When Wataru Endo arrived at Anfield, he brought with him a reputation for tireless work rate and quiet leadership. Now, the Liverpool midfielder is preparing to carry those exact traits onto football’s grandest stage on behalf of his nation.
In an exclusive and insightful interview with Australia’s Jackson Irvine for FIFPro, Endo opened up about his deep-seated love for Liverpool Football Club, his meteoric rise within the squad, and the immense honor of wearing the captain’s armband for the Japanese national team as they head into the 2026 World Cup.
The fascinating conversation bridged the gap between club loyalty and international ambition, focusing heavily on the intense build-up to this summer’s tournament.
For Endo, the upcoming games are the culmination of a lifelong obsession with the sport. He reflected fondly on the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, describing his participation as a literal “dream come true” a defining moment fueled by childhood memories of watching the iconic 2002 World Cup, which Japan co-hosted alongside South Korea.
However, the 2026 tournament promises a unique twist for the industrious midfielder. Fate has dealt Japan a challenging group stage, setting up a series of high-stakes reunions. Endo will have to temporarily put friendships aside as Japan prepares to battle both Sweden and the Netherlands—a group absolutely littered with his Liverpool teammates.
Life at Liverpool and Wataru Endo’s future
Endo joined Liverpool in 2023, and while never an immediate starter, fans appreciated his hard work and ability to come on and do the simple things well.
He commented, “Even if you only play five or 10 minutes, you need to play well.”
Endo’s attitude during the podcast was exemplary, and he knew of the importance he has on Liverpool, even if he doesn’t play all the time.
“I still feel like I can play every game for Liverpool, so it’s important to stay positive for me.”
When asked about the Anfield crowd, Endo shared, “The atmosphere when we score is crazy. It’s always like we have a plus-one player on the pitch.”
At the age of 33, Endo is starting to think about his future and where he wants to move to after his career comes to an end.
“I’m interested in being a manager or in being in the business of football.” He then commented that he would definitely still be in football.
During the interview, Bundesliga midfielder Jackson Irvine commented on Endo’s two books that he has written and how he loves to share with other players on shaping the mentality of a professional player.
The influence of the Beatles
Irvine had read in another interview with Endo that he loved the Beatles and had wondered whether this had played into his choice to join Liverpool.
Endo responded, “Actually, I didn’t realise the Beatles were from Liverpool.”
Endo shared that his love for the Beatles had stretched back to his time in school.
“My English teacher loved the Beatles, that’s why, before the class, he always played Beatles songs. Then I moved to Liverpool and knew that the Beatles were from Liverpool.”
This link between the city of Liverpool seemed to be forged early with Wataru Endo, and even though he didn’t realise the link until he arrived, it is potentially woven into part of his growing up, the spirit of being a Red, and even though he may admit that the Scouse accent is difficult to understand, it is clear that he loves the city and the club.
Endo’s Japan side will kick off their World Cup campaign against his Dutch teammates on the 14th June.
Ultimately, the bond between Wataru Endo and the city of Liverpool is one that feels almost predestined. While he admits he didn’t fully grasp the depth of that connection until he actually set foot on Merseyside, the alignment of values suggests it was woven into his DNA long before he put pen to paper.
The resilient, hard-working spirit that defines Endo’s style of play perfectly mirrors the working-class ethos of the club’s fanbase.
He has embraced what it truly means to be a Red, embodying the passion and humility that the Anfield faithful demand of their heroes and while he may laughingly confess that mastering the famously thick Scouse accent remains an ongoing linguistic battle, his profound love for both the city and the club is unmistakable. Liverpool has become a second home, and its identity has indelibly shaped the player he is today.
But that adoptive home will feel a world away when international duty calls. The pleasantries and locker-room camaraderie will be pushed aside, if only for ninety minutes, when Japan kicks off their highly anticipated World Cup campaign.
In a poetic twist of scheduling, Endo will lead his Samurai Blue squad onto the pitch for their opening match on June 14th, staring directly across the tunnel at a very familiar Dutch contingent.
When the whistle blows, friendships will be paused, and the Liverpool midfielder will look to orchestrate an upset against his club teammates, signaling the ultimate start to what promises to be a thrilling tournament.
