Wonderkid Factory | Part 21 | Gunma’s First Asian Footballer of the Year

Thespakusatsu Gunma racked up a record four consecutive Japanese titles, taking them to five in total, with a new league record 97 points in 2045. However, it was the end of an era in July as a special homegrown talent, Atsushi Shimizu, departed the club after 13 years to claim a payday in Saudi at the age of 29. And this was likely to be the final season at the club for manager Robaato Rasamu, now 62 and heading into his 21st season at the club.

March 27, 2026 0

Wonderkid Factory | Part 20 | “Special One” Rasamu Establishes Thespa Gunma Dynasty

Thespakusatsu Gunma bagged consecutive Japanese titles and became world champions with a famous 3-0 victory over the mighty FC Barcelona in 2043. That success saw the club rise up the world rankings, becoming the 15th most reputable club in the world - 18 years on from lingering in J3 League mediocrity. Less than a year... Continue Reading →

March 20, 2026 0

Wonderkid Factory | Part 17 | Gunma Chase A Historic Treble

Supporters of Thespakusatsu Gunma were becoming all too accustomed to the feeling of being second best. They saw their side finish 2nd in J1 League for the fifth time in nine seasons in 2041, which, in fairness, they probably couldn't have dreamed of before manager Robaato Rasamu arrived at the club 16 years ago.

March 6, 2026 0

Wonderkid Factory | Part 14 | The Slow-Burn Okamoto Project

The streets of Gunma Prefecture hosted the biggest party the region had ever seen in June 2038 as Robaato Rasamu and his team of homegrown stars were treated to an open-top bus parade. They showed off the Emperor's Cup and the J1 League trophies as they celebrated not only winning the club's first major honour but also an unexpected double.

February 13, 2026 0

Wonderkid Factory | Part 12 | Gunma’s Champions League Return

An improved season saw Thespakusatsu Gunma compete for the Japanese title for the second time in four seasons, two years on from a relegation battle. That improvement saw the club qualify for the Asian Champions League for the second time.

January 30, 2026 0

Wonderkid Factory | Part 11 | Massive Academy Star Sales

Thespa Gunma put their relegation battle behind them to record a top-half finish in J League in 2035, while star academy product Yusuke Ishii became the club's first graduate to play for Japan. The summer of 2035 saw big moves as Gunma's all-time record goalscorer Masaya Nishi, who scored 133 in 334 games for the... Continue Reading →

January 23, 2026 0

Wonderkid Factory | Part 1 | Wonderkid Factory Comes To J3 League

The more he watched football, the more Rasamu became obsessed with the idea of developing young players to maximise their talent - largely fuelled by the Class of 92 being at the heart of Manchester United conquering England and Europe under Sir Alex Ferguson.

November 26, 2025 0

Wonderkid Factory | Part 17 | Bundesliga Battle Built On Defence

The homegrown stars of 1. FSV Mainz racked up consecutive Bundesliga titles and showed their ability to compete with Europe's best in an exciting 2038/39 campaign. Now, Roberto Lazaró was looking to make it three in a row as he mulled over this being his final season in football management.

March 7, 2025 0

Wonderkid Factory | Part 16 | The Jürgen Klopp Park Era Begins

The small city of Mainz, on the outskirts of Frankfurt in western Germany, wasn't accustomed to throwing huge parties. But you wouldn't have known it as seemingly the entirety of its 220,000 population took to the streets to celebrate their heroes lifting 1. FSV Mainz's maiden Bundesliga title in 2038. The city's streets flowed with Pilsner and the parties went on for what felt like weeks.

March 3, 2025 0

Wonderkid Factory | Part 15 | Mainz’s First Bundesliga Title Race

The exciting youngsters of 1. FSV Mainz came minutes away from consecutive European titles and edged close to the Bundesliga title race in Roberto Lazaró's fifth season at the club. The next step, in their manager's mind, was to become more competitive against Germany's big boys as they headed into their final season at the council-owned MEWA Arena.

February 28, 2025 0