Club World Cup Profile: Urawa Red Diamonds
- Nyle Farooqui
- 29 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Four Asian clubs are participating in the 2025 Club World Cup. Urawa Red Diamonds is one of those clubs. The club has won 18 trophies throughout their history. They are competing in Group E of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup alongside River Plate, Monterrey, and Inter Milan. The Red Diamonds start their CWC campaign against River Plate at Lumen Field on June 17 at 3:00 PM ET.
Route to Qualification:
Urawa earned qualification for this year’s CWC after their 2-1 aggregate win over Al Hilal in the two leg 2022 AFC Champions League Elite final. The goals came from former Red Diamond player Koroki and an Al Hilal own goal. The AFC Champions League Elite is a yearly football competition that is run by the Asian Football Confederation. It is the biggest club competition in Asian football. 24 clubs compete in the league stage of the competition. The winner of the competition earns a qualification spot in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup and of course the Club World Cup.
Historical Facts:
1950: The club was founded. Known as Central Japan Heavy Industries SC at the time.
1965: A founding member of the Japan Soccer League (the league that came before the current J. League.
1978: Won their first ever treble by winning the league, Emperor’s Cup, and League’s Cup. The name of the club changed as it was known as Mitsubishi Heavy Industries SC.
1993: One of the original 10 participants of the professional J League competition.
1996: Club changed its name to Urawa Red Diamonds.
2006: Won the league title. The only time that they have won the league title so far.
2007: Achieved continental success for the first time in their history after a 3-1 win on aggregate over Iranian side Seaphan to win the AFC Champions League Elite. Robson Ponte, Yuichiro Nagai, and Yuki Abe were the goalscorers for Urawa Red Diamonds.
2016: First ever J. League Cup after a 5-4 win on penalties over Gamba Osaka.
2017: Urawa won their second ever AFC Champions League Elite title after 2-1 aggregate win in a two legged final against Al-Hilal.
2018: Urawa won their first ever Emperor’s Cup (a Japan national football annual tournament) after a 1-0 win over Vegalta Sendai. Tomoya Ugajin was the goalscorer.
2021: A second Emperor’s Cup for Urawa after a 2-1 win over Oita Trinita in the final. Ataru Esaka and Tomoaki Makino were the goalscorers.
2022: Red Diamonds win their third AFC Champions League Elite final.
Most Important Player: Matheus Savio
Urawa Red Diamonds’s most important player is currently Matheus Savio. The 28 year old Brazilian international midfielder has two goals and four assists in 18 matches this season so far. He is a dynamic midfielder with great vision. Additionally, he is not afraid to shoot from distance.
Potential Breakout Player: Kenta Nmoto
Kenta Nmoto is a potential breakout player for Urawa to watch. The 23 year old Japanese international from Ryukoku University is seen as a tenacious defender with great positioning. Additionally, he has strong passing and heading ability.
Season Outlook
Urawa’s season is far from over as the J1 League season started in February. They are currently in fourth place. The gap between Red Diamonds and first place Kashima Antlers is currently only seven points.