Gerard Piqué seems to have enjoyed his time in Japan, but Japanese Internet users aren’t so thrilled.
Spanish soccer star Gerard Piqué, a member of FC Barcelona and the Spanish national team, recently shared a video of himself that was shot in Japan. In the clip, Piqué is seen standing in his socks on a patch of artificial turf.
Someone kicks a soccer ball to him, and Piqué begins entertaining a surrounding group of cameramen by juggling the ball with his feet and knees. The crowd is seemingly there as part of a promotional shoot for sportswear company Nike, seeing as how Piqué tweeted the video along with the message “Thanks to @Nike Japan for this experience!”
However, Internet users in Japan aren’t feeling nearly so grateful towards Piqué, because after skillfully juggling the ball for about 25 seconds, the pro athlete decides the show is over, and he punts the ball high into the sky, sending it over the railing and falling down to street level at a far-off distance.
https://twitter.com/3gerardpique/status/884666563739226112It’s clearly intentional, since after a number of small, controlled taps with his feet, Piqué winds his leg back, extends his arms out to his sides, and punts the ball square on. As the camera follows its flight, you can see the NTT Docomo Yoyogi Building, which stands in Tokyo, letting us know that Piqué just sent a soccer ball on a path to fall several stories to a random spot in one of the most densely populated areas on the planet. He doesn’t look particularly remorseful, either, beaming and chuckling as he casually gestures towards the impact point even as a staffer can be seen rushing out the door, no doubt to see if anyone was injured or any property destroyed where the ball fell.
Online commenters in Japan failed to see the humor, responding to the tweet with sentiments including:
“What were you planning to do if it hit someone and they got hurt?”
“The hell are you laughing about?!?”
“Wow. You’re an imbecile.”
“Looks like the heat has fried your brain.”
“I always suspected you were a shithead.”
One upset Japanese Twitter user even went so far as to air his disapproval in Spanish, calling Piqué, literally, “son of bitch.”
Hijo de puta.
— ぴぴー太 (@pipita_liga) July 11, 2017
In the video, some of the Japanese people can be seen chuckling as well. It’s worth pointing out, though, that in Japan nervous laughter and smiles are often used as a last-ditch effort to avoid direct confrontation, and even then, multiple online commenters called the staff’s reaction inappropriate.
Look, Piqué, we’re happy you got a chance to show people you can kick a ball really far. But honestly, your job already gives you plenty of opportunities to do that in a way that doesn’t endanger people who are below you in altitude, but by no means importance, so maybe save that kind of showing off for the pitch?
Oh, and if we find your ball, we’re keeping it.
Source: Kinisoku, Twtter/@3gerardpique

Amazing Japanese grade-schooler enters fast track to playing soccer for Real Madrid 【Videos】
Visiting Japan’s Gyarados Pokémon park in the city with a special connection to Magikarp【Photos】
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Majority of Japanese women in survey regret marrying their husband, but that’s only half the story
Umamusume anime cosplayers make news in U.S. for their pro football fandom【Video】
Bear meat noodles?!? Tokyo restaurant adds a new kind of niku soba to its menu【Taste test】
Tokyo Station’s perfect breakfast spot might just be this izakaya Japanese-style pub
Japanese thug wear from Birth Japan perfect for those breaking bad next year
Real-world Final Fantasy wedding plan reservations start in Japan, and it looks amazing【Photos】
Sanrio’s 2022 popularity ranking brings fans to tears after character’s shock return to top ten
Spring walking event provides guided tour around Totoro forest loved by Hayao Miyazaki
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
Massive manga collaboration bringing 100 years of Shueisha manga to Uniqlo T-shirts【Photos】
Totoro cream puffs and Catbus cookies are finally available in downtown Tokyo
Japan’s kid-friendly ski program is now selling Pikachu snowboards for a limited time only
Japanese women showing rebounding interest in giving Valentine’s Day chocolate【Survey】
McDonald’s Japan releases a Mushroom Mountain and Bamboo Shoot Village McFlurry
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Starbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
Lacquerware supplier to emperor of Japan and Pokémon team up for new tableware
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Updated cherry blossom forecast shows extra-long sakura season for Japan this year
Leave a Reply