Kaishu Sano nets stunning goal for Japan against Brazil at 2026 World Cup, chasing record transfer for Mainz 05
Kaishu Sano, valued at €40 million and already the most expensive player in 1. FSV Mainz 05's history, shone at the 2026 World Cup by putting Japan ahead against Brazil. The 25-year-old midfielder found the back of the net after 29 minutes in the round of 16, before Casemiro levelled for Brazil in the 56th minute.
Twenty-metre strike catches Brazil off guard
It was a goal befitting the biggest stage. Sano won the ball at midfield, surged forward at pace and fired it from around twenty metres into the far corner: 1-0 to Japan, 29 minutes played, opponents Brazil. All of Japan dreamed for a moment of pulling off a shock against the tournament favourites in the round of 16. But shortly after the restart, Casemiro headed home the equaliser in the 56th minute, and Japan's World Cup adventure continued without needing extra time.
From €2.5 million to record transfer
For Mainz 05, every strong performance by Sano is good news and bad news in equal measure. Good, because it puts the club in the spotlight. Bad, because the price tag only climbs after the World Cup. The midfielder arrived in summer 2024 for just €2.5 million from Japanese side Kashima Antlers. His current market value stands at €40 million, making him the most expensive player ever to represent Mainz. The club is sitting on a record transfer: the previous record holder is Brajan Gruda, who left for €31.5 million. Sano has already surpassed that figure on paper.
Bundesliga workhorse without a single minute missed
Anyone who followed Sano in the Bundesliga this season knows what he's capable of. Under coach Urs Fischer, the 25-year-old Japanese midfielder developed into one of Mainz's most indispensable players. Since 20 September 2024, he hasn't missed a single minute for the club — no injury, no rest period, no rotation. With 401 kilometres covered, he was also among the most active players in the entire Bundesliga last season. But Sano is more than just a runner: his ball-winning ability, his timing and his eye for goal — as shown against Brazil — make him a complete midfielder at the highest level.
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Source: Via Sport Bild (GNews)
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