9 Interesting Facts About Wataru Endo and His Career From Childhood
- Think Football Ideas
- Jul 3
- 5 min read
Full Name: Wataru Endō
Date of Birth: 9 February 1993
Place of Birth: Totsuka-ku, Yokohama, Japan
Height: 1.78 m (5 ft 10 in)
Position(s): Defensive midfielder
Current Club: Liverpool
Jersey Number: 3
When you think of a player who embodies leadership, grit, and versatility, Wataru Endo's name surely comes to mind. While he quietly goes about his business, he is a force in midfield and a true captain on and off the pitch, commanding respect wherever he plays.
Only a few, rising from humble beginnings to gracing some of the world’s biggest stages, possess that rare quiet influence, qualities that make the Yokohama-born lad, Endo, a standout figure in modern football.
Here Are 9 Interesting Facts About Wataru Endo and His Career
1. Wataru Endo Began His Professional Career With Shonan Bellmare
Wataru Endo’s professional journey kicked off with Shonan Bellmare, a club facing a tough moment after being relegated in 2013. But Endo’s strength shone through as he played a crucial role in their immediate comeback, helping Shonan clinch the 2014 J.League Division 2 title by netting seven goals in 38 league games.
His impact didn’t stop there. In the following 2015 J1 League season, he added four goals over 31 matches, guiding the team to a solid 8th-place finish. Over his time at Shonan, Endo racked up an impressive 23 goals in 167 appearances, laying the foundation for a remarkable career ahead.
2. Stints At Urawa Red Diamonds, Sint-Truiden And VfB Stuttgart Led Him To Anfield
Endo’s path from Japan to Europe is a story of steady progression and seizing opportunity. After proving his mettle at Shonan Bellmare, he moved to Urawa Red Diamonds, where his strong performances caught the eyes of scouts beyond Japan.
In 2018, he took a leap to Europe by signing with Belgian side Sint-Truiden, spending a full season adapting to a new style of football. But it was his 2019 loan move to VfB Stuttgart that really defined him as Endo impressed so much that Stuttgart made the deal permanent, and he played a starring role in their promotion from the 2. Bundesliga.
His dramatic 92nd-minute winner against FC Köln became legendary, securing Stuttgart’s place in Germany’s top flight and marking him as a clutch player destined for bigger stages, which eventually led him to Anfield.
3. He is The Second Male Japanese Player For Liverpool After Takumi Minamino
When Wataru Endo signed for Liverpool in August 2023, he joined an exclusive club as only the second male Japanese player to don the famous Reds shirt.
Following in the footsteps of Takumi Minamino, who arrived in 2020, Endo carried the hopes of Japanese football fans worldwide. His arrival wasn’t just symbolic, it was an attestation to his growing reputation on the world stage, bringing his blend of grit, vision, and versatility to one of the Premier League’s biggest clubs.
4. He Represents Japan Internationally as Captain
Endo isn’t just a club stalwart; he’s also a proud leader on the international stage. As captain of the Japan national team, he carries the weight of his country’s footballing ambitions with maturity and skill.
His leadership is as vital as his technical ability, steering Japan through crucial fixtures and tournaments and embodying the passion and determination that define Japanese football today.
5. He Topped The Bundesliga For Most Duels Won For Two Consecutive Seasons (2020-21, 2021-22)
Wataru Endo’s dominance in the Bundesliga was hard to miss. For two seasons running, 2020-21 and 2021-22, he topped the league charts for most duels won, proof of his tenacity and reading of the game.
Not only that, but ahead of the 2021-22 season, Stuttgart recognised his influence by naming him club captain, a role he embraced fully. By the time he left Germany, Endo had chalked up 99 Bundesliga appearances and consistently ranked among the top players for tackles, interceptions, and possession wins, cementing his status as one of the league’s most relentless midfield battlers.
6. He Launched A Non-Profit Organisation That Supports Youth Development In June 2025
Beyond the pitch, Endo’s commitment to making a difference shines bright. In June 2025, he launched a non-profit organisation, "Sekai Ni Wataru Project," dedicated to youth development, aiming to nurture young minds and talents through education and sport.
This initiative reflects his belief in giving back and empowering the next generation to think critically and independently, proving that Endo’s leadership extends well beyond football.
7. He Plays Primarily As A Defensive Midfielder But Can Also Play In Defence
Endo’s versatility is a huge asset that has helped him thrive at every level. Primarily a defensive midfielder, he’s known for breaking up opposition attacks, winning duels, and recycling possession with surgical efficiency.
But his adaptability means he can slot into the backline seamlessly when needed, offering tactical flexibility to his managers. This blend of defensive solidity and football intelligence has become a hallmark of his game, making him a key figure in both club and country setups.
8. Wataru Endo Wears A Mouthguard During Matches
Wataru Endo is one of the rare footballers who wears a mouthguard every time he steps onto the pitch - a small but crucial part of his game.
This precaution paid off during Liverpool’s 4-1 win over Ipswich on 25 January 2025, when a fierce knee to his jaw from Julio Enciso could have done serious damage.
Thanks to his gumshield, Endo shrugged off the blow and kept playing, showing the resilience that defines him. As Endo told Sky Sports in December 2023, wearing the mouthguard makes him “look like a fighter.”
He credits Japanese dentist Jun Miyagawa for introducing him to the gumshield, explaining that it not only protects his teeth but helps him stay mentally and physically sharp.
“It’s become so important to me that I’m afraid to play soccer without it,” Endo said. The mouthguard gives him confidence to go full throttle in one-on-one battles, knowing he’s shielded from injury while staying relaxed and focused on the game.
9. He’s Loved The Beatles Since Childhood, But Didn’t Know They Were From Liverpool
Wataru Endo has been a lifelong fan of The Beatles, enjoying their music since childhood. Interestingly, he only discovered that the legendary band hailed from Liverpool after moving to the city. Endo shared how his English teacher loved The Beatles, and he often listened to their songs before class, with “Let It Be” being his favourite.
Learning that The Beatles were local made Endo feel a special connection to Liverpool, almost like his move there was meant to be. “I went to see The Beatles museum,” he said as quoted by the Liverpool Echo.
“My English teacher loved the Beatles. Before class, I always listened to Beatles songs. I know a few songs. My favourite is Let It Be. But I didn't know The Beatles from Liverpool. When I moved to Liverpool, my friend told me.”
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