Kyogo and his gesture leaves Celtic teammates smiling

By Euan Davidson

September 24, 2021

Celtic striker Kyogo just cannot be stopped.

Fine, he’s injured, but he continues to impress teammates and supporters with simple, classy acts. Whether it’s going mental on the sidelines when Celtic score, or what he did last night, after the Bhoys beat Raith Rovers.

Kyogo, missing through injury since an ill-fortuned international break, came down to the dugout, and gave every single player and member of staff a fist-bump as they came off the pitch.

The former J League superstar has been a hit since arriving in the summer. Not only has he scored goals in bunches, but his willingness to step out in Glasgow and his infectious enthusiasm have left everyone smiling.

The ex-Vissel Kobe forward, who already has 7 goals in 9 games for Celtic [Transfermarkt], clearly can’t wait to get back amongst it.

Particular highlights from the video include Stephen McManus’ surprise and mile-wide smile. Then, Gavin Strachan looks the absolute spit of his Dad, as he welcomes Kyogo and gives him a high-five.

It’s just wholesome, alright?

Foremost, it’s amazing to see a player from the other side of the world not only enjoying his football, but loving being part of this particular Celtic team. Given how fractured the squad looked last season, the introduction of genial characters like Kyogo seems an absolute masterstroke.

Obviously, it helps that he can play a bit too. We’re desperate to get him back on the pitch.

If Kyogo wasn’t a Celtic favourite already…

The IKEA-shopping, Costco-loving goal machine has legitimately been an inspired signing.

It could’ve been expected that Postecoglou would dip into the J League market, given his successes in Japan. It’s likely he’ll do it again in January or next summer.

But in such a simple act, Kyogo has exemplified the feel-good factor at the club under Ange. Joe Hart, too, took part in a post-match gesture that got some approving nods from the Celtic support.

According to our own Hamish Carton:

Fine, not every result has been great, and the number of injuries is a concern.

But you can’t argue the atmosphere at both Celtic Park and Lennoxtown isn’t much improved. Guys like Kyogo and Hart are contributing hugely to that.

Admittedly, Kyogo fist-bumping his teammates isn’t the biggest news in the world. Joe Hart rallying his teammates to thank the fans won’t dictate how our season goes.

Try and tell me that it’s not meaningful though, especially after the gloom of last year.

Read more: James McCarthy receives deserved plaudits from Celtic boss Postecoglou