It is with immense sadness that I learned of the passing of my dear friend Shuichi Tamura, at the age of 68, after a battle with cancer.
I had the privilege of seeing him one last time on July 8.
We shared a lunch together with his closest and most loyal friends.
We all knew that his time was limited, yet Shuichi faced those final days with remarkable dignity and courage.
He insisted on welcoming us and inviting us to lunch in his own neighborhood, a final expression of the generosity that always defined him.
When it was time to say goodbye, we embraced each other for a long moment. In that embrace, I felt the affection, loyalty, and profound bond of a friendship that began in 1998 during the FIFA World Cup in France.
From that very first meeting, Shuichi stood by my side throughout my journey in Japan and my entire coaching career.
Through his writing, his enthusiasm, and his unwavering trust in me, he helped keep my football philosophy and my analyses alive in Japan.
For that, I will be forever grateful.
I will also always cherish the memory of our first book together, “Revolution,” a symbol of our friendship and our shared passion.
Today, I have lost a loyal friend, a brother.
But the memories we created together will remain forever engraved in my heart.
I extend my deepest condolences to his sister, his family, and all those who loved him.
Thank you for everything, Shuichi.
Rest in peace, my dear friend.
You will remain in my heart forever.
Philippe 🙏❤️
As a winegrower in Saint-Émilion, I am deeply saddened by the devastating wildfires currently affecting the Gironde, the Bordeaux region, and more broadly, Nouvelle-Aquitaine.
These fires are threatening lives, homes, businesses, and our natural heritage, while also creating serious health challenges for local communities.
My thoughts are with all the families who have been affected by this tragedy.
I would like to express my deepest admiration and gratitude to the firefighters, emergency services, volunteers, local authorities, and everyone working tirelessly and courageously to protect lives and bring these fires under control.
In times like these, solidarity, resilience, and unity are our greatest strengths. I stand in full support of everyone impacted by this disaster and sincerely hope that the coming days will bring encouraging news, safer conditions, and a swift recovery for the entire region.
My heartfelt solidarity goes out to the people of Gironde and Nouvelle-Aquitaine.
#SaintEmilion #Bordeaux #Gironde #Wildfires #Firefighters #Solidarity
Spain 🇪🇸 vs Argentina 🇦🇷 | FIFA World Cup Final
Two philosophies. Two exceptional teams.
Argentina showed resilience, defensive commitment, and an unbreakable fighting spirit, even with ten men.
Spain answered with composure, patience, and the mental strength to stay true to their football until the very end.
A World Cup Final of the highest quality, deservedly won by a truly outstanding champion. 🏆⚽
#FIFAWorldCup #WorldCupFinal #Spain #Argentina #Football
Football reminds us of an eternal truth, talent opens the door, but character writes history.
🇦🇷 Argentina, the defending world champions, are back in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final because they never stopped believing.
Trailing early, they never surrendered. While England believed protecting the lead would be enough, Argentina kept playing, creating, and believing.
With Lionel Messi illuminating the decisive moments, Argentina now stands one step away from a historic fourth star.
Great champions are not those who never fall, they are those who always rise again. 💪 🇦🇷
#FIFAWorldCup #Argentina #Messi
After fiercely contested quarter-finals, the World Cup has delivered the semi-final lineup many expected from the start: 🇫🇷 France, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🏴 England and 🇦🇷 Argentina.
The margins are now incredibly small. At this level, every detail can decide a match.
Two outstanding semi-finals await. Football at its very best. ⚽🏆
#WorldCup2026 #FIFAWorldCup #SemiFinals
The Round of 16 has delivered its verdict. Congratulations to Morocco and Egypt for reaching the next stage and continuing to showcase the remarkable progress of African football.
Although Asia leaves the tournament without a representative, Japan and Australia fought with great courage and quality. Winning knockout matches remains the next important step in the continued development of Asian football.
I also want to congratulate Ghana and Cape Verde. Their performances throughout the tournament confirmed the growing strength, tactical maturity, and technical quality of African football.
One lesson stands out from this World Cup, a match is never over until the final whistle.
An extraordinary number of goals have been scored in the final five minutes or even the final seconds.
These moments reflect the psychological pressure of elite competition, the importance of maintaining concentration and tactical discipline, but also the decisive impact of individual talent capable of changing the outcome of a match in a single action.
Football continues to evolve and this World Cup is a powerful reminder that every second matters.
#worldcup
Japan leaves this World Cup with its head held high. 🇯🇵 Against Brazil, the difference wasn’t talent or organization, it was squad depth.
In the second half, Japan no longer had the resources to sustain the same attacking pressure. A proud exit that highlights how far this team has come, while also showing the final step still needed to compete with the very best.
Ganbare Nippon 🇯🇵
A deserved qualification for Japan.
A very controlled first half, with intensity, technical quality, collective discipline, and strong defensive organization.
In the second half, Sweden pushed hard, but Japan showed character, resilience, and the ability to suffer together.
This team knows how to play, but also how to fight when needed.
All the ingredients are there now ahead of an exciting Round of 32 clash against Brazil.
Ganbare Nippon 💪🇯🇵⚽️❤️
A Japan side full of character! 🇯🇵
An outstanding second half and a remarkable reaction earned Japan a precious draw against the Netherlands, a result that feels like a true victory.
A huge confidence boost for this group and the perfect way to begin this World Cup journey with renewed ambition and hope.
Let’s go, Japan! 🔥⚽🇯🇵