In Kobe, where Thuler has become a familiar figure at the heart of Vissel’s defence, the former Flamengo centre-back added another marker to his Japanese story on Sunday. His forceful right-footed finish helped Vissel Kobe beat Fagiano Okayama 3-0 and took him to 10 goals for the club.
Key takeaways
- Thuler scored in Vissel Kobe’s 3-0 home victory over Fagiano Okayama.
- The 27-year-old defender has now registered 10 goals for the Japanese side.
- Vissel Kobe have accounted for 156 of his 216 senior appearances.
- São Paulo and Internacional made approaches at the beginning of 2026, but Kobe would not enter negotiations.
- Thuler has been involved in every J-League title won by Vissel Kobe and has also lifted the Emperor’s Cup with the club.
A defender settled in Kobe
The goal came after Thuler controlled the ball with his abdomen before driving a powerful shot with his right foot. It was his 12th senior goal overall, with 10 of those strikes coming during his time in Japan. All four assists in his professional career have also been recorded in Asia.
Having arrived from Flamengo, Thuler has made more appearances for Vissel Kobe than for any other club. The Brazilian won two Brazilian league titles and the Copa Libertadores during his Flamengo years, but his longest and most established spell has unfolded on the Kansai coast.
He said he is “very happy” at Kobe, explaining that he feels fully settled and respected at the club. Apart from his opening six months after arriving in 2022, he said the team have consistently been competing for silverware, a period that has brought two J-League titles. He also pointed to the club’s capacity to challenge for trophies and described Japan as an excellent place to live.
Another push for league honours
Vissel Kobe regarded Thuler as both an idol for supporters and an essential member of the squad when São Paulo and Internacional showed interest early in 2026. The Japanese club declined to discuss a departure.
Sunday’s result keeps Kobe moving in their campaign for another J-League crown, which would be the club’s fourth Japanese championship. Thuler said the victory was the central objective in an important match on that route.
“I am pleased to have helped again with a goal,” he said. “When I go forward, I try to stay alert in the opposition box, and I have managed to contribute with a few goals over the season. Scoring is not my main job, but it makes me very happy.”
