🚨 Zlatan Ibrahimović on Japan crashing out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after their heartbreaking defeat to Brazil:
“Football can be very cruel. Today Japan leave the World Cup, but they leave with their heads held high. They pushed Brazil to the edge, made them suffer and forced one of the greatest football nations in history to fight until the very end. That’s something no one can take away from them.”
“I don’t want to hear anyone calling this a failure. Failure is not giving everything. These players gave everything. They ran, they fought, they believed and they represented their country with incredible pride. Sometimes football rewards you, sometimes it breaks your heart. Today it broke Japan’s heart.”
“I saw the tears after the final whistle, and those tears tell you everything. They cared. They believed they could make history, and for a long time they looked capable of doing exactly that. The result hurts, but the performance deserves respect from the entire football world.”
“If Japan continue producing players with this mentality, this won’t be the last time they surprise the biggest nations. They have shown courage, discipline and personality throughout this tournament. Today they lost the match, but they won the respect of millions of football fans around the world.”
{@FoxNews }
🚨🇯🇵 Thierry Henry Praises Ueda, Suzuki, Kubo and Japan’s Golden Generation
“One thing I always admire in football is when a team leaves a tournament with more respect than they had when they arrived. That is exactly what Japan have done. They may be out, but they have earned the admiration of the football world because they played with courage, discipline and a clear identity from the first match to the last.”
“Ayase Ueda deserves enormous praise. Every time Japan needed someone to lead the line, he was there. His movement stretched defences, his work rate never dropped, and his goals gave Japan belief throughout the tournament. He looked like a striker who enjoyed carrying responsibility.”
“Then you look at Zion Suzuki. Goalkeepers can define tournaments, and he certainly did. Against Brazil he produced save after save, keeping Japan alive against one of the strongest attacks in world football. He showed maturity beyond his years and proved he belongs on the biggest stage.”
“Daichi Kamada quietly had an outstanding World Cup. He linked the midfield and attack beautifully, found space between the lines and made Japan’s football flow. Players like him often don’t receive the headlines, but coaches love footballers who make everyone around them better.”
“Takefusa Kubo reminded everyone why he is one of Asia’s brightest talents. Whenever Japan needed creativity, he wanted the ball. He carried defenders, created space and never stopped trying to make something happen. That’s the mentality of a top player.”
“I also have to mention Wataru Endo, Takehiro Tomiyasu and Kaishu Sano. Endo gave this team leadership and calmness. Tomiyasu marshalled the defence with authority whenever he was on the pitch. And Sano’s goal against Brazil will be remembered for a long time because it showed Japan never feared the occasion.”
*“This wasn’t a one-man story. It was a team story. That’s why Japan became one of the most admired sides at this World Cup. They didn’t rely on superstars—they relied on trust, organisation and togetherness. Sometimes you don’t need to lift the trophy to inspire millions. Japan have done exactly that.”
#BRAJPN