Video of Slovenian Player Grabbing Japanese PLayer's Butt During Post-Match Hug Goes Viral

 

Video of Slovenian volleyball player Nik Mujanovic placing his hand on Japanese player Ran Takahashi's lower back and buttock area during a post-match interaction has circulated widely online.

The clip, from the Volleyball Nations League (VNL) 2026, shows the two athletes interacting courtside after Japan defeated Slovenia 3-1 in Linyi, China. Takahashi, wearing Japan's red jersey number 12, and Mujanovic, in Slovenia's blue warm-up attire, engaged in conversation, a brief hug, and gestures including thumbs-up signs.

nik, what are you doing? you're getting a little too bold 😭😭😭 pic.twitter.com/0Jt9hHmWkS

— ʾ (@alpagirls) June 16, 2026

During the exchange, Mujanovic's right hand rests on Takahashi's lower back before moving lower to the buttock region for a short moment as they stand close together. They continued with a full embrace and separated amicably, with Mujanovic smiling. The interaction occurred amid standard post-match sportsmanship between former club teammates from Vero Volley Monza in Italy. 

Japan won the match with strong performances from Yuki Ishikawa (23 points), Yuji Nishida (17 points), and Takahashi (16 points). Slovenia was led by Tonček Štern (21 points) and Mujanovic (18 points).

"The video has sparked discussions online, with some viewers calling it an awkward or overly familiar gesture in a moment of camaraderie, while others see it as incidental contact during a hug between the athletes. No official statements or complaints from the players or volleyball governing bodies have been reported regarding the incident."