The growth trajectory of 21-year-old Shiogai, who has become a member of the Japan national team for the 2026 World Cup, has garnered significant attention.

According to Qoly, Kento Shiogai came from the Keio University football club and is currently on leave from his studies. He gained experience as a special designated player for Yokohama F. Marinos, then joined NEC Nijmegen in the Eredivisie in 2024, quickly making a name for himself with outstanding performances when coming on as a substitute. This January, he transferred to Bundesliga club Wolfsburg and was eventually selected for the World Cup squad.

Japan's head coach Hajime Moriyasu had previously named Kento Shiogai as one of the promising players for the future.

Ko Itakura, who captained the Japan national team in this World Cup, previously commented on Shiogai in a program, saying: "Kento is truly interesting. He gives off the impression of being full of fighting spirit, and it's a joy to watch him."

"However, in terms of communication, he has been reminded many times by his seniors and told off a lot. But including all of that, he is a very promising player."

Recently, Shiogai was interviewed on a Japanese TV program by Keio University alumnus and host Takaaki Fujii, where he discussed the criticism he received during his time with the national team and his growth process.

When asked about Itakura mentioning that he was often reminded by his seniors, Shiogai laughed and said, "I really have been scolded too many times, I can't even remember the specific situations anymore (laughs). But during that time, I learned a lot, both as a person and as a player."

"I always had the idea of wanting to prove myself in training, not wanting to waste any opportunity to show what I can do. So even when I was trying to get into form, I wanted to score the most goals, and even if it was the substitute group, we absolutely had to beat the starting group."

However, Shiogai also admitted that his desire to win sometimes made him overlook his surroundings.

"Perhaps it's because I get so focused; once I'm in the zone, I don't see my surroundings, so some people would remind me to 'look around more.' Coach Moriyasu also said similar things to me."

"He said that my state of focusing on one thing is good in itself, but he hoped I could channel it in a positive direction and not let it have a negative impact on the team. He's been reminding me of this from the very beginning."

But Shiogai stated that he would not change his personality because of this.

"I still feel that I must show my unique qualities. Because in the Japan national team, I am essentially nobody. If I'm in such a position, I must compete with even greater fighting spirit."

"For example, people with a certain status, everyone listens to what they say. But I always want to do something bold, I want to prove myself. That's why I perform this way. It's been like this since birth."

"For me, the only thing I can do is deliver results. This is my way of life; without results, everything is meaningless; but if I deliver results, everyone will eventually acknowledge it."

Regarding the large amount of criticism on social media, Shiogai said: "I am indeed receiving a lot of criticism now, but this will become my motivation. There aren't many opportunities to receive so many comments, so I can only turn these into strength and continue to work hard in training."

Speaking about making his World Cup debut at the age of 21, Shiogai said this experience was very significant.

"I really feel it's wonderful to be able to experience such a stage. When I heard the national anthem before the match against the Netherlands, I was very moved."

"Two years ago, I was someone with no reputation. But in two years, I went abroad and finally reached the World Cup stage. Reflecting on my own journey, there's a feeling of 'I've finally made it here.'"

"Four years ago, I didn't even know what the World Cup was (laughs). I was still a high school student then, and it was impossible to be selected."

"Three years ago, I started to genuinely have the idea of 'I must make it to the World Cup.' At that time, I was a university student, but I gave up some things and chose to go abroad. Starting from scratch, spending two years abroad, and finally being able to make it into the World Cup squad. I truly feel like I gambled everything on this."

Shiogai frankly admitted that although he didn't know three years ago if he would be selected, he believed his goal would definitely be achieved.

"I thought at the time that maybe I wouldn't be selected, but since I was seriously pursuing it, it was impossible not to be chosen. And I really was selected (laughs)."

"While it might sound like boasting, I think I did very well, and I should be confident in that. Having such an experience at 21 is very important to me."

Regarding whether the goal for the 2030 World Cup remains to win the championship, Shiogai stated that the Japan national team's goal is always the highest honor.

"I think everyone will continue to aim for the championship. Since the goal is the World Cup, we must aim for the top position."

He also revealed that the Japan national team even discussed plans after winning the championship.

"During this World Cup, everyone also talked about what would happen after winning the championship. Someone would ask, 'What if we win?' 'Where do we go next?' Some players even discussed 'what to do after winning the championship' at the dinner table."

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