Pokémon's Massive New Soccer Collab Pairs 60 Clubs with Their Own Partner Pokémon

Japan’s J.League has unveiled a major new collaboration with Pokémon to celebrate the franchise’s 30th anniversary, assigning a unique partner Pokémon to each of the league’s 60 professional clubs as part of the “EVOLUTION! – J.League Evolves” campaign.

Pokémon first debuted in 1996 with the Game Boy games Pokémon Red and Pokémon Green before growing into one of the world’s biggest entertainment franchises through video games, the Trading Card Game, animation, movies, mobile apps and merchandise enjoyed by millions of fans across generations.

Every club across the J1, J2 and J3 divisions has now been paired with a Pokémon chosen to reflect the team’s identity, with many of the selections highlighting Pokémon that evolve or symbolize strength, growth and teamwork.

Among the standout pairings are Kashima Antlers with Charizard, Yokohama F. Marinos with Azumarill, Kawasaki Frontale with Palafin (Hero Form), Cerezo Osaka with Cherrim (Sunshine Form), FC Machida Zelvia with Greninja, Kyoto Sanga F.C. with Gengar, Vissel Kobe with Houndoom and Sanfrecce Hiroshima with Ursaluna.

Let’s take a look at the full list of J1 Division partner Pokémon pairings!.

Kashima Antlers × Charizard

Urawa Reds × Incineroar

Kashiwa Reysol × Heliolisk

Tokyo Verdy × Decidueye

Kawasaki Frontale × Palafin (Hero Form)

Shimizu S-Pulse × Pawmot

Kyoto Sanga F.C. × Gengar

Cerezo Osaka × Cherrim (Sunshine Form)

Fagiano Okayama × Unfezant (Male)

Avispa Fukuoka × Beedrill

Mito HollyHock × Salamence

JEF United Chiba × Boltund

FC Tokyo × Ceruledge

FC Machida Zelvia × Greninja

Yokohama F. Marinos × Azumarill

Nagoya Grampus × Typhlosion

Gamba Osaka × Luxray

Vissel Kobe × Houndoom

Sanfrecce Hiroshima × Ursaluna

V-Varen Nagasaki × Swampert

The J2 Division club and partner Pokémon pairings are:.

Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo × Noctowl

Vegalta Sendai × Braviary

Montedio Yamagata × Beartic

Tochigi City × Sirfetch’d

Yokohama FC × Clefable

Ventforet Kofu × Mightyena

Kataller Toyama × Gogoat

Fujieda MYFC × Nidoking

FC Imabari × Wailord

Oita Trinita × Blastoise

Vanraure Hachinohe × Malamar

Blaublitz Akita × Kingdra

Iwaki FC × Aurorus

RB Omiya Ardija × Emboar

Shonan Bellmare × Empoleon

Albirex Niigata × Swanna

Júbilo Iwata × Altaria

Tokushima Vortis × Poliwrath

Sagan Tosu × Porygon-Z

Tegevajaro Miyazaki × Granbull

Finally, the J3 Division club and partner Pokémon pairings are:.

Fukushima United FC × Blaziken

Thespakusatsu Gunma × Pangoro

Matsumoto Yamaga FC × Tyranitar

Zweigen Kanazawa × Staraptor

Reilac Shiga FC × Whiscash

Nara Club × Sawsbuck (Autumn Form)

Renofa Yamaguchi × Pyroar (Male)

Ehime FC × Talonflame

Giravanz Kitakyushu × Sunflora

Kagoshima United FC × Camerupt

Tochigi SC × Infernape

SC Sagamihara × Ferrothorn

AC Nagano Parceiro × Hydrapple

FC Gifu × Meganium

FC Osaka × Primarina

Gainare Tottori × Gallade

Kamatamare Sanuki × Tangrowth

Kochi United SC × Mabosstiff

Roasso Kumamoto × Rapidash

FC Ryukyu × Mantine

The collaboration will also bring the Pokémon J.League Festival to all 60 clubs, giving supporters additional themed activities throughout the season.

A total of one million visitors across participating stadiums will receive a Pokémon-themed reusable “EVO BAG” on a first-come, first-served basis during eligible matches.

Each reusable bag features the respective club’s partner Pokémon on the front, while Pikachu appears on the reverse side to celebrate the nationwide collaboration.

Fans can check which matches will distribute the exclusive EVO BAG through the official J.League Ticket website.

J.League has also confirmed that additional collaboration merchandise and event details will be revealed in the coming months as the Pokémon partnership continues to expand throughout the anniversary celebrations.