Injured Minamino to Support Japan's World Cup Campaign in Mentor Role
Takumi Minamino, Japan's forward who ruptured his ACL in December, will join Japan's World Cup squad in a mentoring capacity rather than as a player. The 31-year-old former Liverpool player was a key figure in Japan's qualification campaign but is still recovering from an injury that typically requires six to nine months of rehabilitation. His inclusion reflects a growing trend among World Cup teams of leveraging experienced players' off-field influence and leadership.
Japan's Takumi Minamino will participate in the team's World Cup campaign despite being sidelined by a left knee ACL injury sustained while playing for AS Monaco in December. The 31-year-old international, who has 73 appearances and 26 goals for Japan, will take on a mentor role to provide experience-based support to the squad rather than compete on the pitch. Minamino expressed gratitude for being included and stated his intention to offer maximum support through sharing his personal experience. His appointment reflects a broader strategic shift among World Cup teams to value off-field leadership, with Australia similarly appointing forward Martin Boyle as an "Official Vibes Manager." Japan will also rely on former captain Maya Yoshida in a support capacity. The team heads into their eighth consecutive World Cup finals in Group F with the Netherlands, Sweden, and Tunisia, opening against the Dutch on June 14.
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Japan's Minamino to support World Cup campaign in mentor role
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