Overview
- Kashima clinched the 2025 Meiji Yasuda J1 League at Mercari Stadium, finishing 23-7-8 for 76 points and ending a nine-season title drought.
- They edged Kashiwa Reysol by one point on the final day, confirming the league’s tightest race in years.
- Oniki secured his fifth J1 crown as a manager, achieving an unprecedented multi-club championship after four prior titles with Kawasaki Frontale.
- Leo Ceara and Yuma Suzuki provided the goals against Yokohama F. Marinos, with goalkeeper Tomoki Hayakawa delivering key saves across the campaign.
- Club adviser Zico praised Oniki’s ability to maximize current personnel as former stars Koji Nakata, Atsushi Yanagisawa, and Jun Sogahata reinforced the staff’s culture-driving roles; the J.League moves to an autumn–spring calendar in 2026 following a transitional competition from February to June.