Homare Sawa: The Legendary Japanese Superstar
Homare Sawa is one of the greatest female footballers ever, a name that resonates within the footballing world and a name that put Asia on the footballing world map. She is mentioned in the same breath as the likes of Marta, Birgit Prinz and Alexandra Popp.
She became the first captain of an Asian country to lift the FIFA Women’s World Cup and also the first Asian to win the FIFA Best Player Award male or female. Join us as we celebrate the legacy of Homare Sawa.
Early Life and Background
Homare Sawa was born on 6 September 1978 in Osaka, Japan. Sawa began playing football at a young age, influenced by her father, who was a football coach.
Homare Sawa’s football journey began at just six years old when she was inspired by her older brother’s training sessions. Invited by his coach to join the boys’ team, Sawa quickly showcased her talent. Her prodigious talent was evident early on, leading her to join the local club, Minerva Osaka, where she honed her skills.
Rise to Stardom
At just 15 years old, Sawa’s potential was recognized on the international stage when she made her debut for the Japanese national team on 6 December 1993. Sawa scored an impressive four goals in her first match against the Philippines. This remarkable start set the stage for her subsequent rise in the football world.
Sawa’s breakthrough continued with her debut in the Women’s World Cup in 1995, where she became the youngest player to start a match in the tournament at 16 years old.
Her performances on the global stage showcased her exceptional playmaking abilities and vision, establishing her as a rising star in women’s football.
Homare Sawa’s International Career with Japan
Homare Sawa made her debut for the Japanese national team on December 6, 1993 at just 15 years old, scoring an astounding four goals in her first match against the Philippines. This debut would set the tone for her illustrious career, as Sawa quickly became a key figure for Japan.
Two years later, she participated in her first FIFA Women’s World Cup in 1995 at the age of 16, starting against Germany.
This marked the beginning of her rise to prominence on the international stage, representing Japan in a total of six World Cups and four Olympic Games.
Somare Hawa’s Breakthrough with Japan
Sawa’s ability to rise to crucial moments was evident during Japan’s qualification for the 2003 FIFA Women’s World Cup, when she scored the tie-winning goal against Mexico on July 12, 2003. Her goal secured Japan’s place in the World Cup, further establishing her reputation as a clutch performer.
Sawa was also instrumental in Japan’s success at the 2004 Athens Olympics, where she helped the team reach the knockout stages of a major international tournament for the first time in history.
Although Japan did not win any medals, this breakthrough showcased the growing strength of women’s football in the country, with Sawa at the helm.
2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup: A Historic Victory
Homare Sawa’s greatest triumph came in the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Germany, where she captained the Japanese national team, known as the Nadeshiko, to their first-ever World Cup title.
Sawa was at her very best during the tournament, particularly in the group stage against Mexico, where she scored a hat trick, becoming the then-oldest player in World Cup history to do so.
The final against the United States remains one of the most iconic matches in women’s football history. Sawa scored a dramatic equalizer in the 117th minute to tie the game 2–2, sending the match into a penalty shootout.
Japan won 3–1 on penalties, securing their first World Cup title. Sawa’s leadership and performance earned her the Golden Boot as the tournament’s top scorer and the Golden Ball as the best player.
In recognition of her achievements, Sawa was named the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Player of the Year, becoming the first Asian player (male or female) to win the prestigious award. She also broke the streak of Brazil’s Marta, who had won the award five consecutive times.
2012 Olympics and First Retirement
Following the World Cup victory, Homare Sawa led Japan to the 2012 London Olympics, where they once again reached the final.
In a rematch against the United States, Japan fought valiantly but lost 2–1, earning a silver medal. This Olympic run was yet another testament to Sawa’s ability to inspire her team on the world’s biggest stage.
After the Olympics, Sawa announced her retirement from international football in August 2012. However, her absence from the field was short-lived, as she returned to the national team for one final chapter.
Return and 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup
In 2014, Sawa came out of international retirement to help Japan win their first-ever AFC Women’s Asian Cup. She scored the opening goal in the semifinal against China, guiding Japan to a 2–1 victory and ultimately to a 1–0 win over Australia in the final.
Despite suffering injuries in late 2014, Sawa was unexpectedly included in Japan’s squad for the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Canada. This appearance marked her record sixth World Cup, a feat she shares with Brazil’s Formiga.
While Sawa played a reduced role in the tournament, her experience and leadership remained invaluable. Japan reached the final once again, but this time lost 5–2 to the United States. The final marked Sawa’s last international match, closing an incredible chapter in her storied career.
Homare Sawa’s Club Career Highlights
Homare Sawa began her professional career at just 12 years old with Nippon TV Beleza (formerly Yomiuri Beleza), one of Japan’s premier women’s football teams. The club is notable for producing some of the best Japanese players, including the likes of Aya Miyama, Yui Hasegawa and Hinata Miyzawa.
Between 1991 and 1999, she helped the team dominate the L.League, Japan’s top women’s league, winning five titles during her first stint. She played 136 matches and scored 79 goals for the club, earning several Best Eleven awards.
Moving to America Playing for Atlanta Beat
In 1999, Sawa left Japan and played briefly for the Denver Diamonds in the United States. When the Women’s United Soccer Association (WUSA) was formed in 2001, she joined the Atlanta Beat, becoming a key player for the team.
Despite her smaller stature, she held her own against more physical opponents and helped the team reach the playoffs each season. She scored the club’s first-ever goal and finished her time there with 13 goals in 55 appearances.
Homare Sawa’s Return to Japan with Nippon TV Beleza
Following the collapse of WUSA in 2003, Sawa returned to Nippon TV Beleza, where she continued to lead the team to further success.
During her second stint, the club won four consecutive L.League titles from 2005 to 2008. Sawa earned MVP awards in 2006 and 2008 for her outstanding contributions.
Another American Adventure with Washington Freedom
With the formation of Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS) in the United States, Homare Sawa returned to the U.S. to play for the Washington Freedom.
As a consistent force in the midfield, she played two seasons with the Freedom, making 41 appearances and scoring 6 goals. Her technical skills and experience bolstered the team during her time there.
INAC Kobe Leonessa (2011–2015)
Homare Sawa joined INAC Kobe Leonessa in 2011, playing a key role in their dominance in the Nadeshiko League. She won three consecutive league titles from 2011 to 2013 and multiple Empress’s Cups, solidifying her legacy in Japanese club football.
In her final match for INAC, Sawa scored the winning goal in the 2015 Empress’s Cup final, securing the title and ending her career on a high note.
The Legend Homare Sawa Retires
On December 16, 2015, Sawa announced her retirement from football after completing the 2015 Nadeshiko League season. Tributes poured in from across Japanese football, including from her coach Norio Sasaki, as well as teammates like Yuki Nagasato, Eriko Arakawa, and male footballing legend Shunsuke Nakamura.
Homare Sawa retired from football at the end of 2015, concluding an extraordinary career in which she won 11 league titles and 8 domestic cups.
She was named to the Nadeshiko League’s Best Eleven 11 times, showcasing her consistent excellence throughout her career.
Homare Sawa’s international career saw her earn 205 caps, scoring 83 goals, both records for Japan. She participated in six FIFA Women’s World Cups and four Olympic Games, winning the 2011 World Cup and an Olympic silver medal in 2012.
Her individual accolades include being named FIFA Women’s World Player of the Year in 2011, winning the Golden Boot and Golden Ball at the 2011 World Cup, and being a key figure in Japan’s 2014 AFC Women’s Asian Cup triumph.
A True Pioneer for Women’s Football
Homare Sawa’s career represents not just personal triumph but also the growth of women’s football in Japan and globally. Her resilience, technical prowess, and leadership have inspired countless players and elevated the profile of women’s football.
Her journey, from debuting as a 15-year-old prodigy to becoming a world champion and global football icon, is a testament to her enduring legacy as one of the greatest footballers of all time.
Sawa’s career paved the for several of Asia’s top stars, shining light on the immense talent pool Asian women football has to offer. Her legacy inspired the likes of Aya Miyama, Wang Shuang, Yui Hasegawa and Hinata Miyazawa.
Homare Sawa’s Playing Style and Skills
Homare Sawa was a versatile and technically gifted footballer known for her intelligence, leadership, and goal-scoring ability. Playing as both a forward and midfielder, she excelled at controlling the tempo of the game, delivering precise passes, and making decisive runs into the box.
Sawa’s tireless work ethic, tactical awareness, and mental resilience allowed her to be effective in both attack and defense. Despite her smaller stature, she was physically and mentally strong, consistently rising to the occasion in high-pressure moments, most notably in the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Her blend of creativity, leadership, and adaptability made her one of the most complete and influential players in women’s football history.
Homare Sawa’s Personal Life and Character
In August 2015, Homare Sawa made headlines not for her exploits on the football field but for a significant personal milestone—her marriage.
Though initially private about her husband’s identity, Sawa later revealed that she had wed Hiroaki Tsujikami, a former professional footballer who had a stint with Vegalta Sendai. This union marked a new chapter in Sawa’s life, blending her personal and professional worlds.
The couple welcomed their first child, a daughter, on January 10, 2017. This addition to their family brought immense joy and marked a new era for Sawa, both as an athlete and as a mother.
Public Roles and Advocacy
Beyond her playing career, Sawa’s influence extends into various roles in the public sphere. Notably, in 2013, she was named an ambassador for Japan’s successful bid to host the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo. This role highlighted her continued commitment to the sport and her nation, even beyond her playing days.
However, in a setback related to her health, Sawa had to withdraw from participating in the 2020 Olympic torch relay. She cited a chronic inner-ear condition as the reason for her withdrawal, demonstrating the personal challenges she faced even as a prominent public figure.
Legacy and Continued Influence
Homare Sawa remains a revered figure in Japanese football. While she maintains a level of privacy regarding her personal life, her contributions to the sport and her legacy as a football icon continue to be celebrated.
Her journey from a young prodigy to a world champion, and now as a devoted mother and advocate, paints a picture of a life dedicated to both personal and professional excellence.
Conclusion
Homare Sawa’s career is a remarkable story of excellence and influence in football. From her debut at 15 to captaining Japan to victory in the 2011 Women’s World Cup, Sawa’s achievements include the Golden Boot and Golden Ball awards, and being named FIFA Women’s World Player of the Year in 2012.
Her versatility and leadership have redefined the central midfield role, inspiring future generations. Off the pitch, Sawa’s personal life and her role as a football ambassador further enhance her legacy. Her career is a powerful testament to the impact of dedication, skill, and leadership in sports.
