From Ohio to Brazil, Brussels and Singapore, VfB supporters stay up late or wake up early just to cheer our team on. We count on every fan, whether they’re inside the MHP Arena or elsewhere across the globe.
Football is more than just a game for us; it’s a shared passion that unites people everywhere. For that reason, we’re giving our loyal international fans a chance to tell their stories in our #FanFriday campaign. Today, Soma Sugiyama from the OFC VfB Japan Fanclub shares his love of the Cannstatt side.
What is your name and where are you from?
Soma Sugiyama: “My name is Soma Sugiyama and I currently live in Chiba, Japan.”
Which OFC do you belong to and when was it founded?
Soma Sugiyama: “I’m part of the VfB Japan Fanclub, which was founded during last year’s Japan Tour. I’m now an ambassador of the fan club.”
When and why did you become a VfB member?
Soma Sugiyama: “I became a VfB member during the 2021/22 season. That goal from LegENDO (Wataru Endo) in the final game of the season left a big impression on me.”
What is your first memory of VfB?
Soma Sugiyama: “My first memory is Shinji Okazaki’s transfer from Shimizu S-Pulse in the Japanese league to VfB. That was the first time I came across the club.”
Describe VfB in three words.
Soma Sugiyama: “Tradition, passion, and youth.”
Have you ever been to a VfB home game?
Soma Sugiyama: “No, I unfortunately haven’t been to the MHP Arena yet, but travelling to Stuttgart one day is a big dream of mine.”
Have you ever watched a VfB game live?
Soma Sugiyama: “Yes, I attended VfB’s game against Sanfrecce Hiroshima during the Japan Tour last year.”
With whom and where do you usually watch VfB?
Soma Sugiyama: “I usually watch them on my own at home, but I sometimes chat with other members of the Japan Fanclub on social media during the game.”
What are your pre-match traditions?
Soma Sugiyama: “Because of the big time difference between Japan and Germany, I usually take a nap until around 30 minutes before kick-off. Before the game, I always prepare a Japanese alcoholic drink or energy drink to have during the match.”
Who is your all-time favourite VfB men’s, women’s, or youth player?
Soma Sugiyama: “Shinji Okazaki and Mario Gomez.”
Why should other football fans follow VfB?
Soma Sugiyama: “VfB are one of Germany’s most traditional clubs – a great club with a glorious history. They’re also known for their outstanding work at youth level and have produced many world-class players. It’s fun to discover talented youngsters before the rest of the world finds out about them. For us in Japan, VfB are particularly exciting because there are often Japanese players at the club. Last but not least, VfB supporters are incredibly passionate. Their support is infectious and emotional. Supporting a club with the motto furchtlos und treu (‘fearless and loyal’) is just really special.”