Tetsuji Yamada is a male high school student and soccer player appearing as a supporting character in "Sayonara, Football" and "Farewell, My Dear Cramer." He possesses close-cropped, shaggy black hair, dark eyes, and an angular face.

In elementary school, Tetsuji played football alongside childhood friend Kaoru Takei. Together, they met Nozomi Onda and invited her to join their junior football league. All three later attended Fuji Daiichi Middle School. During middle school, Tetsuji became captain of the boys' soccer team, embracing his leadership role seriously. He initially refused Nozomi's request to play in the newcomers' tournament, concerned for her safety in boys' competitions. He later discovered she had taken her brother Junpei Onda's place to participate.

Tetsuji exhibits strong leadership skills on the field and commands respect from teammates through his reliability and dedication. He possesses a soft side, particularly toward Nozomi, though he rarely shows it openly. He mentors Nozomi, helping develop her soccer skills and offering encouragement during her struggles. Over time, he accepts that she must compete against players like Yasuaki Tani to pursue her ambitions, prioritizing her growth over his own unrequited feelings.

At Warabi Seinan High School, Tetsuji plays as a midfielder for the boys' soccer club alongside Kaoru Takei and Yasuaki Tani. He watches the Warabi girls' team matches, including their practice game against Kunogi Gakuen. During the Saitama Preliminaries, he attends as part of the audience with his teammates and Junpei Onda.

His key relationships include his long-term friendship and teamwork with Kaoru Takei and Yasuaki Tani. Kouzou Samejima served as his coach during middle school at Fuji Daiichi. His dynamic with Nozomi Onda evolves from childhood teammates to a supportive but unreciprocated romantic interest, culminating in his acceptance of her independence.