Moeka Minami is a Japanese professional footballer recognized for her composure, leadership, and tactical intelligence as a centre back. She plays for AS Roma in Serie A Femminile and is a mainstay for the Japan women’s national team.
Early Life and Background
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Full Name: Moeka Minami
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Date of Birth: 7 December 1998
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Place of Birth: Yoshikawa, Saitama, Japan
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Height: 1.71 m
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Position: Centre back
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Education: University of Tsukuba Physical Education College
Minami began her youth career with Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies, progressing through their system before turning professional.
Club Career
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Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies (2017–2022):
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Made 68 league appearances, scoring 3 goals.
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Won the Nadeshiko League (2020) and Empress’s Cup (2021).
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Named to the league’s Best Eleven multiple times.
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AS Roma (2022–present):
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Signed in July 2022 and debuted in the UEFA Champions League.
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Scored her first Roma goal in September 2022 against AC Milan and netted in the Champions League against Sparta Praha.
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Helped Roma win their first-ever Serie A title in 2022–23 and repeated as champions in 2023–24.
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Won the 2022 Supercoppa Italiana and extended her contract through June 2026.
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Over 55 league appearances and 3 goals for Roma by October 2024.
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International Career
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Japan U-17: Won the 2014 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.
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Japan U-20: Captained the team to the 2018 FIFA U-20 World Cup title, earning the Bronze Ball.
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Japan Senior Team (2019–present):
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Debuted at the 2019 SheBelieves Cup.
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Played in the 2019 and 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cups and the 2020 and 2024 Olympic Games.
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Won the 2025 SheBelieves Cup and the 2019 EAFF E-1 Football Championship.
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Over 55 senior caps and 4 international goals by October 2024.
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Honours & Achievements
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Club:
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Serie A Champion (2022–23, 2023–24, Roma)
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Supercoppa Italiana Winner (2022)
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Nadeshiko League Champion (2020, Urawa Reds)
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Empress’s Cup Winner (2021, Urawa Reds)
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International:
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FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Winner (2014)
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FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Winner & Bronze Ball (2018)
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EAFF E-1 Football Championship Winner (2019)
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SheBelieves Cup Winner (2025)
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Individual:
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EAFF E-1 Football Championship MVP (2019)
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Nadeshiko League/WE League Best Eleven (2019, 2020, 2021–22)
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Playing Profile
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Strengths:
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Positional awareness, leadership, passing range, and aerial ability
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Style:
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Calm, intelligent centre back who organizes the defense and contributes to build-up play
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FAQs About Moeka Minami
What position does Moeka Minami play?
Centre back
Which club does she play for?
AS Roma
How old is Moeka Minami?
26 (born December 7, 1998)
What are her main achievements?
Two-time Serie A champion, World Cup winner at youth level, and regular for Japan’s senior national team
What is her playing style?
Composed, tactically astute, and a leader in the back line
Conclusion
Moeka Minami’s rise from youth champion in Japan to a defensive leader for AS Roma and the national team highlights her as one of the top centre backs in women’s football. Her achievements at club and international level, along with her leadership qualities, make her a key figure for both Roma and Japan.
