Football: Nagoya claims League Cup title

Football: Nagoya claims League Cup title

Nagoya Grampus players celebrate after defeating Albirex Niigata in the League Cup final at Tokyo's National Stadium on Nov. 2, 2024.

Football: Nagoya claims League Cup title

Football: Nagoya claims League Cup title

Nagoya Grampus players celebrate after defeating Albirex Niigata in the League Cup final at Tokyo's National Stadium on Nov. 2, 2024.

Football: Nagoya claims League Cup title

Football: Nagoya claims League Cup title

Nagoya Grampus players celebrate after defeating Albirex Niigata in the League Cup final at Tokyo's National Stadium on Nov. 2, 2024.

Football: Nagoya claims League Cup title

Football: Nagoya claims League Cup title

Nagoya Grampus players celebrate after defeating Albirex Niigata in the League Cup final at Tokyo's National Stadium on Nov. 2, 2024.

Football: Nagoya claims League Cup title

Football: Nagoya claims League Cup title

Nagoya Grampus players celebrate after defeating Albirex Niigata in the League Cup final at Tokyo's National Stadium on Nov. 2, 2024.

Football: J-League

Football: J-League

Vissel Kobe's Yoshinori Muto (L) scores the team's second goal against Nagoya Grampus in the first half of a J-League penultimate round football match on Nov. 25, 2023, at Noevir Stadium in Kobe, western Japan.

Football: J-League

Football: J-League

Vissel Kobe's Haruya Ide (L) opens the scoring against Nagoya Grampus in the first half of a J-League penultimate round football match on Nov. 25, 2023, at Noevir Stadium in Kobe, western Japan.

Football: J-League

Football: J-League

Vissel Kobe's Yoshinori Muto (far L) scores the team's second goal against Nagoya Grampus in the first half of a J-League penultimate round football match on Nov. 25, 2023, at Noevir Stadium in Kobe, western Japan.

Football: J-League

Football: J-League

Vissel Kobe's Yoshinori Muto (far R) scores the team's second goal against Nagoya Grampus in the first half of a J-League penultimate round football match on Nov. 25, 2023, at Noevir Stadium in Kobe, western Japan.

Football: J-League

Football: J-League

Vissel Kobe players celebrate after clinching their first J-League top-flight title by beating Nagoya Grampus in a penultimate round football match on Nov. 25, 2023, at Noevir Stadium in Kobe, western Japan.

Football: J-League

Football: J-League

Vissel Kobe players celebrate after clinching their first J-League top-flight title by beating Nagoya Grampus in a penultimate round football match on Nov. 25, 2023, at Noevir Stadium in Kobe, western Japan.

Football: J-League

Football: J-League

Vissel Kobe players celebrate after clinching their first J-League top-flight title by beating Nagoya Grampus in a penultimate round football match on Nov. 25, 2023, at Noevir Stadium in Kobe, western Japan.

Football: J-League

Football: J-League

Vissel Kobe players celebrate after clinching their first J-League top-flight title by beating Nagoya Grampus in a penultimate round football match on Nov. 25, 2023, at Noevir Stadium in Kobe, western Japan.

Football: J-League

Football: J-League

Vissel Kobe players celebrate after clinching their first J-League top-flight title by beating Nagoya Grampus in a penultimate round football match on Nov. 25, 2023, at Noevir Stadium in Kobe, western Japan.

Tamada strike gives Nagoya draw with Newcastle in ACL

Tamada strike gives Nagoya draw with Newcastle in ACL

NAGOYA, Japan - Nagoya Grampus forward Keiji Tamada (C) celebrates with teammate Rafael Magnum (L) and Yoshizumi Ogawa (R) after firing an equalizer and earning his team a share of the spoils in a 1-1 draw with Australia's Newcastle Jets in the Asian Champions League on April 7 at Mizuho Stadium in Nagoya.

Discouraged Urawa manager Petrovic leaves stadium

Discouraged Urawa manager Petrovic leaves stadium

SAITAMA, Japan - Urawa Reds manager Mihailo Petrovic walks off Saitama Stadium after the J-League club's 1-2 home loss at the hands of Nagoya Grampus on Dec. 6, 2014, in the city of Saitama, Japan.

Gamba win 2nd J-League title

Gamba win 2nd J-League title

TOKUSHIMA, Japan - Gamba Osaka players celebrate after securing their second J-League championship with a 0-0 draw to Tokushima Vortis at Pocari Sweat Stadium in Naruto, Tokushima Prefecture, on Dec. 6, 2014. Gamba won their first league crown since 2005 as Urawa Reds lost 2-1 at home to Nagoya Grampus.

Gamba win 2nd J-League title

Gamba win 2nd J-League title

TOKUSHIMA, Japan - Gamba Osaka players celebrate after securing their second J-League championship with a 0-0 draw to Tokushima Vortis at Pocari Sweat Stadium in Naruto, Tokushima Prefecture, on Dec. 6, 2014. Gamba won their first league crown since 2005 as Urawa Reds lost 2-1 at home to Nagoya Grampus.

Leandro Domingues leads Nagoya to victory

Leandro Domingues leads Nagoya to victory

OSAKA, Japan - Leandro Domingues Barbosa of Nagoya Grampus scores the winner in the second half of a J-League match against Gamba Osaka at the Expo '70 Stadium in Osaka Prefecture, western Japan, on Aug. 16, 2014. Nagoya won 1-0.

Tosu's Ikeda scores in 1-0 win against Nagoya

Tosu's Ikeda scores in 1-0 win against Nagoya

TOSU, Japan - Kei Ikeda (front) of Sagan Tosu scores the winner during the second half of a J-League first-division game against Nagoya Grampus at the Best Amenity Stadium in Tosu, Saga Prefecture, southwestern Japan, on Aug. 2, 2014. Tosu won 1-0.

Grampus acquire Kashiwa exile Domingues

Grampus acquire Kashiwa exile Domingues

NAGOYA, Japan - Brazilian midfielder Leandro Domingues shows his uniform after joining J-League first-division side Nagoya Grampus on June 8, 2014. The 30-year-old Domingues was sacked by Kashiwa Reysol in May for a disciplinary infraction.

Makino scores as Urawa thrash Grampus in Nabisco Cup

Makino scores as Urawa thrash Grampus in Nabisco Cup

SAITAMA, Japan - Tomoaki Makino of Urawa Reds celebrates with Genki Haraguchi (L) after scoring in the second half of a Nabisco Cup game against Nagoya Grampus on June 1, 2014, leading Urawa, who had already clinched a quarterfinal spot, to a 5-2 win at Saitama Stadium 2002.

Berlin-bound Haraguchi responds to fans

Berlin-bound Haraguchi responds to fans

SAITAMA, Japan - Former Japanese international Genki Haraguchi of Urawa Reds acknowledges the cheers of fans by waving at Saitama Stadium 2002 on June 1, 2014, following Urawa's 5-2 win over Nagoya Grampus in a Nabisco Cup first-round match. Haraguchi will move to German Bundesliga first-division club Hertha Berlin.

Kobe's Pedro Junior scores goal against Nagoya

Kobe's Pedro Junior scores goal against Nagoya

NAGOYA, Japan - Vissel Kobe's Pedro Junior (front) scores the opening goal during the first half of a J-League first division game against Nagoya Grampus on March 23, 2014, at Mizuho Athletics Stadium in Nagoya. On the ground is Nagoya goalkeeper Seigo Narazaki. Nagoya won 2-1.

Nagoya's Kennedy, Yano in action against Kashiwa

Nagoya's Kennedy, Yano in action against Kashiwa

KASHIWA, Japan - J-League footballers Joshua Kennedy (L) and Kisho Yano of Nagoya Grampus go up to head the ball during the second half of a J1 game against Kashiwa Reysol on March 15, 2014, in Kashiwa, east of Tokyo. Nagoya won 1-0.

Nagoya's Danilson in action against Kashiwa

Nagoya's Danilson in action against Kashiwa

KASHIWA, Japan - J-League Nagoya Grampus' Luis Danilson (R) clears the ball with a bicycle kick during the second half of a J1 game against Kashiwa Reysol on March 15, 2014, in Kashiwa, east of Tokyo. Nagoya won 1-0.

Stojkovic leaves Japan

Stojkovic leaves Japan

NAGOYA, Japan - Dragan Stojkovic (L), who stepped down as Nagoya Grampus manager at the end of the season, is pictured with his wife at the Central Japan International Airport, or Centrair, near Nagoya, on Dec. 12, 2013, before leaving Japan.

Dragan Stojkovic

Dragan Stojkovic

NAGOYA, Japan - File photo shows Nagoya Grampus members tossing coach Dragan Stojkovic into the air after winning the J-League first division soccer title at Hiratsuka Stadium in Kanagawa Prefecture in November 2010. Nagoya Grampus said on Oct. 3, 2013, that the former Yugoslavia midfielder will leave the team after his current deal as manager expires at the end of the season.

Dragan Stojkovic

Dragan Stojkovic

NAGOYA, Japan - Nagoya Grampus manager Dragan Stojkovic talks to players after a practice session at Toyota Sports Center in Aichi Prefecture on Oct. 3, 2013. The Nagoya Grampus said the same day that the former Yugoslavia midfielder will leave the team after his current deal as manager expires at the end of the season.

Dragan Stojkovic

Dragan Stojkovic

TOSU, Japan - File photo shows Nagoya Grampus manager Dragan Stojkovic reacting after tying with the Sagan Tosu at Best Amenity Stadium in Saga Prefecture on Aug. 31, 2013. The Nagoya Grampus said on Oct. 3, 2013, that the former Yugoslavia midfielder will leave the team after his current deal as manager expires at the end of the season.

Arsenal in Japan friendly

Arsenal in Japan friendly

TOYOTA, Japan - Arsenal players greet fans after a friendly match against Nagoya Grampus in Aichi Prefecture on July 22, 2013. Arsenal won 3-1.

Arsenal in Japan friendly

Arsenal in Japan friendly

TOYOTA, Japan - Arsenal's Theo Walcott (L) scores the team's third goal past Nagoya Grampus goalkeeper Seigo Narazaki (R) during the second half of a friendly match in Aichi Prefecture on July 22, 2013. Arsenal won 3-1.

Coach Stojkovic

Coach Stojkovic

NAGOYA, Japan - Nagoya Grampus coach Dragan Stojkovic meets reporters at the soccer team's training camp in Hida, Gifu Prefecture, on June 21, 2013.

Nagai to follow his dream to Belgium

Nagai to follow his dream to Belgium

NAGOYA, Japan - Japan's Kensuke Nagai speaks at a press conference in Toyota, Aichi Prefecture, on Jan. 22, 2013. Nagai said he is leaving J-League first-division club Nagoya Grampus in a transfer to Belgium's Standard Liege in order to realize his dream.

Nagai to follow his dream to Belgium

Nagai to follow his dream to Belgium

TOYOTA, Japan - Japan's Kensuke Nagai is pictured after holding a press conference in Toyota, Aichi Prefecture, on Jan. 22, 2013. Nagai said he is leaving J-League first-division club Nagoya Grampus in a transfer to Belgium's Standard Liege in order to realize his dream.

Nagai to follow his dream to Belgium

Nagai to follow his dream to Belgium

TOYOTA, Japan - Japan's Kensuke Nagai holds a press conference in Toyota, Aichi Prefecture, on Jan. 22, 2013. Nagai said he is leaving J-League first-division club Nagoya Grampus in a transfer to Belgium's Standard Liege in order to realize his dream.

Nagoya draw with Seongnam

Nagoya draw with Seongnam

NAGOYA, Japan - Mu Kanazaki (C) of Japan's Nagoya Grampus plays during the second half of an Asian Champions League opener against Seongnam Ilhwa of South Korea in Nagoya on March 7, 2012. The teams drew 2-2.

Nagoya draw with Seongnam

Nagoya draw with Seongnam

NAGOYA, Japan - Josh Kennedy (R) of Japan's Nagoya Grampus scores on a penalty kick during the second half of an Asian Champions League opener against Seongnam Ilhwa of South Korea in Nagoya on March 7, 2012. The teams drew 2-2.

Nagoya coach Stojkovic

Nagoya coach Stojkovic

NAGOYA, Japan - Nagoya Grampus coach Dragan Stojkovic answers reporters' questions after visiting Atsuta Jingu shrine in Nagoya on Feb. 27, 2012, to pray for his J-League first division soccer team's success in the upcoming season. Stojkovic said he is waiting for a probe into a case that a grenade was thrown into the yard of his family home in Serbia on Feb. 25, 2012. His mother, who was at home, was safe.

Nagoya striker Kennedy

Nagoya striker Kennedy

SAITAMA, Japan - Nagoya Grampus striker Josh Kennedy scores the winner on a penalty in the second half of a J-League game against Omiya Ardija at Nack5 Stadium in Saitama Prefecture on Oct. 22, 2011. Nagoya won 3-2.

Suwon Bluewings 2-0 Nagoya Grampus

Suwon Bluewings 2-0 Nagoya Grampus

SUWON, South Korea - Nagoya Grampus goalkeeper Seigo Narazaki fails to stop Suwon Bluewings' Yeom Ki Hoon scoring during the first half of a round of 16 game in the Asian Champions League in Suwon, South Korea, on May 25, 2011. Suwon won 2-0.

Quake relief donation

Quake relief donation

NAGOYA, Japan - Nagoya Grampus midfielder Yoshizumi Ogawa (R) and goalkeeper Seigo Narazaki (2nd from R) collect donations in Nagoya on March 19, 2011, for relief efforts following a major earthquake and tsunami disaster.

Stojkovic J-League manager of the year

Stojkovic J-League manager of the year

TOKYO, Japan - Dragan Stojkovic (L), manager of Nagoya Grampus, celebrates being named J-League soccer manager of the year during a ceremony in Tokyo on Dec. 6, 2010, after steering his club to the championship title.

J-League top scorers Kennedy, Maeda

J-League top scorers Kennedy, Maeda

TOKYO, Japan - Nagoya Grampus' Josh Kennedy (L) and Jubilo Iwata's Ryoichi Iwata pose during a ceremony in Tokyo on Dec. 6, 2010, after becoming the first joint winners of the J-League soccer Golden Boot award since 2006.

Nagoya supporters celebrate Grampus' 1st J-League title

Nagoya supporters celebrate Grampus' 1st J-League title

NAGOYA, Japan - Nagoya Grampus player Danilson (front) shakes hands with supporters as they celebrate the soccer team's first J-League title at Hiratsuka Stadium in Kanagawa Prefecture on Nov. 20, 2010, after beating Shonan Bellmare 1-0.

Nagoya Grampus win 1st J-league title

Nagoya Grampus win 1st J-league title

NAGOYA, Japan - Nagoya Grampus manager Dragan Stojkovic (C) smiles at a press conference in Nagoya on Nov. 20, 2010, after the club won its first J-league title.

Nagoya win 1st J-League title

Nagoya win 1st J-League title

HIRATSUKA, Japan - Nagoya Grampus manager Dragan Stojkovic (R) and Akio Toyoda (L), president of the club's major sponsor Toyota Motor Corp., hold up the trophy of the champion of the professional soccer J-League after Nagoya beat Shonan Bellmare 1-0 at Hiratsuka Stadium on Nov. 20, 2010. Nagoya won the title for the first time since its establishment in 1991.

Nagoya win 1st J-League title

Nagoya win 1st J-League title

HIRATSUKA, Japan - Nagoya Grampus manager Dragan Stojkovic (C) holds up the trophy of the champion of the professional soccer J-League at Hiratsuka Stadium on Nov. 20, 2010, after beating Shonan Bellmare 1-0. Nagoya won the title for the first time since its establishment in 1991.

Nagoya win 1st J-League title

Nagoya win 1st J-League title

HIRATSUKA, Japan - Nagoya Grampus manager Dragan Stojkovic (C) holds up the trophy of the champion of the professional soccer J-League at Hiratsuka Stadium on Nov. 20, 2010, after beating Shonan Bellmare 1-0. Nagoya won the title for the first time since its establishment in 1991.

Nagoya win 1st J-League title

Nagoya win 1st J-League title

HIRATSUKA, Japan - Nagoya Grampus defender Marcus Tulio Tanaka (R) hugs goalkeeper Seigo Narazaki to celebrate their club's first win of the champion's title of the professional soccer J-League at Hiratsuka Stadium on Nov. 20, 2010.