Convenience store part-timer to World Cup star? Japanese striker's image from 11 years ago 'misleading' — turns out the whole world was fooled

*This content was translated by AI.

A photo of Japan national team striker Junya Ito (33, KRC Genk) from 11 years ago has become a major topic. He was seen wearing a convenience store uniform behind the checkout counter. At one point, a story spread as if it were a rags-to-riches tale: "A convenience store part-timer became a World Cup goal scorer." However, it turned out to be a misunderstanding caused by the spread of incorrect information.

Japanese media "The Deans" reported on the 22nd (Korean time) that "Junya Ito's image from 11 years ago as a convenience store clerk is being re-examined at the World Cup."

The Japan national team, led by coach Hajime Moriyasu, secured a decisive 4-0 victory over Tunisia in the second group stage match of the 2026 FIFA North, Central America and Caribbean World Cup, held at the Monterrey Stadium in Monterrey, Mexico, on this day.

Ito scored Japan's third goal in the 24th minute of the second half. Japan recorded a satisfying first victory of this tournament, combining Ito's goal with Daichi Kamada (Crystal Palace)'s opening goal and Ayase Ueda (Feyenoord)'s brace.

In particular, the Japan-Tunisia match drew significant attention as it marked the 1st,000th match in World Cup history. Japan became the protagonist of this historic game with a commanding victory.

Along with Ito's performance, an unexpected old photo also became a topic of discussion. Images of him wearing a convenience store uniform, greeting customers at the checkout counter, or stocking food on shelves were shared on social media. These were photos taken during a convenience store training session as part of the club's rookie training program when Ito was with his first professional team, Vissel Kobe.

Japanese soccer fans poured out cheerful reactions to Ito's fresh old photos. According to reports, fans left comments such as "I can't help but laugh," "Ito has made it!", "Ito's image as a convenience store clerk is so fresh that I laugh every time I see it," and "The convenience store raised Ito."

However, some overseas soccer fans who were unaware of the true circumstances appear to have misunderstood Ito's convenience store photo as an "inspiring story." A narrative circulated on social media claiming that a convenience store part-timer overcame numerous hardships to grow into a World Cup goal scorer.

Another Japanese media outlet, "The Digest," introduced that "a 'rare photo' of Ito from his Vissel Kobe days has become a topic. However, false information spread that Ito worked at a convenience store before becoming a professional player."

The media further explained that "as Ito's convenience store photo spread overseas, some fans reacted with comments like 'The player who just scored was a convenience store part-timer?' or 'He must have worked at a convenience store before becoming a pro.' This led to Japanese fans correcting the misinformation."

In this tournament, Japan was grouped in Group F with the Netherlands, Sweden, and Tunisia. Given the formidable opponents, there were predictions that Japan's passage through the group stage would not be easy. However, Japan is overturning these expectations with its performance.

In the first match, Japan drew 2-2 against the European powerhouse Netherlands, securing valuable points by scoring an equalizer late in the second half while trailing 1-2. In the second match, Japan achieved a decisive victory over Tunisia, securing its first win of this tournament.

With this result, Japan recorded one win and one draw (4 points), placing second in Group F. The Netherlands, with the same number of points, defeated Sweden 5-1 and took the top spot in the group based on goal difference. Japan also continued its competition for first place in the group thanks to its commanding victory over Tunisia. Sweden sat in third place with one win and one loss (3 points), while Tunisia remained in last place with two losses (0 points).

Japan will face Sweden in the third group stage match on the 26th. The Netherlands will play against Tunisia. The final standings of Group F will be determined by the results of the final matches.

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*This content was translated by AI.