On June 30, 2026 (Japan time), the Japanese national team faced Brazil in the first round of the World Cup knockout stage. Despite taking the lead against one of the world's top football powerhouses, they conceded a comeback in the second half and suffered a heartbreaking defeat. Midfielder Junya Ito, who tirelessly ran both offensively and defensively, is 33 years old this year. "I have no intention of retiring," he says emphatically. We take a closer look at the wristwatch he chose to wear during his time off.
Text by Yukaco Numamoto
Edited by: Takashi Tsuchida
Edited by Takashi Tsuchida
[Article published on January 5, 2026]
33-year-old Junya Ito shone against the Brazilian powerhouse.
Junya Ito, who scored a goal in the second half against Tunisia, was also named in the starting lineup for the first match of the knockout stage against Brazil on June 30th Japan time (June 29th local time), where a loss would mean immediate elimination. In the 14th minute of the first half, he received a pass in the center of the opponent's half and carried the ball forward with a high-speed dribble, forcing defensive midfielder Casemiro into a situation where he could only be stopped by a foul, drawing a yellow card. His presence from the early stages of the match will surely be etched in the minds of everyone who watched the game at that time. In the 29th minute of the first half, Kaishu Sano scored his first goal for the national team with a long-range shot, giving the team an excellent 1-0 lead at halftime.
In the second half, Brazil launched a fierce attack, and Japan spent long periods of time pushed back into their own half. Ito worked tirelessly in a tenacious defensive effort, coordinating with Ritsu Doan and Yukinari Sugawara, but in the 11th minute of the second half, Casemiro scored a header to equalize. In the 78th minute of the second half, Ito was substituted off the pitch for Shuto Machino, but in added time, Gabriel Martinelli scored the winning goal, resulting in a 1-2 defeat. Ito, who watched the defeat from the sidelines, expressed his disappointment, saying, "We've been working for four years to win here, and at the very least, we were aiming to get past this and go one step further, but it's really disappointing that we couldn't achieve that."
This tournament marked Ito's second World Cup appearance, and he played in all four matches as part of the shadow striker, leading the team both offensively and defensively. His speed and drive, which belied his 33 years of age, were still evident in this tournament, and while he calmly acknowledged the gap in skill, saying, "I think our individual strengths are still lacking," he also expressed his gratitude and apologies to the fans, saying, "I want to say thank you for fighting alongside us, and I'm truly sorry that we couldn't deliver results." Regarding his future with the national team, he stated clearly, "I have no intention of retiring," and when asked about four years from now, he said, "I want to take it one year at a time. It would be just right if I become unusable and stop being called up," expressing his unwavering desire to continue playing.
Armed with overwhelming speed, they have climbed the ladder of success.
Junya Ito started playing soccer in the first grade of elementary school, spent his middle school years with Yokosuka Seagulls Junior Youth, and then went on to a public high school. He received offers for admission from several universities, but chose to attend Kanagawa University. In 2013, he played in 20 matches in the Kanto University Soccer League Division 2, scoring 17 goals and winning both the top scorer award and a spot on the Best Eleven. The following year, he recorded 10 goals and 12 assists, and was selected for the Best Eleven for the second consecutive year.
Thanks to the efforts of Ventforet Kofu's scouts, who had been keeping an eye on Ito's speed for some time, he was signed to the club and made his professional debut on March 14, 2015, against Nagoya Grampus. In the following match against Kashima Antlers, he was given his first start and scored his first professional goal. In his debut year, he played in 30 league matches as a forward and scored 4 goals.
After transferring to Kashiwa Reysol in 2016, he scored a total of 7 goals in the league. In 2017, he was selected for the Japanese national team for the first time. That year, he scored a total of 6 goals, including one against Shimizu S-Pulse where he made a solo run of 70 meters to score, and was awarded the J.League Outstanding Player Award. In 2019, he was loaned to KRC Genk in the Belgian First Division, the Jupiler Pro League. He appeared in 14 matches, recording 3 goals and 2 assists, and contributed to the team's first league championship in 8 seasons.
In 2022, he made a permanent transfer to Stade de Reims in the French First Division, and in the 2024-25 season, he was ranked first in the number of chances created in the top five European leagues in the individual rankings published by the American newspaper "The Athletic". However, the team's performance was poor, and they were relegated to the Second Division in 2025. Ito has now signed a three-year contract with his former club KRC Genk until the end of June 2028, and will be returning to the club for a transfer fee of 2.8 million euros (approximately 482 million yen).
A Rolex Daytona was spotted on Junya Ito's Instagram.
A look at Junya Ito's Instagram reveals a photo of him wearing a Rolex Daytona. Posted on January 1, 2026, with the hashtag "Sleeping around New Year's," the photo shows snow accumulating outside the window, suggesting he was relaxing at a hot spring inn or similar accommodation.
With the World Cup year just beginning, the comments section was filled with fans expressing their expectations for Ito's performance in the tournament. As Ito relaxed with a cup of tea in his hand, a Rolex Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona watch was clearly visible on his left wrist.
On March 31, 2024, while playing for Stade de Reims in France, Ito suffered a bitter experience when his home was burglarized during a trip, resulting in the theft of his watch, bag, and 10,000 euros in cash. The full extent of the stolen watches is unclear, but it is believed that many of the watches and bags he currently wears were either bought back or newly purchased afterward. On the other hand, if this Daytona was indeed spared, it must be a favorite of his, as he always takes it with him on trips.
What are the appealing features of the current Rolex "Cosmograph Daytona"?
The current model of the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona underwent a complete redesign in 2023, coinciding with its 60th anniversary. The Cerachrom bezel now features a border, the indices and sub-dials are more refined, and a crown mark is placed over the "SWISS MADE" inscription. These changes are also common to the Deepsea and Submariner models, and can be considered the latest specifications that underpin current Rolex models.
The movement has also evolved from Cal.4130 to Cal.4131. Equipped with a Chronergy escapement and Paraflex shock absorber, and with improved ball bearings, winding efficiency and durability have been greatly enhanced, and the rotor rotates more smoothly. Furthermore, the Daytona from 2023 onwards has a case thickness that is 0.5mm thinner than previous models, maintaining a smart appearance despite being a chronograph, making it a watch that fits in well with everyday wear.
The 18K gold model worn by Ito features a Cerachrom bezel and an Oysterflex bracelet. This patented bracelet combines the robustness of a metal bracelet with the comfortable feel of an elastomer strap. The bracelet has cushioning on the inside and is equipped with an Oysterlock clasp with a safety catch to prevent accidental opening, ensuring both comfort and security. The Glidelock extension system, which allows for fine adjustment of the bracelet length, is also an attractive feature that can accommodate changes in temperature and physical condition while traveling.
Automatic winding (Cal. 4131). 47 jewels. 28,800 vph. Power reserve approximately 72 hours. Stainless steel case (diameter 40 mm, thickness 11.9 mm). Water resistant to 100 m.
The World Cup ended with a heartbreaking defeat against a football powerhouse, but Junya Ito calmly reflected on the game, saying, "We really needed to concentrate at the start of the second half after scoring a goal. It's such a shame that we conceded a goal at that point." Nevertheless, his words, "I have no intention of quitting," convey his strong determination to turn this disappointment into fuel for the future.
As a 33-year-old who vows to continue playing soccer until he burns out, what kind of scenery will he show us next, accompanied by his Daytona watch? Let's continue to watch Junya Ito's next challenge with the same passion.
