Saki Kumagai laughs off questions about ranking her latest triumph. Fresh from Japan’s Asian Cup victory in Australia, the 35-year-old veteran defender reflects on her 17-year career filled with accolades. “I never compare my titles,” she says. “This team represents a new generation, making this win particularly impressive.”
A Last Link to 2011 World Cup Glory
Kumagai stands as the sole remaining player from Japan’s historic 2011 Women’s World Cup triumph, the first and only for an Asian nation. At 21, she started in the final against the USA, scoring the decisive penalty past Hope Solo in a shootout victory. That success came just four months after the devastating earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan, with coach Norio Sasaki using footage of the disaster to inspire the team.
Today’s squad features much younger talent. Forward Maika Hamano, who netted the stunner against Australia in Sydney, was only seven during Kumagai’s penalty heroics. Centre-back partner Toko Koga was five, top scorer Riko Ueki was 12, and standout goalkeeper Ayaka Yamashita was 15.
Mentoring the Rising Stars
Kumagai downplays her mentoring role but shares practical wisdom. “I didn’t offer much direct advice,” she notes. “From experience, in noisy crowds, you can’t always hear teammates, so I lead through my play.”
This smooth generational shift aligns with the Japanese Football Federation’s 2005 50-year vision: expand participation, boost rankings, and host and win a World Cup. Women’s soccer has surged ahead, with Japan now fifth in FIFA rankings. Highlights include the 2011 World Cup, Olympic silver, another World Cup final in 2015, three Asian Cups (2014, 2018, 2026), and Asia’s first full-time pro league in 2021.
Vision for the Future
Now with London City Lionesses in the WSL after stints at OL Lyon, Bayern Munich, and Roma, Kumagai—Asia’s most decorated female player—envisions a bright decade. “We have many promising young players with huge potential and confidence,” she says. “Many play overseas, gaining valuable experience.”
“As veterans, we create a supportive environment. I share my experiences and attitudes to foster harmony. My role is to pass the baton, showing how to shine in big moments.”
