Midfielder 3
Wataru Endo is a Japanese defensive midfielder who joined Liverpool FC in the summer of 2023. He has built a reputation as one of the most dependable midfielders in modern football.
Endo was born on February 9, 1993, in Yokohama, Japan. His passion for football developed at a young age as he joined a local youth system to refine his football skills.
Wataru Endo’s began his professional career with Shonan Bellmare, where he scored seven (7) goals in his first season, and helped the club win the 2014 J.League Division 2 title.
His Impressive performance and maturity with the ball earned his a move to Urawa Red Diamonds, one of Japan’s most successful clubs. In his first season with his new club, he won the 2016 J.League Cup, as he played a crucial role by scoring the winning penalty in the final shoot out.
In 2018 he made a move to Europe as he joined Sint Truiden in Belgium, where he spent one year at the club before securing a loan move to VfB Stuttgart in Germany. The club signed him permanently in April 2020, and on the 26th of November 2020 his contract was extended until 2024.
Endo became one of Bundesliga’s most consistent midfielders, as fans praise his defensive, and ball winning qualities. He scored the winning goal in stoppage time in the 2:1 victory against FC Köln to save Stuttgart from the relegation play offs and secure their place in the 2022/2023 Bundesliga.
Liverpool FC paid a transfer fee of £16 million to sign Endo from Stuttgart in the summer of 2023 to strengthen their midfield options. Making him the second Japanese man to sign for the club after Takumi Minamino.
He made a debut for Liverpool in a game against Bournemouth FC, where he was substituted in the 63rd minute of the game. The fans saw him as an experienced addition to the squad as he immediately made impacts on games, proving his qualities.
His first goal for Liverpool came in Europa League game against Toulouse at Anfield, a game at ended in 5:1 victory in the favour of Liverpool. He has gone ahead to help the club win several trophies as he is always willing to put the teams need above his personal recognition.
He is currently the captain of the Japanese National team, as he has represented Japan in several international tournaments, including the FIFA World cup, and the AFC Asian cup, helping establish the nation as on of the strongest football powers in Asia.
PROFILE
Full Name: Wataru Endo
Date of Birth: February 9, 1993
Nationality: Japanese
Height: 1.78 m (5 ft 10 in)
Position: Defensive Midfielder
Current Club: Liverpool FC
National Team: Japan
Preferred Foot: Right
Shirt Number: 3
CLUB TROPHIES
| Honours | Year |
|---|---|
| Premier League | 2024/2025 |
| Carabao Cup | 2024 |
