Blink-182 appear to be preparing something special for the 25th anniversary of Take Off Your Pants and Jacket.

The pop-punk trio sparked speculation among fans this week after sharing the album’s iconic artwork on social media alongside a link inviting fans to sign up for more information. While the band has yet to reveal exactly what’s planned, the timing points squarely to the 25th anniversary of the record, which was released on June 12, 2001.

The teaser arrives ahead of the album’s milestone anniversary on Friday (June 12), prompting fan theories ranging from an expanded reissue and previously unreleased material to a commemorative tour announcement.

At the time of publication, Blink-182 has not publicly confirmed any details.

Released on June 12, 2001, Take Off Your Pants and Jacket marked a major commercial breakthrough for Blink-182. The album debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 with more than 350,000 copies sold in its first week, becoming the first punk-rock album ever to open atop the chart.

The set spawned several of the band’s most enduring singles, including “The Rock Show,” “First Date” and “Stay Together for the Kids.” While the first two tracks leaned into the band’s trademark humor and youthful energy, “Stay Together for the Kids” showcased a more serious side, tackling divorce and family breakdown through some of the most personal songwriting of the group’s career.

The album also arrived during a period when Blink-182 were reaching new commercial heights. Fronted by guitarist Tom DeLonge and bassist Mark Hoppus alongside drummer Travis Barker, the band spent much of 2001 and 2002 touring globally behind the record, including the high-profile Pop Disaster Tour with Green Day.

The anniversary tease continues a recent trend of Blink-182 revisiting key moments from their catalog. In 2019, the group celebrated the 20th anniversary of Enema of the State by performing the album in full on tour, while recent years have seen renewed interest in the band’s classic-era releases following DeLonge’s return to the lineup.

The announcement also follows a busy period for the band. Their 2023 reunion album, One More Time…, debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, giving Blink-182 their third chart-topper and their first since Take Off Your Pants and Jacket more than two decades earlier.

For now, fans will have to wait until June 12 to learn exactly what Blink-182 has planned for one of the most beloved albums in pop-punk history.

Niall Horan is bringing his new album Dinner Party to Manhattan for a one-day fan takeover, with Universal Music’s UMusic Shop NY hosting a special pop-up event on Tuesday (June 9) to celebrate the release of his fourth studio album.

Located at 2 Penn Plaza, the takeover will offer fans the chance to shop official limited-edition Dinner Party merchandise — including pieces that have already sold out everywhere else — plus an exclusive tee made specifically for the event. Attendees will also be able to enjoy a full playback of the new album in-store alongside interactive photo moments. Per the announcement, the featured Dinner Party assortment will remain available at UMusic Shop NY throughout the week while supplies last, giving New York-based fans an extended window to pick up the limited drop.

The pop-up arrives the same day as Dinner Party‘s official global release via Capitol Records. The 12-track album, executive produced by longtime collaborators Julian Bunetta and John Ryan, leans into a cinematic and organic sonic direction, with co-writers including Afterhrs, Amy Allen, Ian Franzino, Andrew Haas, Steph Jones, Rocky Block and Joel Little contributing across the record. Dinner Party opens with “Tastes So Good” and closes with “End of an Era,” with the title track landing second on the tracklist.

Horan’s chart pedigree gives the new release significant momentum heading into release week. The multi-platinum singer-songwriter, who first rose to prominence as part of One Direction before launching one of the group’s most commercially successful solo careers, has sold over 90 million records worldwide.

His debut solo album Flicker topped the Billboard 200 in 2017 and produced the triple-platinum hit “Slow Hands.” His subsequent albums Heartbreak Weather (2020) and The Show (2023) both reached No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Album Sales chart and the UK Official Albums Chart. His 2024 global headline tour, The Show Live on Tour, brought his music to packed arenas across multiple continents.

The UMusic Shop NY takeover is open to fans throughout the day on June 9, with the broader Dinner Party assortment available through the rest of the week while stock lasts.

All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.

Nashville’s iconic Grand Ole Opry House has played host to some of country music’s most special occasions, from its first broadcast of the famed Grand Ole Opry radio show on WSM in 1974 to the premiere Opry performances of the genre’s greatest and most legendary names. But on the Sunday before CMA Fest 2026, the Opry stage introduced a brand-new experience.

Hosted by Chase Sapphire Reserve, “Dinner at the Opry” invited an intimate group of cardholders to dine on the stage of the Opry. The evening was part of Sapphire Reserve’s “Dinner On…” series, which reimagines cultural landmarks as immersive dining venues alongside influential talent.

The talent on this night: ACM Award-winning country music breakout star Ella Langley. Fresh off a plane in between tour stops (she’s headlining her own “Dandelion Tour” and opening for Morgan Wallen on his “Still The Problem Tour”), Langley took to the Opry stage to perform three of her viral hits: “Be Her,” “Loving Life Again,” and her history-making number one hit, “Choosin’ Texas.”

After the performance, cardholders enjoyed a family-style meal from one of Nashville’s only Michelin starred restaurants, Bastion. Attendees took home more than memories of an unprecedented night too: Tecovas set up a gifting suite for VIPs who were able to personalize a pair of boots onsite. Everyone also received a copy of Langley’s latest album, Dandelion.

With eight times the points on all purchases through Chase Travel, four times the points on flights, and four times the points on hotel bookings, it’s easy to see why frequent flyers like Langley choose Chase Sapphire. In fact, when Billboard asked Langley to share her travel must-haves, she didn’t hesitate to mention the card.

“[I need] my wallet with my Chase Sapphire Reserve Card inside,” she says, dutifully. “Having lounge access makes travel way easier, and my team uses it to book hotels when we’re on the road,” she adds.

What else does Ella need on the road? The country star shared some of her must-have items with Billboard and you can follow our links below to shop the same products online now.

ESV Thinline Bible

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“I always travel with my Bible because it helps keep me centered when life gets hectic,” Langley shares. “Having quiet moments to reconnect with my faith is something I really lean on while traveling.”


Amazon shoppers love this “thinline” Bible, which measures just one-inch thick — great for packing into a bag when traveling. The English Standard Version Bible comes with a genuine leather cover that folds over and ties up with a leather strap. Readers also like that the words spoken by Jesus in the Bible are highlighted in this edition in a red colorway.

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“I swear by Lumify eye drops, especially after long travel days and those in-between moments when I’m going straight from one thing to the next,” Langley says. “They instantly make me look more awake and refreshed.”


These Lumify eye drops are a bestseller on Amazon with more than 67,000 verified reviews. More than 86% of reviewers give the drops a full five-star review, praising their ability to reduce redness in as little as one minute.

Chomps Nashville Hot Chicken Jerky Meat Snack Sticks

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What does the country star snack on while on tour? “Chomps meat sticks are my favorite snack on-the-go because they’re high in protein and easy to throw in my bag,” Langley says.


Amazon has a range of Chomps meat sticks available to buy online, including this Nashville Hot Chicken flavor, which is made with no antibiotics, sugar or nitrites, and clocks in at just 80 calories. See more Chomps flavors (available in beef, turkey, chicken or venison) here.

Ella Langley Shares Favorite Products, Dandelion Tour Travel Essentials

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NOYZ x Be Her by Ella Langley Perfume

Of course Langley doesn’t show up to a concert or appearance without a few spritzes of her “Be Her” perfume, created with the fragrance company, NOYZ. “Having my own fragrance has always been a dream, and who doesn’t want to smell good all the time?” she says.


Langley’s signature scent features notes of violet, bergamot and peonies, mixed with “salted amber,” a hint of tobacco, soft woods and tonka bean.

ChapStick Summer Bundle (6 Count)

LIP SERVICE

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“I probably have 10 ChapSticks or lip glosses in my bag at a time,” Langley shares. “I like having options for whatever tones and vibe I want on any given day.”


She’s in luck because this ChapStick set gets you a six-pack of summery flavors, like a creamy ice cream trio, light and juicy mocktails, and refreshing fruit flavors like watermelon and grapefruit.

Of course there’s one other thing Langley always takes on tour: “I love having my dogs Crue and Bee with me,” she says. “They are my little pieces of home while on the road.”

Jet are heading back to regional Australia. Fresh off a run of east coast dates earlier this year, the ARIA Hall of Fame-inducted rockers have announced a second leg of their Rumblin’ Regional Revue tour, adding 11 shows across Australia this October and November.

The newly announced run kicks off in Canberra on Oct. 22 before making stops in Wollongong, Erina, Hobart, Forth, Toowoomba, Coolum Beach, the Gold Coast, Traralgon, Ballarat and Frankston.

The tour continues a busy period for the Melbourne band, which has experienced renewed momentum in recent years following its 2023 reunion touring activity and induction into the ARIA Hall of Fame.

Twenty-five years after forming in Melbourne’s southeast suburbs, Jet remain one of Australia’s most successful rock exports. Their debut album, Get Born, became a global breakthrough upon its release in 2003, selling more than 6.5 million copies worldwide and spawning enduring hits including “Are You Gonna Be My Girl,” “Look What You’ve Done” and “Rollover DJ.”

The album’s impact extended well beyond Australia. “Are You Gonna Be My Girl” reached No. 1 on Billboard’s Alternative Airplay chart and helped introduce the band to American audiences during the garage-rock revival of the early 2000s. Follow-up single “Cold Hard Bitch” also topped Alternative Airplay, making Jet one of the few Australian rock acts of the era to achieve sustained success on U.S. alternative radio.

Jet followed their debut with 2006’s Shine On, which debuted at No. 2 in Australia and produced singles including “Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is,” “Bring It On Back” and “Rip It Up.” The album was supported by extensive international touring and a high-profile appearance on the 2007 Big Day Out festival lineup.

Since returning to the stage in 2023 to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Get Born, the band has maintained a steady touring schedule. In 2025, Jet joined Lenny Kravitz on the Australian leg of his Blue Electric Light Tour and also performed a series of U.S. dates.

Joining Jet on the newly announced regional run will be Sydney rock outfit Liquid Zoo at all mainland shows, while Tasmania dates will feature Hobart psych-blues group Spooky Eyes.

Tickets go on sale June 12, with a Live Nation presale beginning June 11.

Tour Dates:

Oct. 22 — UC Refectory, Canberra
Oct. 23 — Waves, Wollongong
Oct. 24 — Woodport Hotel, Erina
Oct. 30 — Odeon Theatre, Hobart
Oct. 31 — Forth Pub, Forth
Nov. 5 — The Powerhouse, Toowoomba
Nov. 6 — Black Flag Brewing, Coolum Beach
Nov. 7 — Miami Marketta, Gold Coast
Nov. 12 — The Deck, Traralgon
Nov. 13 — Civic Hall, Ballarat
Nov. 14 — Pier Bandroom, Frankston

The annual Farm Aid concert and food festival is headed to Virginia Beach, Va., for the first time this year. The fundraiser for American family farmers will touch down at Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater on Sept. 26, with sets from board members Willie Nelson, Neil Young (& the Chrome Hearts band), John Mellencamp, Dave Matthews (with Tim Reynolds), Margo Price and Nathaniel Rateliff.

Joining them this year will be Turnpike Troubadours, Lukas Nelson, Mike Campbell & The Dirty Knobs, Jesse Welles, Sierra Ferrell, Mon Rovîa, I’m With Her, Amythyst Kiah, Lily Meola and Chris Pierce. Tickets will go on sale to the general public on Friday (June 12) at 10 a.m. ET via Farm Aid’s website and the box office. A limited number of tickets will be available in a presale beginning at 10 a.m. ET on Wednesday (June 10).

“Family farmers grow our food and strengthen our communities. And when farmers struggle like they are now, communities feel it too,” said Farm Aid cofounder Willie Nelson in a statement. “The challenges farmers face threaten their livelihoods and put all of us at risk. We’re bringing Farm Aid to Virginia to stand with the farmers and fishers who feed Hampton Roads and beyond — and to grow a food system that works for everyone.”

Since its founding in 1985, Farm Aid has raised more than $90 million for programs that help support family farmers and expand the Good Food Movement, which prioritizes locally grown, organic, humanely raised food. According to the press release, attendees of this year’s festival will get to see farmers’ contributions firsthand via Homegrown Concessions, which will offer a fresh menu with ingredients grown and raised by farmers using ecological practices, as well as hands-on activities in exhibits about soil, water, energy and farming.

Last year’s 40th anniversary Farm Aid took place in Minneapolis, and in addition to its founders, it featured sets from Bob Dylan, Kenny Chesney, Billy Strings, Rateliff & the Night Sweats, Lukas Nelson, Trampled by Turtles, Wynonna Judd, Steve Earle, Waxahatchee, Eric Burton of Black Pumas, Welles, Madeline Edwards and the Wisdom Indian Dancers.


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Niall Horan is heading to Sydney for an exclusive new fan experience celebrating the release of his fourth studio album Dinner Party, with Australian broadcaster Nova Entertainment unveiling a first-of-its-kind Nova’s Red Room event.

Taking place on Wednesday, June 10 in Sydney, the invitation-only event marks a significant evolution for the long-running Nova’s Red Room brand — moving beyond the traditional intimate live performance format that has hosted everyone from Ed Sheeran and Billie Eilish to Sam Smith, Liam Gallagher and The Kid LAROI, in favor of an immersive dinner party-style listening experience centered on the album.

Created in partnership with Universal Music Australia and TEG, the event will bring together 50 of Horan’s most passionate Australian fans for an intimate listen to Dinner Party alongside premium food and beverages, bespoke merchandise and curated experiential elements.

“Nova’s Red Room has built its reputation on creating unique experiences that bring fans closer to the artists they love,” said Nova Entertainment Group Programming Director Brendan Taylor. “As audience expectations continue to evolve, we’re always looking at new ways to innovate while staying true to what makes the platform so special. Partnering with Universal Music Australia and TEG on Niall Horan’s Dinner Party allows us to extend the Nova’s Red Room experience, creating an intimate, highly curated event that celebrates one of the world’s most loved artists and his latest musical chapter.”

The event announcement comes following Horan’s revelation that he’ll be returning to Australia in early 2027 on Rolling Stone AU/NZ’s Rolling Stone Uncut podcast.

“I’ll be down early next year for sure,” Horan said. “We haven’t got to the announcement part of it yet, but there’s no doubt I’ll be down, [and] I can’t wait.”

While Horan stopped short of confirming dates, venues or ticket details, the comments are his clearest indication yet that an Australian tour announcement is on the horizon. The singer last visited the region in 2024 on The Show Live on Tour.

Dinner Party, released globally on Tuesday (June 9) via Capitol Records, marks Horan’s fourth solo studio album. Executive produced by longtime collaborators Julian Bunetta and John Ryan, the 12-track record sees Horan working with co-writers including Afterhrs, Amy Allen, Ian Franzino, Andrew Haas, Steph Jones, Rocky Block and Joel Little. The album opens with “Tastes So Good” and closes with “End of an Era,” with the title track “Dinner Party” landing in second position on the tracklist.

The multi-platinum singer-songwriter first rose to prominence as part of One Direction before launching one of the most commercially successful solo careers to emerge from the group, selling over 90 million records worldwide. His debut solo album Flicker topped the Billboard 200 in 2017 and produced the triple-platinum hit “Slow Hands.”

His subsequent records Heartbreak Weather (2020) and The Show (2023) both topped Billboard’s Top Album Sales chart and the UK Official Albums Chart, with The Show also reaching No. 1 on the ARIA Albums Chart in Australia. His 2024 global headline tour, The Show Live on Tour, played packed arenas across multiple continents.

Australian listeners hoping to attend the Nova’s Red Room Dinner Party can register via the Nova Player for the chance to win an exclusive invite.

NYC native Cardi B showed up for her hometown with a fiery halftime show during Game 3 of the NBA Finals between the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs.

The rapper hit the court performing “Bodega Baddie” from her most recent album, September’s Am I the Drama?, surrounded by dancers in orange Knicks jersey dresses. As she made her way to center court, lucky fans inside Madison Square Garden for the pivotal game got a full look at Cardi’s floor-length hair blowing in the breeze and her low-cut gray bodysuit. Once she posted up on the stage, Cardi performed the hit that put her on the mainstream map: her first Billboard Hot 100 chart-topper “Bodak Yellow (Money Moves),” a three-week No. 1 in 2017.

Once she wrapped up her three-minute-plus set, Cardi settled into courtside seats underneath the basket with her 4-year-old son Wave for the second half. In one of a series of Instagram Stories posted from her seats, Cardi panned her phone camera over to the adjacent Spurs bench and quipped, “They got me right next to the opps! But I’mma be nice, ’cause I know this is a lot for them.”

Unfortunately, fans at home didn’t get to catch Cardi’s performance on the ABC broadcast, with only a sound-free video snippet playing as commentator Charles Barkley cracked jokes about the rapper’s revealing outfit. “I don’t know if those B’s. They might be Cardi D’s,” Barkley said to laughter from the rest of the panel. “I’m pretty sure those aren’t B’s. … She got the wrong initials.”

It looks like Cardi’s halftime set did air on the premium NBA League Pass broadcast, as some produced clips were shared around social media.

To start the game, Broadway star Avery Wilson performed the national anthem. Wilson has become somewhat of a lucky charm for the Knicks, performing “The Star-Spangled Banner” for the majority of the team’s 2026 postseason run.

The NYC team leads the series 2-0, winning both of the first two games in San Antonio.

Watch some footage from inside Madison Square Garden here.

The traditional sound of Sinaloan music will come to Mexico City’s Zócalo to enliven the World Cup festivities, featuring its foremost representative: Banda El Recodo de Cruz Lizárraga.

The iconic group will perform in the country’s main public square as part of the FIFA Fan Fest on Thursday (June 11), following the match between Mexico and South Africa at the Mexico City Stadium (Estadio Azteca).

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Known as “the mother of all bands,” the legendary group “will ignite the Zócalo with its energy, tradition and unmistakable rhythm,” announced a presenter in a FIFA video posted Monday (June 8) on social media, without specifying the time of the show. The group will headline one of the first musical events of the festival at the Plaza de la Constitución (the official name of the Zócalo), aiming to bring national and international fans together through soccer, music and local culture.

Banda El Recodo de Cruz Lizárraga joins a list of international stars like Chayanne, Enrique Iglesias, Grupo Firme and Imagine Dragons, who will perform at the FIFA Fan Festival 2026 in Monterrey, another host city for the World Cup in Mexico, alongside Mexico City and Guadalajara.

The Zócalo is considered an emblematic and highly significant location, as it is a square filled with symbolism where politics, social movements, culture and religion converge. It is the second-largest public square in the world, second only to Tiananmen Square in Beijing. International artists such as Paul McCartney, Roger Waters, Justin Bieber, Shakira, Los Fabulosos Cadillacs and Grupo Firme have performed there in front of thousands of people — some even declaring that it was the “biggest” show of their careers, as was the case for Spanish star Rosalía and New York band Interpol.

This past March, Colombian superstar Shakira became the artist to draw the largest audience for a free concert at the Zócalo, gathering 400,000 attendees.

UPDATE (June 8): Andrea Bocelli joins the lineup as a special guest for the FIFA World Cup 2026 Countdown Concert series in Mexico, sharing the bill with Los Ángeles Azules (featuring Belinda) and Elena Rose. The iconic Italian tenor will perform at the Auditorio Nacional in the Mexican capital, FIFA announced on Monday (June 8). The shows will take place simultaneously in Mexico City, Los Angeles and Toronto on Wednesday, one day before the tournament’s opening.

PREVIOUSLY (June 3): Diplo’s Major Lazer and Los Ángeles Azules featuring Belinda and Elena Rose are among the artists set to take the stage for the 2026 FIFA World Cup’s Countdown Concert series, FIFA announced Tuesday (June 2). The shows are taking place simultaneously in Mexico City, Los Angeles and Toronto on June 10.

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Developed in collaboration with the Grammys, the Countdown Concert series connects three of the host countries — Mexico, the United States and Canada — with a synched show that will take place ahead of the tournament, featuring international stars.

In Mexico City, the iconic cumbia band Los Ángeles Azules featuring pop star Belinda and Venezuelan singer-songwriter Elena Rose will headline the historic night at the Auditorio Nacional. There will also be an as yet unnamed special guest, according to the press release.

The Countdown Concert in the Latin American host country will be held in conjunction with the México Vibra event, which will bring together stars such as Alejandro Fernández, Carín León, Timbiriche, Carla Morrison and Meme del Real, also at the Auditorio Nacional.

In L.A., Diplo will showcase his Major Lazer project, with Davido also set to perform in an unforgettable night of music and celebration. Additional performers will be announced at a later date.

FIFA announced the Toronto show’s lineup on May 29. The show in Canada will feature performances by Bryan Adams, Nora Fatehi alongside Sanjoy and Vegedream, as well as a collaboration between AHI and Wyclef Jean, along with appearances by other artists and special guests to be announced.

The Countdown Concert will be streamed live starting at 7 p.m. in Mexico City, 6 p.m. in Los Angeles and 8 p.m. in Toronto (local time). It will be available on FIFA’s digital channels, including a global livestream on the FIFA World Cup TikTok account.


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This story is part of Billboard’s Global World Cup Series, a collection of 11 cover stories which pairs top soccer stars across the world competing in the 2026 FIFA World Cup with highly-touted musicians in accompanying countries.

Ryo Miyaichi signed with England’s Arsenal at 18, went on to gain experience at clubs across Europe and now plays for Japan’s Yokohama F. Marinos. The 33-year-old footballer’s perseverance through repeated injuries, returning to the pitch time and again with the support of his fans, has captured the hearts of many.

FANTASTICS member Sota Nakajima has been watching Miyaichi play on television since elementary school. The 26-year-old member of the LDH boy band once aspired to become a footballer himself, but a medical circumstance forced him to let that dream go. He continued to excel at futsal, and he now puts his extensive knowledge to work as the host of a football program.

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While they excel in different areas, both share the ability to captivate audiences on the big stage. Meeting for the first time, the two hit it off immediately and spoke with Billboard Japan about the role music plays in sports and more.

Nakajima: I used to watch you a lot when you were playing abroad, so today still feels unreal to me. What got you into football in the first place?

Miyaichi: I actually started playing football during my elementary school days to build the leg strength I’d need for baseball but ended up becoming a footballer instead. I was selected for the U-17 national team in my second year of high school. Watching players my age like Neymar and [Granit] Xhaka at the World Cup made me want to compete on that same stage.

Nakajima: I was seriously pursuing football from elementary school too, but in my third year of junior high school, a doctor told me I couldn’t expose my eyes to UV light for long periods of time. I had to give up football and switched to futsal.

These days, during performances, I’m always thinking about positioning, lyrics, watching for any part of the crowd that isn’t fired up and figuring out how to bring them in. My experience playing central and offensive midfielder positions turns out to be useful there. (Laughs.) When I had to stop playing football, EXILE’s music carried me through.

Sota Nakajima

Sota Nakajima

Ryuji Tatsumi

Miyaichi: For me it was DREAMS COME TRUE’s “Nandodemo.” With so many injuries, rehab becomes this relentless grind of monotonous work and it’s hard to stay motivated. That line in the song, “maybe something will change on the 10,001st try,” got me through more tough moments than I can count. Making it back like this and then scoring a goal or seeing the team win — that’s when I know all that rehab was worth it. I came close to quitting after some of the serious injuries, but I’m so happy that I’m still playing football professionally.

Nakajima: I feel the same. Being able to work as an artist at LDH is something I’m deeply grateful for. I’ve looked up to EXILE since I was a student and they were always my goal. Who was your football hero?

Miyaichi: It has to be Cristiano Ronaldo. His time at Manchester United — I couldn’t make sense of what I was seeing. He’d step over the ball again and again out of nowhere and I’d be like, how many stepovers can a man do? But that’s exactly what made him so cool. I copied everything, from how he wore his kit to his boots. Ronaldo was absolutely my role model.

Nakajima: What does a typical day look like for you?

Miyaichi: Team training starts at 10 in the morning, so I get to the training ground about an hour and a half early to prepare. We train from 10 to roughly noon, two hours at the most. After that I have lunch, do some gym work, get a massage, and I’m usually out of the training ground by around 3. Then I head home and wind down. I’ve been into Pilates lately, so I’ll go to a session occasionally. We push ourselves so hard in those training sessions that there’s nothing left in the tank. You can’t do much else after.

Nakajima: What do you usually do when you’re traveling?

Miyaichi: Listen to music, read, watch films. Everyone does their own thing. I also watch baseball and football. I’ve been keeping a close eye on Arsenal this season — they’re in good form, and I’m hoping they can go all the way.

Nakajima: I’m a big fan of Désiré Doué and Nuno Mendes, so I watch a lot of Paris Saint-Germain matches. You signed with Arsenal at 18. How do you see the recent wave of young Japanese players heading overseas?

Miyaichi: More players are going to Europe young these days, and I want them to do it at their own pace, without rushing. It’s easy to compare yourself to others, but what matters is focusing on your own growth. Back then, I didn’t really think of myself as young. There were so many world-class players around my age, and I was always feeling pressed. If I could go back and talk to my 15-year-younger self, I’d say, “What are you rushing for? You’re young.”

Nakajima: When [former Arsenal manager] Arsène Wenger spotted you in that training session, were you going in thinking, “I’m going to prove myself”?

Miyaichi: It was like stepping inside a game of Winning Eleven. My trial was right after the 2010 World Cup — Robin van Persie was there, Nicklas Bendtner, Alexandre Song. Players I’d only ever seen on TV were right there in front of me. The feeling that I’m actually jumping into this world hit me, and I loved every minute of it.

Ryo Miyaichi

Ryo Miyaichi

Ryuji Tatsumi

Billboard Japan: Now that you’ve gone from chasing dreams to being someone others look up to, what do you keep in mind?

Miyaichi: I think having fun is the most important thing. It’s what fuels your growth, and I grew up watching my seniors play with obvious joy, so I want to be an adult who still loves what he does. I still have the desire to keep improving and still feel the same way I always did. And it’s a profession that only exists because people show up to the stadium, so delivering an exciting match matters just as much. Showing people something that makes them think is cool on the pitch is what I’m there for. The day that’s no longer expected of me might be when I should consider retiring.

Nakajima: I want to be an artist like the sun. Turning negativity into positivity feels like what I was made to do, and as long as there are people willing to come along with me, I’ll keep singing.

Billboard Japan: For singers and artists, the profession is sustained by the people who engage with your work. How do you think about your relationship with supporters?

Miyaichi: Our fans and supporters are there for us every match — home, away, even following us overseas and everywhere in between. Every time I play, I carry the feeling that I need to perform well for them and bring them a result worth celebrating. Harsh words come with the territory, but I think criticism is part of what it means to be a professional footballer. A senior I respect once told me, “A plane can’t fly without a headwind, so criticism is necessary to keep flying.” That really hit home for me. When I’m criticized, that’s when I think, “This is my moment to rise.”

Billboard Japan: Maybe that clash of passionate feeling and the emotion it produces is why people around the world are so captivated by football.

Nakajima: Because you never know how things will turn out. Even the strongest teams lose sometimes, and a single play can be enough to make someone fall in love with the game. Watching football gets me really excited, and the way athletes dedicate their entire lives to their sport is just so cool.

Billboard Japan: Music is an indispensable form of entertainment too, one that pushes people forward and moves them deeply.

Nakajima: There are songs from decades ago that still give me a boost today. The beauty of music matters, of course, but there’s no single right answer in music, and being a technically accomplished singer isn’t the whole story either. The intention to reach someone is what matters, and that’s where I found the reason to keep singing. There are things that only I can deliver.

Billboard Japan: You probably play music during training and before matches. Would you say music is essential to sport?

Miyaichi: Absolutely. It genuinely saved me during rehab. At the Marinos gym, everyone puts their own music on, and you constantly hear things like, “Who’s the DJ today? I am not feeling this at all!” Before matches, especially in locker rooms abroad, the music is at a volume that almost makes you dizzy. But that’s where the intensity builds. Whoever wrote the Champions League anthem is awesome — one note of that and you’re ready for anything.

Nakajima: No matter when you hear it, it’s so uplifting.

Billboard Japan World Cup Cover, Sota Nakajima of Fantastics and Ryo Miyaichi