Born: 1978 (Fukuoka, Japan)
Biography:
Homare Sawa is a Japanese former professional footballer who left an indelible mark on the sport. Born on September 6, 1978, in Fukuoka, Japan, Sawa’s talent and determination propelled her to become one of the greatest female footballers of all time, as well as the greatest Asian female footballer in history.
Sawa’s career spanned an impressive 24 seasons, in which she showcased her versatility by excelling as both a forward and a midfielder. She made her club debut at the tender age of 12 in 1991, joining Nippon TV Beleza. This marked the beginning of an extraordinary journey that would see her achieve numerous accolades and revolutionize women’s football in Japan.
During her early years with Nippon TV Beleza, Sawa played an instrumental role in securing five titles between 1991 and 1999. Her exceptional skills did not go unnoticed, attracting the attention of international scouts. In pursuit of her dreams, she embarked on a football stint in the United States with the Women’s United Soccer Association (WUSA), representing both the Atlanta Beat and the Denver Diamonds.
However, Sawa’s heart belonged to her homeland, and she returned to the Japanese league in 2004. Her reunion with Nippon TV Beleza proved fruitful as she triumphed in nine more titles over the next four years. Despite her success, Sawa faced pivotal moments of struggle and challenge throughout her career. These hurdles only served as motivation, driving her to push boundaries and elevate the sport to new heights.
In 2008, Sawa experienced a milestone in her international career when she captained the Japan national team at the Summer Olympics. This achievement marked the team’s first-ever Olympic medal match, accentuated by Sawa’s exceptional performance as Japan’s top scorer of the tournament. Her contribution to the team’s success foreshadowed even greater triumphs yet to come.
The pinnacle of Sawa’s career arrived in 2011 when she captained the Japan national team at the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Germany. Against all odds, Japan advanced to their first-ever final in a major international tournament, igniting a national fervor back home. In the final, Sawa scored the match-tying goal in extra time, leading her team to victory on penalties. In recognition of her exceptional performance, she received the prestigious Golden Ball and Golden Boot awards.
Sawa’s individual success in 2011 extended beyond the world stage. She became the first Asian person, regardless of gender, to receive the illustrious FIFA Women’s World Player of the Year award. Her exceptional achievements shattered stereotypes and paved the way for future generations of Asian footballers.
Following her remarkable World Cup triumph, Sawa led the Japan national team to a silver medal finish at the 2012 Summer Olympics. These international tournaments showcased the unwavering commitment and leadership Sawa brought to the field. Her influence extended beyond her teammates, inspiring a nation and revolutionizing the perception of women’s football in Japan.
Sawa’s dedication to the sport saw her return to the Japan national team for her sixth FIFA Women’s World Cup appearance in 2015. This marked the final major international tournament of her illustrious career. She led her team to the final for the second time, concluding in a runner-up finish. With 205 caps and 83 goals to her name, Sawa remains the all-time leader in both categories for the Japan national team.
Retiring from international football for the second and final time, Sawa concluded her club career with INAC Kobe Leonessa. She retired at the end of 2015, leaving a lasting legacy within Japanese football. Throughout her career, she amassed an impressive collection of 11 league titles and 8 domestic cup titles in the Japanese League. Her remarkable achievements earned her a spot in the league’s Best XI for 11 seasons, solidifying her status as one of the all-time greats.
Homare Sawa’s unwavering dedication, unmatched skills, and groundbreaking achievements have immortalized her as a pioneer in women’s football. She not only left an indelible mark on the sport but also broke barriers and shattered records, inspiring generations to come. Her influence on Japanese football and women’s history is immeasurable, and her name will forever be synonymous with excellence and passion.
Awards:
– FIFA Women’s World Player of the Year 2011
– Golden Ball – FIFA Women’s World Cup Best Player 2011
– Golden Boot – FIFA Women’s World Cup Top Scorer 2011