'Brazil Provocation Controversy' Re-evaluation of Japan's Shogaai... Former National Team Player Who Naturalized in Brazil Also Says, "They Are the Weakest, After All; Brazilians Are Originally Sensitive" — Fact Check

*This content was translated by AI.

Former Japanese national team player Marcus Tuluio Tanaka (45) defended Japan national team striker Kento Shogaai (21, Wolfsburg), who sparked controversy by provoking Brazil. Even Brazilian fans eliminated in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 apologized to Shogaai, turning public opinion around.

Japan's 'Nichi Sports' reported on the 9th that "Tuluio defended Shogaai's remarks via his YouTube channel" and added, "Shogaai's remarks are being re-evaluated after Brazil's elimination from the tournament."

Ahead of the Round of 32 match against Brazil at the 2026 North American World Cup, Shogaai said, "Brazil is no longer the Brazil that had Neymar in the past. If it were now, we could definitely give it a try." In response, Brazilian captain Marquinhos expressed displeasure, stating, "There is arrogance mixed in the opponent's attitude."

Brazil defeated Japan 2-1 in the Round of 32 match. After the defeat, Shogaai faced fierce criticism from Brazilian fans. While explaining that he did not mean Brazil was weak but rather believed they had a chance to win, he drew a line by stating, "I have no intention of retracting my remarks."

In this situation, Tuluio actively defended Shogaai. Born in Brazil and acquiring Japanese nationality in 2003, Tuluio emphasized, "Brazilians are originally sensitive about such matters," and added, "Shogaai did not say anything bad. He simply stated the facts." He pointed out, "It is true that this Brazilian national team is the weakest compared to previous years. There was a lot of noise even before the tournament. The fact that Brazilians reacted sensitively itself is foolish."

The tournament results also proved Tuluio and Shogaai's remarks correct. Brazil, which had defeated Japan, lost 1-2 to Norway in the Round of 16 and ended their campaign. After suffering an early exit by conceding multiple goals to Norwegian striker Erling Haaland, Brazilian fans changed their stance.

Brazil's 'Globo' reported that Brazilian fans visited Shogaai's social media (SNS), leaving apology comments such as "You were right" and "Brazil was indeed different from before." With Norwegian fans and Japanese fans supporting Shogaai flocking to the post, Shogaai's pinned Instagram comment section surpassed 1 million comments.

<© STARNEWS. All rights reserved. No reproduction or redistribution allowed.>

*This content was translated by AI.