Saki Kumagai is a Japanese footballer celebrated globally for her leadership, composure, and tactical intelligence. She has excelled as both a defender and midfielder for top clubs in Europe and is the long-serving captain of the Japan women’s national team.
Early Life and Background
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Full Name: Saki Kumagai (熊谷 紗希)
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Date of Birth: 17 October 1990
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Place of Birth: Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
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Height: 1.73 m
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Positions: Defender, Defensive Midfielder
Kumagai began her football journey in Sapporo and developed her skills at Tokiwagi Gakuen High School, quickly establishing herself as a standout youth talent.
Club Career
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Urawa Reds (2009–2011):
Debuted in Japan’s top league, winning the Nadeshiko League title in her first season. -
FFC Frankfurt (2011–2013):
Moved to Germany and adapted quickly to European football. -
Olympique Lyonnais (2013–2021):
Became a club legend, making over 240 appearances and winning 19 trophies—including seven French league titles and five UEFA Women’s Champions League crowns. Scored the decisive penalty in the 2016 Champions League final. -
Bayern Munich (2021–2023):
Won the Frauen-Bundesliga in 2022–23. -
AS Roma (2023–2025):
Joined Serie A’s reigning champions in summer 2023. -
London City Lionesses (2025–present):
Signed for the English club in January 2025.
International Career
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Japan National Team (2008–present):
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Debuted at age 17 and has over 100 caps, ranking among Japan’s most-capped players.
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Captained Japan since 2017.
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Won the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup, scoring the winning penalty in the final shootout.
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Silver medals at the 2012 Olympics and 2015 World Cup.
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Gold medal at the 2010 Asian Games and AFC Women’s Asian Cup titles in 2018 and 2022.
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Played in four World Cups and three Olympic Games.
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Honours & Achievements
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Club:
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7× Division 1 Féminine Champion (Lyon)
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5× UEFA Women’s Champions League Winner (Lyon)
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6× Coupe de France Winner (Lyon)
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Frauen-Bundesliga Champion (Bayern Munich)
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International:
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FIFA Women’s World Cup Winner (2011)
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Olympic Silver Medalist (2012)
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AFC Women’s Asian Cup Winner (2018, 2022)
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Asian Games Gold Medalist (2010)
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Individual:
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Named Japan captain (2017–)
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Multiple Best XI and MVP awards
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Playing Profile
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Strengths: Leadership, tactical intelligence, composure under pressure, versatility (centre back and defensive midfield), penalty-taking
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Style: Calm, reliable, and technically skilled, she organizes play from the back or midfield and is renowned for her big-game mentality.
FAQs About Saki Kumagai
What position does Saki Kumagai play?
Defender and defensive midfielder.
Which club does she play for?
London City Lionesses (as of 2025).
How old is Saki Kumagai?
34 (born October 17, 1990).
What are her main achievements?
World Cup winner, five-time Champions League winner, multiple league titles, and captain of Japan.
What is her playing style?
Composed, tactically astute, and a leader both on and off the pitch.
Conclusion
Saki Kumagai’s career is defined by her leadership, winning mentality, and historic achievements for club and country. From scoring the World Cup-winning penalty to captaining Japan and conquering Europe with Lyon, she stands as one of the all-time greats in women’s football.
