Celtic Fans Can’t Get Over Kyogo Furuhashi’s Heart-Melting Message to J Bryan Rodgers Following Jota’s Career-Threatening Injury
The Celtic faithful have been left deeply moved by a heartfelt message from their former star striker Kyogo Furuhashi to his ex-teammate Jota, who recently suffered a devastating cruciate ligament injury that could sideline him for up to nine months. The emotional gesture has sparked an outpouring of love and nostalgia among fans, reminding them of the unbreakable bond forged during the duo’s time at Parkhead.
Jota, the Portuguese winger who returned to Celtic in January 2025 after stints with Al-Ittihad and Rennes, was stretchered off in the first half of Celtic’s title-clinching 5-0 victory over Dundee United on April 27, 2025. The 27-year-old was later seen leaving Tannadice on crutches, with a knee brace signaling the severity of the injury. Manager Brendan Rodgers confirmed the grim diagnosis, stating that Jota’s cruciate ligament injury would keep him out for six to nine months, casting a shadow over Celtic’s fourth consecutive Scottish Premiership triumph.
The injury not only jeopardizes Jota’s immediate future but also highlights Celtic’s need to bolster their attacking options in the upcoming transfer window. Rodgers noted that the injury “shone a light” on the squad’s depth issues, especially after losing Kyogo to Rennes in January.
Despite being 4,000 miles away in France, Kyogo Furuhashi, who swapped places with Jota in the January transfer window, wasted no time in reaching out to his former teammate. The Japanese striker, who won the hearts of Celtic fans with 85 goals in 165 appearances, posted a heartfelt message on social media that left supporters emotional.
“Brother, my heart is with you,” Kyogo wrote. “You’re one of the strongest people I know, and I have no doubt you’ll come back even better. We’ll always have those special moments together. Stay strong, Jota. Love you always.”
The message, accompanied by a photo of the pair celebrating during their time at Celtic, resonated deeply with fans. For many, it was a poignant reminder of the dynamic partnership that lit up Parkhead during the 2021-22 season, when Kyogo and Jota, under Ange Postecoglou, helped Celtic reclaim the Premiership title.
Celtic supporters flooded social media with reactions to Kyogo’s message, with many admitting they were brought to tears by the display of camaraderie. “This has absolutely broken me,” one fan posted on X. “Kyogo and Jota’s bond is something special. Get well soon, Jota!” Another wrote, “Kyogo’s words show what Celtic means to these players. Once a Bhoy, always a Bhoy.”
The message also reignited nostalgia for the days when Kyogo and Jota terrorized defenses with their pace, flair, and telepathic understanding. Fans reminisced about iconic moments, like Jota’s assists for Kyogo’s goals against Rangers and in European competitions, which cemented their status as cult heroes. “Those two were magic together,” a supporter commented. “Kyogo’s message just shows the family we have at Celtic.”
Kyogo and Jota’s time together at Celtic was marked by success and an infectious joy that endeared them to the fanbase. Kyogo, signed from Vissel Kobe in 2021, became a prolific goalscorer, while Jota, initially on loan from Benfica before a permanent £6.5 million move, dazzled with his wing play. Together, they contributed to three Premiership titles, two League Cups, and a Scottish Cup, with Kyogo’s clinical finishing and Jota’s creativity forming a lethal combination.
Their departures—Jota to Al-Ittihad for £25 million in 2023 and Kyogo to Rennes for £10 million in January 2025—left voids that fans still feel. Jota’s return to Celtic for £8 million was met with jubilation, but his injury has tempered that excitement, making Kyogo’s message all the more poignant.
Kyogo’s message also comes at a time when he’s facing challenges of his own at Rennes. The 30-year-old has struggled for minutes under manager Habib Beye, starting just one match and playing only 120 minutes since his move. Reports suggest Rennes may look to move him on in the summer, with some even speculating about a potential return to Celtic, following the precedent set by Jota and Kieran Tierney.
Despite his difficulties, Kyogo’s message to Jota underscores his enduring connection to Celtic. Fans have latched onto this, with some calling for the club to bring him back. “Kyogo’s heart is still in Glasgow,” one supporter tweeted. “Imagine him and Jota reunited at Parkhead next season.” Former Celtic midfielder Paul Slane even suggested on Open Goal that re-signing Kyogo at a reduced fee would be “great business.”
For Jota, Kyogo’s words offer a glimmer of light during a dark time. The winger faces a grueling rehabilitation process, with doubts lingering about his availability for Celtic’s upcoming campaigns, including the 2025-26 season. Yet, the support from Kyogo and the Celtic community could prove vital. “Jota’s got the whole Celtic family behind him,” a fan posted. “Kyogo’s message shows he’s not alone in this fight.”
Brendan Rodgers, while disappointed by the injury, remains optimistic about Jota’s resilience. “He’s a strong character, and we’ll support him every step of the way,” Rodgers said. The manager has already adjusted his lineup, with Adam Idah stepping up and Daizen Maeda shifting to the flank, but Jota’s absence will be keenly felt.
