'Yamamoto's Ex-Girlfriend' Japanese Beauty Model Makes a Splash at the World Cup → "Is She Targeting a Soccer Player This Time, Not a Baseball Player?" The Nation is Captivated

*This content was translated by AI.

Nikki, a Japanese beauty model who gained fame as the "ex-girlfriend" of Japan's "super-special major leaguer" Yoshinobu Yamamoto (28, Los Angeles Dodgers), has now turned the World Cup soccer stadium upside down. The nation's media and netizens are focusing their attention on her bold move, which suddenly shifted from a baseball field to a soccer field.

The incident began with the Group Stage match between Japan and the Netherlands at the 2026 FIFA (International Federation of Association Football) North America World Cup, held on the 15th (Korean time) in Arlington, Texas, USA. Shortly after the Japanese national team wrote an unscripted drama by securing a dramatic 2-2 draw despite surrendering the lead twice, Nikki posted a short video along with the caption "Great game" on her Instagram story. This served as proof that she had watched the match in person.

In the released video, Nikki is seen wearing the "Samurai Blue" jersey, the symbol of the Japanese national soccer team, enjoying the joy of victory. In particular, she boldly rolled up the hem of her jersey to reveal her toned abs and slim waistline, showcasing the so-called "navel exposure" fashion, which instantly captured the attention of local spectators and SNS users.

In response, local media outlets immediately began to focus intensely on Nikki's actions. Japan Smart Flash stated, "Nikki has never previously revealed that she is a soccer maniac," and raised suspicions about a new relationship by asking, "Is she targeting a soccer player this time, not a baseball player?"

Nikki had previously received intense interest from baseball fans worldwide, including in the United States and Japan, after a dating video showing her walking affectionately with Yoshinobu Yamamoto in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, was released in November 2024. However, news of their breakup was reported in December 2025. Captured at the World Cup site just six months after the breakup, a playful question arose among Japanese fans: "Is she targeting a soccer player this time, not a baseball player?" causing the entire nation to react with great interest.

In fact, on online communities such as X (formerly Twitter), Japanese fans are pouring out comments praising her bold directness, such as "She switched her focus so quickly," "She is a top-tier carnivore in terms of action," and "Her breath-taking direct advance."

Some are even bringing up her glamorous past love life again. Before meeting Yamamoto, Nikki had spread rumors of relationships with numerous top stars in Japan, always landing at the center of the spotlight.

Nikki, who has stirred up not only baseball but also the soccer field, has drawn the attention of the nation's fans to her SNS. The Japanese national team, which achieved a decisive 4-0 victory against Tunisia in the second Group Stage match held in Mexico on the 21st, is now moving back to Texas ahead of the final Group Stage match against Sweden.

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*This content was translated by AI.