Former Palmeiras and Vitória forward returns to Japan to play for Kashima Antlers.
Forward Yan Matheus, who has played for Palmeiras, Vitória, and Sport, is back in Japanese football. He has been officially announced as the newest signing for Kashima Antlers, one of the country’s most iconic clubs, which shares a historic connection with Brazilian football legend Zico.
This will be Yan Matheus’s second stint in Japan. The player arrives following a spell with Qatar FC and has expressed great enthusiasm about starting this new chapter.
A return marked by history and ambition
During his presentation, Yan Matheus did not hide his happiness about returning to the Asian country, where he has had successful experiences in the past. He highlighted the cultural and footballing importance of Brazil in Japan, especially due to Zico’s influence at Kashima Antlers.
It is important for me to be here, where he was happy and built so much. I want to make history, my own history,
the forward declared, showing ambition for his new journey.
A past of success in Japan and Brazil
Yan Matheus’s first stint in Japanese football was between 2022 and 2025, when he played for Yokohama Marinos. During that period, he was a key player in winning the J.League and the Japanese Super Cup. He played 131 matches, scoring 28 goals and providing 33 assists, establishing himself as a highly relevant player for the team.
Before heading to Japan, the forward was developed at Vitória and had a stint at Palmeiras, where he won several titles in the youth categories. The player also wore the shirt of Sport. His international career also includes time in Portuguese football, representing Estoril and Moreirense.
The signing by Kashima Antlers reinforces the strength of Brazilian football on the international stage and the Japanese club’s pursuit of new titles with the experience of Yan Matheus.
M360 Team
