The 43-year-old veteran Shinji Ono often creates a buzz in social media despite no game time

Shinji Ono was enjoying his football as an active player in this season.

Having played at the World Cup in 1998 when he was 18, the footballing genius keeps his presence at the top level of Japanese football. One of the most gifted Japanese midfielders of all time plays for the J1 League side called Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo and is turning 44 years old this September.

A prodigy, whose name had been known all over the Japanese football scene since his youth, became a professional footballer right after graduating from now-defunct Shimizu Commercial High School, one of the most renowned footballing high schools in Japan at the time. Ono immediately grabbed his position in the midfield of Urawa Reds and was chosen for the J.League best young player award in his first season.

He was an integral part of all categories of Japan national teams and has competed in the U-17 World Championship, the World Youth, the Olympics, and the World Cup.

One of the greatest footballing treasures in Japan joined Feyenoord Rotterdam in the 2001-02 season and helped them win the UEFA Cup in his first European season.

With magical touches on the ball and tender feedings called “velvet passes”, Ono soon became the core of the midfield, and Robin van Persie, the-then his teammate, described him as a “genius”.  Ono’s fine skills were outstanding in the Netherlands.

After five seasons with Feyenoord, he returned to Urawa but moved back to Europe, Bochum of Germany in 2008. Injuries prevented him from playing a prominent role, but when he was on the pitch he showed great skill and was a brilliant operator in Bochum’s attack.

Ono made an impact in the A-League in Australia as well, where he helped Western Sydney Wanderers reach the grand final, and was named in the team of the 2012-13 season. Then he came back to the J.League in 2014, playing for Sapporo and FC Ryukyu before returning to Sapporo in 2021.

However, he has not had game time a lot since joining Sapporo for the second time, making just four league appearances in 2021 and one in 2022.

Although his technique has not declined, the physical aspect of his game could not hide his age. Given the current trend in modern football, where strength and speed tend to be regarded as more important than technique, it is a difficult time for a seasoned midfielder of 40-something.

Superb skills from the “Genius”

Ono has yet to play a single league game this season. Despite this, he has frequently created a buzz in social media.

It all started with social media feeds provided by Sapporo. Many users have commented with surprise on Ono’s training videos posted on Instagram.

The most recently released video shows that he received a long feed with his back. Other examples of his acrobatic play, such as sublime first touch to the ball with his feet and controlling the ball with back spinning, are also impressive. It seems to be a good teaching tool for children who aspire to become professional footballers in the future.

Ono, who attracts fans even when he is not playing, still gives a major influence on Japanese football. On the other hand, as a professional footballer, he is expected to produce results in matches.

“There are things you can’t get from speed and physicality alone,” said Ono. “My strengths lie in my ability such as changing of pace and playing with many ideas. In place of the work I am currently not good at, such as running and fighting, I want to make up for with these things.”

Ono is determined to stick to his style and contribute to the team, even in an era that tends to emphasize physicality. Many fans hope that he could show us his brilliant performance again, not only on the training pitch but also in the matches.

Finally, he announced his retirement from professional football on 27 September. But his gifted skills, velvet touches, and charming smiles will remain in fans’ hearts forever.