Homare Sawa
Midfielder · INAC Kobe Leonessa · Japan
About Homare Sawa
Japan's greatest female player and a Women's World Cup winner, Homare Sawa was FIFA Women's World Player of the Year in 2011 — a technically gifted midfielder who inspired Nadeshiko Japan's extraordinary 2011 World Cup triumph, scored the equaliser in the final, and became a national hero.
Homare Sawa's story
Tokyo to the World
Homare Sawa was born on 6 September 1978 in Fuchu, Tokyo and made her professional debut aged just 12 years old — one of the youngest ever in women's football. Over a 22-year career she became Japan's most capped and most admired female player, earning 205 caps and 83 goals.
2011 — Japan's Miracle
The 2011 Women's World Cup in Germany is Japan's greatest sporting achievement. Sawa captained Nadeshiko Japan through an extraordinary tournament, scoring the equaliser in the 117th minute of the final against the USA — a goal that has become part of Japanese sporting folklore. Japan won on penalties. Sawa scored five goals and was named Player of the Tournament.
FIFA World Player of the Year
In recognition of her 2011 performances, Sawa won the FIFA Women's World Player of the Year award — a thoroughly deserved honour for one of the finest players of her generation. She is the only Japanese player, male or female, to have won a FIFA player of the year award.
American Adventure & Retirement
Sawa had spells in the US with teams including the New Jersey Wildcats and Boston Breakers, broadening her experience. She retired from football in 2015 and has been involved in coaching and promotion of women's football in Japan. She is married and settled in Japan.
Did you know?
- Sawa scored Japan's equaliser against the USA in the 117th minute of the 2011 Women's World Cup final — a goal that sent Japan to penalties and ultimately to their first world title.
- She made her professional debut aged just 12 years and 0 days — one of the youngest professional footballers in history — going on to earn 205 caps over a 22-year career.
- Sawa is the only Japanese footballer — male or female — to have won the FIFA World Player of the Year award; she has since married and remained closely involved in developing women's football in Japan.
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