Roberto Hongo is a Brazilian footballer of Japanese descent, a former attacking midfielder who wore the number 10 jersey for the Brazil national team. His playing career ended abruptly when a hard tackle caused him to fall on the back of his head, resulting in a detached retina though he avoided severe concussion. This injury triggered deep depression, culminating in a suicide attempt by drowning. He was rescued by Kodai Ozora, Tsubasa Ozora's father, who encouraged him to seek treatment in Japan. In Japan, Roberto encountered the young Tsubasa Ozora, recognizing his exceptional potential as a "friend of football." Inspired, he became Tsubasa's mentor, initiating his training with the philosophy that "the ball is my friend," emphasizing enjoyment and technical mastery. After the elementary school "Kids' Dream" arc, Roberto returned to Brazil, leaving Tsubasa an annotated training book. He later resumed direct training during the "J Boys' Challenge" arc. Roberto subsequently brought Tsubasa to Brazil for three years of intensive training, where Tsubasa joined São Paulo FC. During this period, Roberto transitioned Tsubasa from forward to midfielder and taught him advanced techniques, including the Skywing Shot. His influence extended to training Brazilian prodigy Carlos Santana in the anime and later mentoring Natureza, whom he concealed as Brazil Youth's secret number 10 player for the "Battle of World Youth" arc. As coach of Brazil Youth, Roberto led the team to the World Youth final against Japan Youth. His strategy focused on neutralizing opposing playmakers, but Japan's teamwork ultimately prevailed, prompting him to field Natureza late in the match. After Japan's victory, Roberto acknowledged Tsubasa had surpassed him, vowing their rivalry would continue. In the "Road to 2002" arc, Roberto supported Tsubasa's move to FC Barcelona, predicting midfielder Rivaul would further hone his skills. He attended Tsubasa's debut in El Clásico, expressing confidence Tsubasa would achieve dreams his own forced retirement prevented. Later, during the "Rising Sun" arc, he served as assistant coach for Brazil's Olympic team. Roberto's background includes significant hardship; his mother died in a factory accident when he was young, leaving him alone with only a football she had gifted him. He overcame this to become a professional player, embodying a "self-made man" narrative rising from poverty. His character draws inspiration from real-life Brazilian footballers, particularly Socrates, in appearance, playing style, and career-ending eye issues. The "Road to 2002" adaptation omits his suicidal past.