It Was Always...Endo's Moment
From Yokohama rejection to Liverpool captaincy, Wataru Endo’s emotional homecoming was a night that celebrated pride, perseverance and everything this club stands for.
There are moments in football that go beyond goals, beyond assists, even beyond trophies. Moments that reach into the heart and squeeze something out of you that words can never quite touch. Wataru Endo’s appearance in Liverpool red at the Nissan Stadium in Yokohama was one of those moments. Not just for him, or his family, or the fans in the stands. For all of us who understand what it means to belong, to dream, and to return home carrying something precious.
Because this wasn’t a debut. It wasn’t even a final. It was a full-circle moment, carved from the quiet dedication of a footballer who has always given everything without needing the spotlight to shine on him. And on that warm Japanese evening, as Virgil van Dijk placed the armband on his arm and Endo stepped onto the pitch, the light found him.
And it was glorious.
From Yokohama to Anfield and back again
Wataru Endo’s Liverpool story did not begin with hype. He wasn’t a blockbuster arrival. There were no fireworks at John Lennon Airport when he touched down. But that, in many ways, tells you everything you need to know about him. He arrived as a 30-year-old with no frills, no drama, just a suitcase of determination and a readiness to graft.
Endo joined from Stuttgart in August 2023, a signing that caught many off guard. In a midfield that had just lost the likes of Jordan Henderson and Fabinho, questions were asked whether the Japan captain could fill such gaps. He didn’t just fill them, he shouldered the weight of expectation, adapted quickly to the rhythm of the Premier League, and gave everything, week in, week out.
In his first season, he played across midfield and defence, always selfless, always committed. Whether it was shielding the back four, chasing down a runner, or breaking up a counter, Endo did the dirty work so others could flourish. It was no surprise when Arne Slot made a point of rewarding him during pre-season.
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The captain’s armband, the family in the stands
It is difficult to fully capture the emotion of that moment in Japan without being there. But you only needed to see the pride etched across his face to understand it.
When Virgil van Dijk handed him the armband, it was more than just a symbolic gesture. It was a mark of respect from the squad, from the club, and from the manager. This wasn’t tokenism. It was a reminder that leadership does not always roar. Sometimes, it walks quietly beside you, doing its job without fuss.
Endo’s family were all there in the crowd, watching on. His children, his parents, people who had seen every struggle and sacrifice. And there he was, captaining Liverpool Football Club, in his homeland, in front of his people. You could see the tears in their eyes even if the cameras didn’t catch them.
The essence of Endo
There is something deeply admirable about the way Endo carries himself. He is understated, composed, and modest. But don’t mistake that for a lack of fire. His work-rate is relentless, his tactical discipline razor sharp. He gives 100 per cent, wherever he is asked to play. No complaints, no drama.
Whether it’s at No.6, at centre-back or anywhere else Arne Slot needs him, Endo plays with a sense of duty. That has not gone unnoticed by teammates or supporters. He embodies the values this club has always held close – humility, hard work and heart.
And it is worth remembering that this same man once had a trial at Yokohama, and never made the cut. Now he returns as a Premier League champion. Captain of Liverpool. A story that writes itself, but only because he worked hard enough to make it so.
The match itself
Liverpool’s 3-1 win over Yokohama F. Marinos may not go down as a classic, but it was full of character. The hosts, sharper and mid-season fit, took the lead through Asahi Uenaka, and for a brief moment there was tension in the air.
Then Florian Wirtz, our new jewel in midfield, drew us level with an assured finish. After that, it was the future of the club who took over. Trey Nyoni and Rio Ngumoha stepped forward with goals of their own, sealing the win and giving a glimpse of what lies ahead.
It was a night of celebration, not just for the result, but for what it represented. A club with its arms around its players, a squad with unity and respect, and a player like Wataru Endo, who reminds us all why we love this game in the first place.
A dream realised
Endo said it best. “I came back to Japan as a Liverpool player. For me, it meant a lot.”
It did. And it does. For him, for his family, for every young Japanese fan in the crowd holding up a homemade sign with his name scribbled across it.
This is the power of football. Not in the numbers or the headlines, but in the quiet power of a man stepping onto a pitch, carrying the hopes of a nation and the pride of a club, wearing the captain’s armband as if he was born to do it.
Wataru Endo will never forget this night.
Neither will we.