DAZN and TikTok launch partnership

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DAZN, TikTok and German football portal kicker have announced a new partnership that has seen a Football Hub created on TikTok in Germany.

Global sports streaming service DAZN, social media platform TikTok and German football portal kicker have announced a new partnership that has seen a Football Hub created on TikTok in Germany.

The football hub launched on October 19 and sees live streams, hashtag challenges, video tools and filters available on the Football Hub as well as exclusive behind the scenes football content.

DAZN said that the video tools and filters will inspire creativity in the football community and allow people to “show their passion for the game”.

The hub also promises to give a look into the personal lives of players such as Bayern Munich star Alphonso Davies. German football influencer and TikTok creator Fabian Pecher will provide football skill tutorials on the platform.

“Extending our content into the hub on TikTok offers fans many new opportunities to directly access exclusive DAZN football content Furthermore, there will be exciting insights behind the scenes of DAZN,” Executive Vice President of DAZN DACH, Thomas de Buhr said about the Football Hub.

“We already have a lot of creative football content on our platform, so it was a logical next step for us to create this hub of incredible content. Right now, football fans have limited access to stadiums, so this is a great alternative on TikTok with so many possibilities to interact and for fans to feel closer to their favourite clubs and players,” Charlotte Kohlhas said, who manages TikTok’s media partnerships in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

In September, TikTok also launched a partnership with France’s Ligue de Football Professionel, the governing body of Ligue 1.

This partnership looked to provide unique content to fans such as live streams that show behind the scenes action at Ligue 1 matches, as well as in-app contests and filters that display the colours of Ligue 1 teams.

A number of football leagues, clubs and players have accounts on TikTok including Real Madrid Captain Sergio Ramos and Arsenal defender David Luiz. Spain’s La Liga has 1.9 million followers on the platform.

DAZN is a major provider of football coverage in Germany for the 2020/21 season. In Germany, Austria and Switzerland it holds the rights to show 45 Bundesliga matches on Fridays, Sunday lunchtimes and Mondays. DAZN will also show 110 UEFA Champions League matches for this season.

 

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Mito, Nagasaki and Chiba step up: will they prove themselves in J1 football?

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Image Credit: JLeague.co

The Meiji Yasuda J1 100-Year Vision League begins in a matter of weeks.

Mito Hollyhock, V-Varen Nagasaki and JEF United Chiba will all feature in Japan’s top flight following their second-tier campaigns last season.

Mito’s historic breakthrough and Nagasaki’s return

For Mito, it marks uncharted territory. The Ibaraki outfit have never played first-division football, having operated exclusively in J2 since their founding 26 years ago. Last year’s title, secured on goal difference after a 70-point haul, changes that.

Arata Watanabe anchored their attack despite an injury-interrupted season. He netted 13 times and created seven more. Sho Omori provided width and service from left-back, appearing in every match and registering the team’s highest totals for passes and crosses.

Nagasaki return after an eight-year absence. Their second-place finish came in their inaugural campaign at PEACE STADIUM Connected by SoftBank. Takuya Takagi, who previously guided them into J1 in 2017, regained control midway through last season. His side dropped just one match in 19 under his leadership. 

Matheus Jesus carried the attacking burden. The Brazilian struck 19 goals and was named J2 Player of the Year. His output alone accounted for much of Nagasaki’s upward trajectory.

Chiba’s journey back has taken 17 years. Once part of the J. League’s inaugural cohort in the early 1990s, relegation in 2009 began a prolonged exile. Third place in the regular season sent them into the play-offs.  A 4-3 comeback from three goals down against RB Omiya Ardija in the semi-final preceded a 1-0 victory over Tokushima Vortis in the final. Carlinhos Junior’s winner in the final capped one of the most dramatic promotion campaigns in recent J. League history.

Each club brings distinct narratives into the top flight. For Mito, Nagasaki and Chiba, survival will mean validating years of ambition, while success could redefine their place in Japanese football. Momentum from promotion campaigns will be tested when fixtures commence in early February.

Coach Education Exchange unites Football NSW and Japan FA

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Football NSW

The education program was a roaring success for the 14 coaches who made the trip, demonstrating Japan’s high-quality infrastructure and development systems from which football bodies across Australia can take inspiration. 

 

A valuable partner

The 2026 FNSW Japan Coach Education Exchange comes as the latest display of the strong connection between footballing worlds in Australia and Japan. 

14 Football NSW coaches travelled to Japan for unique insights into what makes the J-League and WE League tick. With both of these leagues being renowned for their distinct footballing identities, elite development pathways, and technical excellence, the program serves as a valuable opportunity for Football NSW to gain new ideas and know-how moving forward. 

During the visit to Japan, the coaching cohort visited several different clubs, including: 

  • Cerezo Osaka
  • Tokyo Verdy
  • JEF United Chiba
  • Urawa Red Diamonds
  • Gamba Osaka

Learning from international expertise

The trip was not, however, merely about uncovering the secrets to club or commercial success. 

Visits to the JFA Academy Sakai emphasised Japan’s commitment to creating elite pathways for talented young players across the country. They believe in nurturing players not only to be talented footballers, but to be confident leaders through their education and lodging system. 

“He or she being gifted does not always have his or her talent blossom. By providing those who have a talent with a good environment and encouraging them to make efforts, we nurture players who can shine in the world,” they explain via the JFA official website. 

Further meetings with Director of Coach Education at the JFA, Kimura Yasuhiko, as well as Head Coach of Japan’s Men’s National Team, Hajime Moriyasu, highlighted the wealth of knowledge which Australia can access during collaborations with the JFA. 

“The opportunity to meet and hear from a national team head coach operating at the highest level of international football proved both humbling and motivating, underscoring the value of global connection and shared learning in coach development,” Football NSW said via press release. 

Following the success of the 2026 FNSW Japan Coach Education Exchange, the objective should now be to transform insights into action. For Football NSW, or any other football association in Australia seeking to develop the game for current and future generations in the region, the lessons learned from international partners must be applied with real conviction and commitment.

 

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