Kento Shiogai speaks out after World Cup elimination and Neymar controversy

Japanese forward Kento Shiogai has broken his silence following Japan's elimination from the 2026 World Cup. After a 2-1 defeat to Brazil, decided by a late Gabriel Martinelli goal, the player took to social media to thank fans and promised to return stronger.

Thank you for your support. I'll come back stronger. Kento Shiogai

Shiogai became a central talking point after pre-match comments were interpreted as a provocation toward the Brazilian national team. When asked about Neymar, he had suggested that the Brazilian star's peak was in the past and that other nations, like France or Argentina, were currently stronger.

Following the defeat, Shiogai clarified his stance, stating that his intention was never to belittle the team managed by Carlo Ancelotti. He acknowledged that the taunts he received from some Brazilian players after the final whistle were a natural consequence of the hype surrounding his earlier statements.