Yui Hasegawa: The Best Midfielder from Asia

Yui Hasegawa is a seasoned international with her homeland, she has been a regular for her country since her debut in 2017 and has represented them at the FIFA Women’s World Cup, Asian Cup, Olympic Games and SheBelieves Cup.

Alongside Homare Sawa, Ji So-yun, Aya Miyama, Hinata Miyazawa and Wang Shuang, Hasegawa is regarded as some of the best football talents from Asia. Join Footballers’ Biographies as we tell the story of Japan’s Yui Hasegawa.

Player Profile – Yui Hasegawa

Yui Hasegawa is a distinguished midfielder known for her exceptional skills and leadership. Starting her career with Nippon TV Beleza, she won five consecutive Japanese league titles before moving to AC Milan in early 2021.

She further excelled at West Ham United, scoring notable goals, and then joined Manchester City in September 2022. Her impact at City was immediate, earning her a spot in the PFA WSL Team of the Year and a Ballon d’Or shortlist mention.

As an integral part of the Japanese national team since 2017, Yui Hasegawa has represented Japan in major international tournaments. Her career continues to flourish, with a contract extension at Manchester City until 2027.

Player Profile Overview

Yui Hasegawa’s Early Life and Background

Yui Hasegawa was born on January 29, 1997, in Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, and later moved to Toda, Saitama with her family. She attended Meguro Nihon University Junior High and High School and graduated from Nihon University in 2019.

Hasegawa started playing football at age six, inspired by her older brothers, initially playing with boys before joining a girls’ team at age nine.

At 11, she joined Menina, Japan’s top youth academy affiliated with Tokyo Verdy Beleza, where she became a key player in winning multiple U-18 titles. Yui Hasegawa developed alongside fellow future Japan national team player Risa Shimizu who recently joined her at Manchester City.

Yui Hasegawa’s Playing Style and Strength

Yui Hasegawa’s Career Highlights

Yui Hasegawa started her career at Tokyo Verdy Beleza and was promoted to the senior team in 2013, making her Nadeshiko League debut at sixteen. Despite her youth and inexperience, she rapidly became a regular starter in midfield, competing alongside more experienced teammates.

In the 2015 season, Yui Hasegawa emerged as a standout player, scoring her first league goal and playing a crucial role in helping Tokyo Verdy Beleza win the championship, ending a five-year title drought.

Winning the AFC Women’s Club Championship

Her tenure with the club was marked by significant success, as she was part of one of Beleza’s most successful periods. Over eight seasons, she secured five consecutive league titles, five Empress’s Cups, three League Cups, and the inaugural AFC Women’s Club Championship.

Yui Hasegawa also achieved the domestic triple crown twice, in the 2018 and 2019 seasons, solidifying her impact and legacy at the club. She was named to the Nadeshiko League Best XI for four consecutive seasons from 2017 to 2020 before moving abroad in 2021.

At just 21 years old, she reached her 100th league appearance for Tokyo Verdy Beleza on May 3, 2018, in a draw against Nojima Stella Kanagawa. During her time with the club, she made 217 appearances and scored 40 goals.

The Start of Yui Hasegawa’s European Adventures

Yui Hasegawa signed with Serie A Femminile club AC Milan during the January transfer window of 2021. She made an impressive debut, scoring twice, including a direct free-kick, in a 6–1 win over Pink Bari on February 27, 2021, and was named Player of the Match.

During her brief stint in Italy, Hasegawa helped Milan finish as league runners-up, securing a spot in the UEFA Women’s Champions League first round and reaching the Coppa Italia final. She played nine games and scored three goals for the club.

Yui Hasegawa’s Impactful Season at West Ham United

Yui Hasegawa made a significant impact during her first season with West Ham United. Joining the club in August 2021 on a two-year contract, she quickly established herself as a key player. Hasegawa played a pivotal role in West Ham’s first-ever Women’s Super League win against Manchester City, scoring one goal and assisting another.

She showcased her talent with another impressive goal against Reading, earning her the WSL Goal of the Month award. Yui Hasegawa contributed to West Ham’s best-ever league finish (sixth place) and their journey to the Women’s FA Cup semi-finals.

Moving to the Blue Half of Manchester

Yui Hasegawa’s career took a significant turn in September 2022 when she signed a three-year contract with Manchester City. Playing alongside Khadija Shaw and filling the void left by Keira Walsh, she quickly became a pivotal defensive midfielder for the club.

Hasegawa’s impact was evident in City’s 16-game unbeaten run following her arrival, and she earned recognition with her first goal for the club and a nomination for the WSL Player of the Month award.

Yui Hasegawa’s impressive performances throughout the season led to her inclusion in the PFA WSL Team of the Year and a nomination for the Ballon d’Or Féminin. She was nominated alongside Asisat Oshoala, Hinata Miyazawa, Sam Kerr, Alexia Putellas, Trinity Rodman and Aitana Bonmati.

Contract Extension with Man City

Yui Hasegawa’s International Career

Yui Hasegawa has been a standout player in Japanese women’s football since her teenage years. Her international career began at an exceptionally young age, with her debut for the U-17 national team at just 14.

Hasegawa’s talent was evident from the start. She played a crucial role in Japan’s journey to the quarterfinals of the 2012 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

However, it was her performance in the 2014 edition of the tournament that truly showcased her potential. As a key member of the Japanese team, she contributed significantly to their championship victory, earning the prestigious Adidas Silver Ball award for her outstanding performance.

National Team Debut

Yui Hasegawa quickly transitioned from a promising youth player to a key member of the Japanese women’s national team. Her senior debut came in 2017, and she didn’t take long to make her mark, scoring her first international goals shortly after.

Hasegawa’s impact was instrumental in Japan’s continued dominance in Asian football. She played a crucial role in defending the Asian Cup title in 2018, providing the assist for the winning goal. The same year, she added an Asian Games gold medal to her growing trophy cabinet.

Yui Hasegawa’s World Cup Debut

Yui Hasegawa continued her ascent in international football by participating in the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup in France. Despite Japan’s exit in the Round of 16, Hasegawa’s talent shone through, as evidenced by her goal nomination for the tournament.

The following year, she represented Japan at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, contributing significantly to the team’s performance.

Hasegawa’s consistent presence on the world stage solidified her status as a key player for the Japanese national team and a rising star in global women’s football.

Representing Japan at the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics

Yui Hasegawa continued her impressive form at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. As a key member of the Japanese squad, she played a crucial role in their successful campaign, which saw them top their group and reach the quarterfinals.

Hasegawa’s consistent performances solidified her status as one of Japan’s most important players and a rising star in global women’s football.

She also represented Japan at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, reaching the quarter-finals before losing to the USA courtesy of a Trinity Rodman goal in extra time. With over 86 caps and 18 goals for her country, her impact on the Japanese national team is undeniable.

Football Heroes and Idols

Yui Hasegawa, the Japanese midfield maestro, has often cited Brazilian legend Ronaldinho and Spanish maestro Andres Iniesta as her football idols.

The influence of these two iconic playmakers is evident in Hasegawa’s own style, characterized by exceptional dribbling, precise passing, and a flair for the spectacular.

Personal Life of Yui Hasegawa

There is little information about the personal life of the Japanese star. However, Footballers’ Biographies found out that she is not married and she grew up with her older brothers who encouraged and supported her football ambitions.

Conclusion

Yui Hasegawa’s rise from her early days in Japan to becoming a leading defensive midfielder exemplifies remarkable talent and dedication. Her achievements with clubs and the national team, along with her impact on the global stage, highlight her exceptional skills and leadership.

Yui Hasegawa’s journey continues to inspire aspiring footballers and elevate the profile of Asian football, cementing her legacy as a trailblazer in the sport.