The attacker from the Japanese team, was the target of xenophobic comments on social media after statements made before the match against the Brazilian team. The Brazilians won the Japanese 2-1 this Monday (June 29, 2026), by .
Among the messages identified were insults with discriminatory content, references to the player’s nationality and offensive comments related to stereotypes about Japanese people.
The repercussion began after an interview given by Shiogai on Saturday (June 27), when the attacker stated that Brazil “It’s not the same as it used to be” and said he only knew Neymar and Vini Jr. among Brazilian players.
“I think it’s an opponent we can beat. It’s not the Brazil it used to be, so I believe we have to come in and dominate the game”told the agency Kyodo News.
BRAZILIAN REACTIONS
The statement provoked reactions even before the match. On the eve of the confrontation, defender Marquinhos classified the speech as “superb”but avoided expanding the controversy.
“We leave this type of speech to our opponents. Let them continue to talk a lot to motivate us”he declared.
After Japan’s elimination, Shiogai stated that his intention was not to diminish the strength of the Brazilian team and said that the repercussions took on a greater dimension than he expected.
“I didn’t mean to say that Brazil is weak. I just wanted to say that Neymar’s goals are a thing of the past, they are no longer relevant in the present”he stated.
The 21-year-old striker did not take the field in the match against the Brazilian team. Coach Hajime Moriyasu’s reserve, he remained on the bench throughout the game.
Here are some reactions on social media:
