🚨 Reporter asks Mohamed Salah about Japan players displaying Wataru Endō’s jersey after the 2-2 draw against the Netherlands at the 2026 FIFA World Cup:
🎙️ Reporter:
“Mo, what did you make of the moment when the Japan players held up Wataru Endō’s jersey after the match?”
🗣️ Mohamed Salah:
“Honestly, that was the most powerful moment of the game for me.
Everyone will talk about the goals and the result, but that image meant much more than football.”
🎙️ Reporter:
“Why?”
🗣️ Mohamed Salah:
“Missing a World Cup because of injury is heartbreaking.
You work your whole career for moments like this.
Seeing his teammates honour him showed how much respect and love they have for him.”
🎙️ Reporter:
“What does it say about this Japan team?”
🗣️ Mohamed Salah:
“It says they’re united.
They weren’t just playing for themselves tonight, they were playing for Endō too.
Teams with that kind of togetherness are always dangerous.
If Japan keep showing that spirit, they can surprise a lot of people in this tournament “.
{@FIFAcom }
Jürgen Klopp on Japan players displaying Wataru Endō's jersey after the 2-2 draw against the Netherlands:
🗣️ “I won't lie, that moment touched me. Football can be a beautiful game, but sometimes it can also be incredibly cruel. Seeing Endō miss the World Cup because of injury broke a lot of hearts, including mine.
When I saw the players holding up his shirt after the game, I got emotional. That wasn't a celebration of a draw. That was a group of teammates telling one of their brothers, 'You're still here with us.'
People only see the matches, the goals, and the results. They don't see the sacrifices players make every day. Endō worked for years to be on this stage, and having it taken away from him at the last moment is something no footballer ever wants to experience.
What made it special was how genuine it felt. Nobody told them to do it. It came from the heart. You could see how much respect and love they have for him.
Moments like that remind you that football is bigger than trophies and points. It's about relationships, loyalty, and standing beside people when they need you most.
I can only imagine what Endō felt watching from home. Pride, sadness, happiness all at the same time. But one thing is certain: he would have known that his teammates were playing for him.
And honestly, if Japan keep showing that kind of unity and heart, they can surprise a lot of people in this tournament. Because teams with that level of togetherness are capable of something special.”
🚨Steven Gerrard on the Japanese players displaying Endo Wataro Jersey after a 2-2 draw against the Netherlands.
🗣️“I’m happy for what I saw today after the game, showing off Endo’s jersey at the end of the game was really something special and a tribute to the player wishing he was part of the squad to compete.
They wasn’t just celebrating a draw but an important player they wish to be part of the squad, Things like this are always emotional to experience and I will say that was the best thing that completed my day today.
Liverpool FC can confirm Arne Slot is to depart his role as head coach with immediate effect and that the process to appoint a successor is under way.
He leaves with a Premier League title to his name and our deepest gratitude and appreciation.