Rafael van der Vaart has apologized after saying Japan players “all look alike” during Dutch TV coverage of their 2-2 World Cup draw with the Netherlands.
The former Tottenham midfielder was working for NOS TV when the comment was made during analysis of Japan’s late equalizer.
The reaction moved quickly because Van der Vaart is not a fringe voice in Dutch soccer. He won 109 caps and played in the Netherlands side beaten in the 2010 World Cup final.
Rafael van der Vaart apology follows Japan World Cup TV comment
A TouchlineX post said Van der Vaart apologized after saying Japan’s players “all look alike” during the Netherlands vs Japan match on Dutch TV.
The remark came while he was discussing Micky van de Ven losing track of Koki Ogawa’s run before Japan’s late equalizer. Van der Vaart suggested Van de Ven may have made that mistake because the players looked alike.
Van der Vaart later apologized and said: “It was never my intention to offend, hurt, or discriminate against anyone. I oppose racism in all its forms and have respect for people of every background, ethnicity, and culture.”
He also acknowledged why the reaction was strong: “I understand that some people may have found my words offensive or hurtful. I sincerely regret that.”
His apology ended with a direct attempt to address anyone affected. “If my comment has caused pain or upset, I would like to offer my heartfelt apologies. That was never my intention.”
Netherlands Japan draw gives Van der Vaart remark bigger spotlight
The match itself gave the comment a larger platform because it was not a quiet group-stage game.
The Netherlands and Japan drew 2-2 in their Group F opener at AT&T Stadium in Arlington. Virgil van Dijk and Crysencio Summerville scored for the Dutch, but Japan kept pushing and earned a late point.
The analysis centered on the equalizer, with Van de Ven caught by Ogawa’s movement before Japan finished the chance. That is where Van der Vaart’s attempt at explanation crossed into a racial stereotype.
Kick It Out and the Frank Soo Foundation criticized the comments and said broadcasters must take responsibility for guests on global TV coverage. Their response made the issue about standards, not just intent.
Van der Vaart said he did not mean to discriminate. The problem is that World Cup coverage reaches huge audiences, and careless language from a former finalist carries weight far beyond the studio.
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