Image Credits: Imago Images
Wataru Endo has spoken for the first time since announcing his retirement from international football, sending an emotional video message to his Japan teammates just days after his World Cup hopes were ended by injury.
The Liverpool midfielder had been included in Japan’s 26 man squad for the 2026 World Cup despite having spent much of the year battling a foot injury sustained in February.
After travelling with the squad to their base in the United States, medical assessments ultimately determined that Endo would not be fit enough to feature during the tournament.
Head coach Hajime Moriyasu made the difficult decision to withdraw his captain three days before Japan’s opening match against the Netherlands, a call that left Moriyasu visibly emotional during a subsequent press conference, where he apologised through tears for the pain the decision had caused Endo, his family, and Japan’s supporters.
Endo left the squad’s training camp without addressing his teammates in person, choosing instead to record a video message that was played to the players shortly before kickoff against the Netherlands.
In it, he said, “You don’t need to say you’ll do your best for the players who can’t come.”
“I want you to do your best for yourselves and for Japan.”
The message struck a chord with the squad.
Defender Ko Itakura, who inherited the captain’s armband from Endo, held up his teammate’s jersey in an emotional gesture after the match, which Japan drew 2 2 with the Netherlands after twice coming from behind.
Endo’s retirement closes the international chapter of a career built on tactical intelligence, defensive discipline, and leadership.
The 33 year old earned 73 caps for Japan, becoming captain in 2023 and leading the side through to this World Cup cycle before injury intervened at the worst possible moment.
His club career has followed a similar path of steady progression.
After coming through the ranks at Shonan Bellmare, Endo moved to Urawa Red Diamonds, where he won the 2017 AFC Champions League.
A move to Europe followed in 2018 with Sint Truiden in Belgium, before a switch to VfB Stuttgart turned him into one of the Bundesliga’s standout defensive midfielders and eventually club captain.
Liverpool signed him in August 2023, and he quickly became a regular in the Reds’ midfield, helping the club win the 2024 EFL Cup.
Despite his height of 1.78 metres, Endo has long been known for punching above his weight physically, consistently ranking among the league’s leaders for duels won and standing tackles, while his simple, efficient passing has helped Liverpool transition out of defence.
With his Japan career now over, attention turns to his club future.
Endo is expected to report back to Liverpool for pre season, though he enters the final year of his contract with question marks remaining over his role under new manager Andoni Iraola.