Former Kashima Antlers Star Alcindo Shares How His Famous Phrase Came to Be

All the events in Japan were guided by God

“The reason I am who I am today is thanks to Japan. It’s not just about money; I received many of life’s treasures from Japan. It’s been 30 years since then, but I still take pride in being part of the early days of the J.League.”

As soon as we met at the hotel, Alcindo Sartori (57) spoke in his high-pitched Portuguese, saying this, and continued, “Ask me anything today!”

He played for Kashima Antlers from the inaugural year of the J.League in 1993. With his endlessly cheerful personality and a distinctive hairstyle—long hair but thinning only on the crown—Alcindo took Japan by storm. From the moment he arrived, he scored consistently, netting 50 goals in 71 matches over two years with Kashima. He later played for Verdy Kawasaki (now Tokyo Verdy) and scored a total of 79 goals in the J.League. For the legendary striker, the most memorable moment was the 1993 opening match.

“Kashima Stadium was packed with red-clad supporters like Flamengo in Rio, and with Zico’s hat-trick plus my two goals, we beat Nagoya Grampus 5-0. I had a great record against Nagoya; in an away match afterward, I scored a hat-trick again (Kashima won 4-0). After that, fans were everywhere, and my world completely changed (laughs).”

Alcindo’s popularity was cemented by a TV commercial for Aderans.

In the ad, he warns a balding office worker on the train, saying, “You’re going to become Alcindo soon,” introduces Aderans, gets thanked, and responds, “If we’re friends, it’s natural” —a phrase that captivated Japanese audiences of all ages.

According to Alcindo, the famous line “If we’re friends, it’s natural” originated spontaneously on a team bus during an away trip.

“I was sitting with my legs stretched out in the aisle when our goalkeeper Masa (Masa Furukawa, 56) got on. I immediately pulled my legs in and said in Portuguese, ‘Amigo é para isso, né?’ (That’s what friends are for, right?). Masa, who understands some Portuguese, translated it as ‘If we’re friends, it’s natural.’ I liked the phrase and started saying it whenever I did something good—it spread within the team and eventually made it into the commercial (laughs).”

When asked if he had any issues being made fun of for his thinning hair nationwide on TV, he replied:

“Not at all! I felt that everything that happened in Japan was guided by God, destiny.”

The August 7 issue of FRIDAY (August 22–29 combined issue) and the paid edition FRIDAY GOLD feature detailed reports on why Alcindo came to Japan at age 25, the culture shock he experienced, the story behind his unique hairstyle, offers from other wig companies, and the farm he manages in Brazil.

For those who want to see detailed content and multiple photos, click here ↓

From the August 22/29, 2025, issue of “FRIDAY”