Aoi Tanaka shares upbeat photo with former teammate on Instagram

Samurai Blue midfielder Aoi Tanaka (23) posted a two‑shot with his former Kawasaki Frontale teammate, Taito Wakizaka (27), on Instagram on July 7. Coming just after his tearful moment following the Brazil loss, his smile gave fans a sense of relief. Wakizaka wrote, "Cute, noisy, forward‑looking, and adorable. Just the usual Aoi," highlighting their brother‑like bond.

Why is this photo drawing attention?

After losing the ball that could have secured the winning goal against Brazil, Tanaka was seen crying post‑match, sparking media concerns over his mental state. Yet his smiling pose in the post became a symbol of team unity and personal resilience. Comments flooded in with remarks like "Great photo" and "Feeling relieved, Aoi-kun," showing fans' warm response. Japan is currently on a 3W-1D-1L run in its last five matches, riding a three‑game winning streak. The most recent win was a 3‑0 victory over Bolivia on 2025‑11‑18, showcasing the side’s attacking flair.

Upcoming challenges and player fitness

The squad is in good form, but left‑foot injuries keep S. Machino and T. Kubo sidelined for now. Their return would add depth. The coach praised Tanaka’s quick mental recovery, noting the squad’s mood has brightened. The next fixture is a crucial knockout‑stage match, and all eyes will be on Tanaka’s performance.

Fan reaction and expectations

After the Instagram post, social media buzzed with "It makes me cry," "So beautiful," and "Frontale crew the best." Young footballers even wrote, "Supporting Aoi, the soccer kid," indicating a strong influence on the next generation. Tanaka himself said, "Fans’ support fuels me," raising anticipation for his role in upcoming games.