day
| Fixture | Score | Storyline |
|---|---|---|
| Kashima Antlers vs Yokohama F. Marinos | 2–1 | Leo Ceará scores twice as Kashima win the title for the first time in nine years. |
| Kashiwa Reysol vs FC Machida Zelvia | 1–0 | Kashiwa record a sixth straight victory but miss out on the title by a single point. |
| Kyoto Sanga FC vs Vissel Kobe | 2–0 | Marcos Tulio and Rafael Elias secure a club-best 3rd-place finish for Kyoto. |
Comment from J.League Chairman Yoshikazu Nonomura
Following Kashima’s triumph, J.League Chairman Yoshikazu Nonomura issued an official statement congratulating the club on winning the 2025 MEIJI YASUDA J1 League and celebrating their achievement of a record ninth title. In his message, he paid tribute to the players, staff and supporters who have supported the team over many years and highlighted Kashima’s role in driving the growth and appeal of the league.
He also expressed his hope that the club will continue to represent the J.League proudly on the domestic and international stage, building on the belief and spirit they showed throughout this dramatic season.
Official X posts and YouTube highlights
Fans can relive the decisive moments and celebrations through official posts and highlight videos.
*Match information and comments are based on the official J.League reports and club sources.
Sources: J.League official match summary (Article 32674) / Chairman Nonomura’s official comment (Article 32677)
