Takumi Minamino captained Japan in their 2-2 draw with Paraguay after regular skipper Wataru Endo withdrew from the squad with injury.
– ADEVERTISEMENT –
Endo, who has led Japan since 2023, picked up the issue after coming off the bench in Liverpool’s 2-1 defeat to Chelsea last weekend.
Minamino, now at Monaco, took the armband for the friendly at Panasonic Stadium Suita in Osaka, where Japan twice came from behind to earn a draw.
– ADEVERTISEMENT –
The former Liverpool man has made a strong start to the 2025/26 season in France, linking up effectively with Paul Pogba at Monaco.
Pogba praised his teammate in an interview with Sportiva, saying: “He’s the first at training and last to leave. So disciplined but loves football. I need to learn from him.”
Minamino has recorded 15 and 14 goal involvements in his last two seasons at Monaco, scoring three times in the Champions League last term.
– ADEVERTISEMENT –
He previously netted 14 goals in 55 games for Liverpool, including 10 during their cup-double campaign in 2021/22, and has 24 goals in 70 appearances for Japan.
Japan boss Hajime Moriyasu said after the match: “We twice fell behind, but I believe people watching could feel the players’ grit to level things up and even turn the game around.”
Endo, who joined Liverpool from Stuttgart in 2023, has earned 71 caps for Japan, scoring four times, and remains a late-game option under Arne Slot at Anfield.