Urawa Red Diamonds

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries established a football club in 1950 in Kobe and moved the club to Tokyo in 1958. In 1965 it formed the Japan Soccer League (JSL) along with today's JEF United Chiba, Kashiwa Reysol, Cerezo Osaka, Sanfrecce Hiroshima and three other clubs who have since been relegated to regional leagues ("Original Eight"). Mitsubishi first won the JSL championship in 1969, as a break in Mazda/Sanfrecce's dominance (and also with the fact that Toyo were in Bangkok, Thailand, competing in the Asian Club Cup); their runs up the first division were sporadic but steady until the 1980s when they fell into the Second Division. In 1990 they were promoted as JSL Division 2 champions, and thus were ready when the J-League implementation began in earnest. Urawa Red Diamonds was an original member ("Original Ten") of the J.League in 1993. Domestic treble Mitsubishi were the first Japanese club to complete a domestic treble, when in 1978 they won the title, the Emperor's Cup and the Japan Soccer League Cup. Name change The club's name was then changed to Mitsubishi Urawa Football Club from in April 1992 where their nickname was "Red Diamonds". However, in February 1996, the club's name was changed to "Urawa Red Diamonds". The club has experienced varying degrees of success since the inception of the J-League. The team finished at the bottom of the league for the first two seasons, with an average attendance of fewer than 15,000. In 1999, they were relegated to the second tier of Japanese football once again., the club's performance has improved in years, beginning with a victory in the 2003 Nabisco Cup. In 2006, Urawa Reds clinched their first professional league title by defeating runners-up Gamba Osaka 3–2 on December 2 in front of 63,000 supporters. This after two close calls in the previous two years. In 2005, they finished second, just one point behind champions Gamba Osaka. In 2004, they finished third in the first stage and won the second stage and qualified for the two-match J.League Championship decider, they lost on penalty shootout to Yokohama F. Marinos. Back to back cup champion Urawa Reds were back to back Emperor's Cup winners in 2005 and 2006. Winning the title for the first time since their establishment as a professional club, they defeated Shimizu S-Pulse 2–1 on 1 January 2006, and retained the title in 2007 with a 1–0 win over Gamba Osaka. This win also completed a league-cup double. In the 2007 tournament they were defeated at the first hurdle by J2 League outfit Ehime FC. In 2007, despite a seemingly unassailable lead of seven points with four games remaining, Urawa Reds picked up only two points from their final four games. This run included losing at home to Kashima Antlers; the club who would leapfrog Urawa on the final day of the season to claim their fifth J.League title. Following their capitulation in the fourth round of the Emperor's Cup to J2 League outfit Ehime FC, Urawa Reds had to be content with their 2007 AFC Champions League fixtures. AFC Champions League champions trophy Urawa Reds recorded their first prestigious cup overcoming Iranian club Sepahan 3–1 on aggregate to clinch the 2007 AFC Champions League trophy. The victory made them the first Japanese side to win the cup since the competition was reorganised from the Asian Champions Cup in 2003. In the 2007 FIFA Club World Cup of the same year, Urawa Reds became the first AFC club to finish in third place, beating Tunisian side Étoile Sportive du Sahel on penalty shootout in the third/fourth place play off. Throughout the 2008 AFC Champions League edition, Urawa Reds attempted to win their second consecutive AFC Champions League title and progressed to the semi-finals where they were defeated by fellow J-League rivals, and eventual Champions League winners, Gamba Osaka 3–1 on aggregate. On 8 March 2014, a banner which read "JAPANESE ONLY" was hung at one of the entrances to the stands. As punishment for this racist behavior, the league match on 28 March was played behind closed doors. In the 2017 AFC Champions League edition, Urawa Reds had a good run throughout the entire tournament which saw them face Saudi Arabia club, Al-Hilal in the final which saw Urawa Reds winning the 2017 AFC Champions League final 2–1 on aggregate to clinch their 2nd trophy. Urawa Reds managed to make their way through all the way until the 2019 AFC Champions League final facing off against Al-Hilal once again. However, the club fell in a 3–0 aggregate loss to the Saudi Arabian club. Third time AFC Champions League champions During the 2022 AFC Champions League, Urawa Reds had an easier run en route to the final where they faced three Southeast Asian club along the way, Singapore league champions Lion City Sailors in the group stage while they faced Malaysia league champions Johor Darul Ta'zim 5–0 in the Round of 16 and Thailand league champions BG Pathum United 4–0 in the Quarter-finals. Urawa Reds would then face Korea league champions, Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors in the semi-finals which ended up with Urawa Reds advancing to the final after winning the penalty shootout. The club faced their tournament rivals Al-Hilal for the third time in the 2022 AFC Champions League final. Urawa Red won 2–1 on aggregate, clinching their 3rd trophy. On 19 September 2023, it was announced by JFA that Urawa Reds will not be participating in 2024 edition of Emperor's Cup following supporters clash after 0–3 lost against Nagoya Grampus in the 4th round of 2023 edition. In 2025, Urawa Reds participated in the newly revamp 2025 FIFA Club World Cup held in USA where they were drawn in Group E alongside Inter Milan, Monterrey and River Plate. ==Team image==

Supporters Urawa Red Diamonds are associated with right-wing and nationalistic supporters. Since the early 2000s, sections of their ultras (particularly the "Urawa Boys" and related groups) have drawn widespread criticism for xenophobic and confrontational behaviour. These include the display of the Rising Sun Flag, anti-Korean chants, and provocative banners, both at home and away fixtures. In 2008, violent clashes broke out between Urawa and Gamba Osaka supporters at Saitama Stadium, resulting in an hours-long standoff. This was, at the time, considered the most serious act of fan violence in Japanese football history. In 2010, Urawa Red Diamonds were fined $50,000 after a group of their supporters directed taunts at foreign players from rival club Vegalta Sendai. The club's most notorious incident occurred in March 2014, when a “Japanese Only” banner was hung at Saitama Stadium during a league fixture. The banner, widely condemned as racist, led the J.League to impose its first-ever closed-door match as punishment. The connection began in 2007 following an AFC Champions League match in Shanghai, where the two groups met and developed a rapport. Since then, they have maintained contact through reciprocal visits and shared matchday gatherings. Support for Urawa from some Shenhua fans, particularly during matches involving other Chinese clubs such as Shanghai SIPG, has sparked criticism from portions of the domestic fanbase, who call Shanghai Shenhua fans "traitors" for supporting a Japanese team. Shanghai Shenhua supporters' actions have also attracted negative attention from media outlets and authorities. Nonetheless, members of the Blue Devils have continued to express support for Urawa, including by attending matches in Japan and displaying banners during local derbies. Reporters have suggested that Shanghai's support for Urawa comes from Shanghai fans wanting to reject the Beijing government and nationalistic politics in favour of regionalist pride. Mascots The Red Diamonds have four mascots: Redia, Friendia, Schale, and Diarra. However, Redia doesn't make much appearances at Saitama Stadium, due to the club's policy of the stadium being a "place for serious competition". When he does occasionally appear at the stadium, he does not participate in any fan activities. Because of this, Reds fans dubbed him as a NEET mascot (which is an acronym for "No education, employment, or training"). According to the club profile, Redia and Friendia were married during a Reds fan festival in 1997. The younger twin mascots, Schale and Diarra, were born on the day the Red Diamonds won their first J. League Championship in 2006. International affiliation The club is also notable in that former Feyenoord midfielder Shinji Ono began his professional career playing for Urawa Reds. Ono returned for the 2006 season for a second stint with the club. Urawa Reds is affiliated with German club Bayern Munich, whose nickname is also "The Reds". Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, the chairman of the Bayern Munich, announced that "We have been looking for clubs which have potential ability, management stability and cordial confidence. We could fulfill the desire to affiliate with this great club, Urawa Reds." Some other foreign clubs, such as Arsenal, Club Atlético Independiente, CR Flamengo, VfB Stuttgart, Manchester United, Feyenoord, Hamburger SV and Perth Glory, visited Japan and played friendly games at the Saitama Stadium. In August 2004, Urawa Reds appeared in a pre-season four-club friendly tournament, the Vodafone Cup, at Old Trafford, the home ground of Manchester United. Urawa Reds missed a few key players, losing their first match 5–2 against the Argentinian side Boca Juniors. The second fixture against the hosts, Manchester United, was called off due to a massive electric storm. Some 800 Urawa Reds fans had travelled to the game and were later compensated. Women's team The club also has a women's football team, currently playing in the WE League as Urawa Reds Ladies. ==Stadium==

Since the establishment of J.League in 1992, the club had used the Urawa Komaba Stadium as its home stadium. Due to the increasing popularity of the matches, Saitama City, owner of the stadium, expanded the seat capacity. During the renovation, the club used Ōmiya Park Soccer Stadium. In spite of the poor performance of the club, the stadium was filled with faithful supporters. New home ground In October 2001, Saitama Prefecture built new football-specific Saitama Stadium in Saitama city. This stadium was used as a venue for the 2002 FIFA World Cup. After the 2002 FIFA World Cup, the club gradually increased home games in Saitama Stadium and in 2003 the stadium was formally designated as the home stadium. In 2008, only two games were held at Komaba Stadium. Facilities Urawa Reds uses Ohara City Field for training. In addition to this facility, the club opened Redsland in 2005, which has three grass fields, one artificial turf field, one baseball field, futsal courts and tennis courts. Redsland is opened to the public and club members can use the facilities at relatively cheap fees. == Kit suppliers and shirt sponsors ==

Sponsors Kit evolution ==Players==

First-team squad . Out on loan == Management and staff ==

As both Mitsubishi Motors (amateur era) and Urawa Red Diamonds (professional era) Bold is for those competition that are currently active. == Records and statistics ==

As of 19 March 2026. • Biggest wins: • 9–0 vs Mitsubishi Cable Industries SC (17 December 1972) • 9–0 vs Minebea Mitsumi (3 December 2000) • Heaviest defeats: 1–8 vs Nagoya Grampus (29 May 1999) • Youngest goal scorers: Takahiro Kunimoto ~ 16 years 8 days old (On 16 October 2013 vs Montedio Yamagata) • Oldest goal scorers: Yuki Abe ~ 39 years 8 months 3 days old (On 9 May 2021 vs Vegalta Sendai) • Youngest ever debutant: Takahiro Kunimoto ~ 16 years 8 days old (On 16 October 2013 vs Montedio Yamagata) • Oldest ever player: Yuki Abe ~ 40 years 2 months 28 days old (On 4 December 2021 vs Nagoya Grampus) == Award winners ==

FIFA World Cup players The following players have represented their country at the FIFA World Cup whilst playing for Urawa Red Diamonds: 1998 FIFA World Cup • Masayuki Okano • Shinji Ono • Željko Petrović 2006 FIFA World Cup • Alex • Shinji Ono • Keisuke Tsuboi 2010 FIFA World Cup • Yuki Abe 2014 FIFA World Cup • Shusaku Nishikawa 2018 FIFA World Cup • Wataru Endo • Tomoaki Makino • Andrew Nabbout 2022 FIFA World Cup • Hiroki Sakai Club captains • Koichi Shitani (1992–1993) • Masahiro Fukuda (1994–1997) • Takashi Tsuchida (1998–1999) • Shinji Ono (2000–2001) • Masami Ihara (2001–2002) • Hideki Uchidate (2003) • Nobuhisa Yamada (2004–2008) • Keita Suzuki (2009–2011) • Yuki Abe (2012–2017) • Yōsuke Kashiwagi (2018–2019) • Shusaku Nishikawa (2020–2022) • Hiroki Sakai (2023–2024) • Takahiro Sekine (2025) • Ryōma Watanabe (2026–present) ==Former players==

International capped players == Managerial history ==

Excepting two seasons in which they were in the second tier, Mitsubishi/Urawa has always competed in the top flight, thereby being the club with the most top flight seasons total. • Mitsubishi (Amateur era) • Division 1 (JSL and JSL Div.1): 1965–66, 1988–89 • Division 2 (JSL Div.2): 1989–90 • Division 1 (JSL Div.1): 1990–91, 1991–92 • Urawa Red Diamonds (Professional era) • Division 1 (J.League): 1993–99 • Division 2 (J.League Div.2): 2000 • Division 1 (J.League Div.1): 2001– • Top scorer: Masahiro Fukuda with 152 goals ==Notes==