Homare Sawa, a veteran of the Nadeshiko Japan women's soccer team, on Wednesday announced her retirement.
The announcement was made by her manager.
Sawa, 37, who has played in six Women's World Cups, will hold a news conference on Thursday, Fuji TV reported.
Sawa, a midfielder who was named the MVP at the 2011 Women's World Cup, plays for INAC Kobe Leonessa. In her international career, she represented Japan 205 times, scoring 83 goals.
In August, Sawa announced her marriage to Hiroaki Tsujikami, 38, a former player for J.League soccer team Vegalta Sendai.
© Japan Today
5 Comments
Login to comment
zones2surf
All good things must come to an end, I suppose, but still a shame to hear that you are retiring.
You were a brilliant representative for the Japanese women's soccer team and no doubt were an inspiration to many. Your contributions to the team and to the hopes and aspirations of the nation are well remembered.
Otsukaresama deshita and all of the best to you!
Conspiracy Theories
Awesome player. I just wish she did something with that hair.
Kurobune
Gokurosama, Homare-san. Thanks for all the thrills and memories !
Christopher Glen
Agreed. Respect to Nadeshiko
BurakuminDes
Amazing player, at her peak could have outplayed a lot of male professionals! Seems like a lovely lady too. All the best Ms. Sawa - could be time for kids I guess!