Ayaka Yamashita is a professional footballer known for her role as a goalkeeper.
She began her professional career with Nippon TV Tokyo Verdy Beleza in 2014.
Yamashita was part of the Nippon TV Beleza team that won the L.League championship multiple times from 2015 to 2019.
Biography
Early Life
Ayaka Yamashita was born on September 29, 1995, in Adachi, Tokyo, Japan. From a young age, she showed a passion for football, which led her to pursue a career in the sport. After completing her high school education, she took a significant step in her football journey by joining Nippon TV Beleza in 2014.
Career
Yamashita quickly made a name for herself in the football world. During her time with Nippon TV Beleza, she contributed to the team's success, helping them secure the Nadeshiko League championship multiple times from 2015 to 2019. Her outstanding performances earned her a spot on the Best Eleven for three consecutive years starting in 2015. In August 2024, she signed a three-year deal with Women's Super League club Manchester City, marking a new chapter in her career. She made her debut for the team in a UEFA Women's Champions League qualifying match against Paris FC on September 18, 2024.
On the international stage, Yamashita has been a key player for the Japan national team since her debut in 2015. She participated in several major tournaments, including the 2018 AFC Women's Asian Cup, where Japan emerged victorious, and the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup. Her skills as a goalkeeper were further recognized when she received the Best Goalkeeper award at the 2026 AFC Women's Asian Cup, leading her team to another championship victory.
Legacy
Yamashita's contributions to women's football have not gone unnoticed. She has been honored with numerous accolades, including the WE League Most Valuable Player for the 2021-22 season and multiple selections to the Nadeshiko League Best Eleven. Her journey reflects her dedication to the sport and her impact on women's football in Japan and beyond.
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Gallery
Career & Clubs
Club
As of match played 13 September 2026
International
As of match played 6 June 2026
In August 2015, when Yamashita was 19 years old, she was selected for the Japan national team for the 2015 East Asian Cup. In that competition, on August 4, she debuted against South Korea. On 19 March 2018, she was called up to the 2018 AFC Women's Asian Cup, where Japan won the championship. On 10 May 2019, Yamashita was included in the 23-player squad for the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup. On 18 June 2021, she was included in the Japan squad for the 2020 Summer Olympics. On 7 January 2022, Yamashita was called up to the 2022 AFC Women's Asian Cup squad. On 13 June 2023, she was included in the 23-player squad for the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023. On 14 June 2024, Yamashita was included in the Japan squad for the 2024 Summer Olympics. Yamashita was part of the Japan squad that won the 2025 SheBelieves Cup. Yamashita won the 2026 AFC Women's Asian Cup with her national team after a 1–0 victory over Australia in the final, where she also received the Best Goalkeeper award.
Yamashita was born in Adachi, Tokyo on September 29, 1995. After graduating from high school, she joined Nippon TV Beleza in 2014. The club won L.League championship and she was selected Best Eleven for 3 years in a row from the 2015 season. On 9 August 2024, Ayaka was signed on a three year deal by Women's Super League club Manchester City. She made her debut for the team in a UEFA Women's Champions League qualifying match win over Paris FC on 18 September 2024.
- Club
- Nippon TV Tokyo Verdy Beleza
- Club
- Japan women's national football team
Legacy
Tokyo Verdy Beleza
Nadeshiko League: 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 Empress's Cup: 2014, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 Nadeshiko League Cup: 2016, 2018, 2019 AFC Women's Club Championship: 2019 INAC Kobe Leonessa
WE League: 2021–22 Manchester City
Women's Super League: 2025–26 Women's FA Cup: 2025–26 Japan
AFC Asian Cup: 2018, 2026 Asian Games: 2018 SheBelieves Cup: 2025 Individual
Nadeshiko League Best Eleven: 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 WE League Most Valuable Player: 2021–22 WE League Best Eleven: 2021–22, 2022–23 WE League Outstanding Players Award: 2021–22, 2022–23 AFC Women's Asian Cup Best Goalkeeper: 2026
Clubs
- Japan women's national football teamcurrent
- Nippon TV Tokyo Verdy Belezacurrent
Archive
Passport
Identifiers & aliases
Ayaka Yamashita is a Japanese professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for Women's Super League club Manchester City and the Japan national team.
Opinions of fans — not verified facts.
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