Kyogone but not forgotten
Ethan Barlow reviews our Japanese Bhoy
Kyogo Furuhashi has left Celtic and joined Rennes after three-and-a-half trophy filled seasons in Glasgow. Kyogo embarks on a new challenge, in France, leaving behind a legacy as possibly the best striker the club has had since Henrik Larsson.
By no means the same quality of player as ‘The Magnificent 7’ but the Japanese international shared a similar Celtic experience. Coming in as bit of an unknown, Kyogo turned himself into a cult hero with a catalogue of unforgettable moments in the Hoops. Touching the pinnacle of his career in green and white, he was previously always loyal to the club despite interest elsewhere.
The ‘wee guy from Japan’ was doubted before he even got here as to if he could deal with the physicality of the Scottish League but after an underwhelming substitute debut in a loss at Tynecastle, the rest is history: A goal at FK Jablonec in Europa League qualifying was followed up by a hat trick against Dundee on his home debut, showing the Celtic fans everything he had to offer while embodying Ange Postecoglou’s football beliefs and philosophies down to a tee.
Despite an injury hit first season (2021/2022), Kyogo helped the club reclaim the Scottish Premiership title as well as his memorable League Cup Final double, against Hibs.
In his second campaign (2022/2023), Kyogo hit heights few have at Celtic. Scoring 35 goals as part of that legendary treble winning squad. With a Hampden double in the League Cup Final against Rangers, being the highlight. Kyogo netted five goals in six matches against his favourite opposition, in this campaign.
When the departure of Postecoglou welcomed the re-introduction of Brendan Rodgers, Kyogo found himself a bit unfamiliar in his role. The slight tactical tweak for the talisman caused major discontent amongst the Celtic support, but the criticism was aimed at Rodgers rather than their beloved marksman. Even in a ‘below par’ Kyogo season (2023/2024), he netted 19 goals while opening his account in the UEFA Champions League (UCL) with goals against Lazio and Atletico Madrid.
Kyogo leaves the club halfway through this season, second top of the Premiership’s scoring charts while Celtic sit 10 points clear at the top of the table. His goals have also helped Celtic to reclaim the League Cup, and progress to the UCL knockouts for the first time in 12 years.
The Japanese international leaves Parkhead with the Celtic support’s best wishes, as a player who will be celebrated for years to come. For most fans born this century, Kyogo is Mr Celtic. The goals, the post-match dancing and the smile is what thousands of young fans will tell stories about in the future, like the tails previous generations spoke about the Swede.
Celtic are now tasked with finding a replacement for the 30-year-old and the £10 million made, will certainly help. As they try to find the next player to claim the mantel of ‘The best since Larsson.’