Japan opened the scoring against Brazil in the 28th minute of the first half, this Monday (29), in the duel valid for the round of 32 of the 2026 World Cup. The goal was scored by midfielder Kaishu Sano, who took advantage of an error when the ball was released by the Brazilian team.
The play started after a wrong pass from Danilo in midfield. Sano regained possession, took off at speed and sent a cross into the left corner of Alisson, who was unable to avoid the Japanese goal.
At 25 years old, Kaishu Sano is one of the names coming . Called up for the first time in 2023, the midfielder has played for Mainz 05, in Germany, since the 2024/25 season.
Revealed by Machida Zelvia, Sano began his professional career in 2019. After standing out in Japanese football, he was signed by Kashima Antlers in 2023 and, the following year, transferred to German football. Since then, he has established himself as a Mainz starter.
The player’s trajectory, however, was also marked by an episode off the field. In July 2024, Sano was detained in Tokyo on suspicion of involvement in a hotel in the Japanese capital.
Japanese authorities subsequently closed the case without filing a complaint or judicial conviction. After returning to the field, Sano received public support from the then Mainz coach, Bo Henriksen, who stated that he believed in the athlete’s opportunity for a fresh start.
In , the midfielder was once again the protagonist, this time for sporting reasons, by scoring the goal that put Japan ahead at the start of the match.
