Wataru Endo Bids Farewell to Japan as Liverpool Future Comes Into Focus

For many footballers, international retirement arrives with careful planning and a final farewell on their own terms. For Wataru Endo, the ending was far more emotional. An injury that had already disrupted much of his year ultimately denied him the opportunity to represent Japan at the 2026 World Cup, bringing an abrupt conclusion to one of the most respected international careers in recent Japanese football history.

The Liverpool midfielder has now spoken publicly for the first time since announcing his retirement from international football, offering a message that perfectly reflected the leadership qualities that defined his time with Japan.

Emotional Exit from World Cup Stage

Endo travelled to the United States with Japan’s World Cup squad despite ongoing concerns over a foot injury suffered in February. There remained hope that the experienced midfielder could recover in time to contribute during the tournament.

Medical assessments eventually delivered a different verdict.

Japan head coach Hajime Moriyasu made the difficult decision to remove his captain from the squad just three days before their opening fixture against the Netherlands. It was a moment that clearly affected everyone involved, including Moriyasu himself, who became emotional while discussing the decision publicly.

Rather than addressing his teammates face to face before departing camp, Endo chose to leave a video message.

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.”

Those words resonated deeply within the squad and quickly became a rallying point ahead of the tournament.

Leadership Beyond Captaincy

Few players have embodied leadership for Japan quite like Endo.

Defender Ko Itakura inherited the captain’s armband following Endo’s withdrawal and paid tribute in a powerful manner after Japan’s opening match. Following a dramatic 2-2 draw against the Netherlands, in which Japan twice recovered from deficits, Itakura held up Endo’s shirt in recognition of his absent teammate.

It was a fitting gesture.

Across 73 international appearances, Endo became one of Japan’s most dependable figures. Named captain in 2023, he guided the national team through a period of significant transition and helped establish the standards that carried the side into another World Cup cycle.

His influence extended well beyond statistics. Tactical awareness, positional discipline and an unwavering commitment to the collective made him one of the most trusted players of his generation.

Journey from Japan to Liverpool

Endo’s rise was never built on hype.

Beginning at Shonan Bellmare before moving to Urawa Red Diamonds, he steadily developed into one of Japan’s leading midfielders, helping Urawa win the AFC Champions League in 2017.

A move to Europe followed with Sint-Truiden before his career truly accelerated at VfB Stuttgart. There, Endo became captain and one of the Bundesliga’s most reliable defensive midfielders.

Liverpool moved swiftly to sign him in August 2023. While many questioned the transfer initially, Endo quickly established himself as an important figure within the squad, helping Liverpool lift the EFL Cup during his first season at Anfield. He was then part of the side that lifted the Premier League title in 2025.

Iraola Era Presents New Challenge

With his Japan career now complete, Endo’s focus turns entirely towards Liverpool.

The midfielder is expected to return for pre season preparation under new head coach Andoni Iraola. Yet questions remain regarding his role moving forward.

Endo enters the final year of his Liverpool contract at a time when the club is entering a new era following significant changes on and off the pitch. Experience remains valuable, particularly during periods of transition, but competition for midfield places continues to intensify.

Whether Endo remains a key squad figure or faces a different challenge elsewhere, his international legacy is already secure. For Japan, he leaves behind a reputation built on professionalism, resilience and leadership. For Liverpool, the next chapter is still waiting to be written.