🚨 Japan left their dressing room spotless after their match against the Netherlands. 👏
A tradition built on respect, discipline, and responsibility. ❤️🇯🇵
🚨Virgil van Dijk on Japan players displaying Wataru Endō’s jersey after the 2-2 draw against the Netherlands at the 2026 FIFA World Cup:
🗣️ “That moment after the final whistle showed exactly why football is more than just a game.
Seeing the Japanese players display Wataru Endō’s jersey was powerful.
It showed unity, respect and the strength of their dressing room.
I know Wataru personally and I know what he means to Japanese football.
He’s a leader, a fighter and someone who gives everything for his country every single time he steps onto the pitch.
Whether he was on the field or not, his presence was felt throughout the match.
You could see the team playing for something bigger than themselves.
That’s one of the reasons Japan are such a difficult team to play against.
They work for each other, they sacrifice for each other and they never stop believing.
The gesture from the players was a reminder of the respect they have for Endō and everything he has done for Japanese football.
As opponents, we respect that.
As footballers, we understand that.
It was a special moment and one that showed the values football should always represent.”
{@TNTSportsUS }
🚨Thierry Henry on Japan honoring Wataru Endō after their 2-2 draw with the Netherlands at the 2026 FIFA World Cup:
🗣️ “To be honest, this is why football is different from any other sport in the world.
People will talk about the goals.
People will talk about the 2-2 draw.
But the image that will stay with me is that Wataru Endō shirt.
Football can be beautiful, but it can also be cruel.
Imagine dedicating your entire life to representing your country at a World Cup and then having that dream taken away by injury just before the tournament begins.
That is heartbreaking.
When I saw the Japanese players holding up his shirt, I didn’t just see a gesture.
I saw a team playing for one of their own.
I saw loyalty.
I saw brotherhood.
I saw players telling a teammate, ‘You may not be on the pitch, but you’re still with us.’
Those moments cannot be coached.
They come from the heart.
And that’s why they mean so much.
People always ask what wins football matches.
Sometimes it’s tactics.
Sometimes it’s talent.
But sometimes it’s emotion.
Sometimes it’s playing for something bigger than yourself.
Japan showed that tonight.
Every run, every tackle, every duel felt like they were carrying Endō with them.
And let me tell you, teams that have that kind of connection become very dangerous.
Because when eleven players are fighting for each other and for a shared purpose, they can achieve things nobody expects.
Tonight wasn’t just a 2-2 draw against the Netherlands.
It was a reminder of what football is really about.
And that’s why this game will always be special.”
{@MailSport }