In his 39th year, Nagatomo cried when he saw his name listed among Japan’s candidates.

The fifth World Cup at the age of 39: Nagatomo cried when he saw his name listed in Japan’s squad. For Yuto Nagatomo, football is no longer just a game. It’s a life dedicated entirely to the Japanese national team. At the age of 39, when most of his colleagues have already retired from their careers, he gets this unique opportunity: the fifth World Cup in his career. The reaction of this veteran player when he heard the final squad list speaks for itself. These tears aren’t a sign of weakness, but rather a pure emotion from a person who has gone through injuries, criticism, ups and downs, but who remains loyal to his country. Nagatomo becomes a living bridge between generations of samurai. His experience, leadership skills, and incredible work ethic make him an indispensable member of the team. Japan is building an ambitious plan for the 2026 World Cup. Having such a player on the team is a powerful signal to the entire team. This is a story of loyalty. Age is just a number, when the fire in one’s heart still burns. – More than just a game.