Azusa Iwashimizu is a celebrated Japanese football player known for her defensive skills.
She has been awarded honorary citizenship for her contributions to football.
Iwashimizu played for Nippon TV Tokyo Verdy Beleza from 2003 to 2026, marking a long and successful club career.
Biography
Early Life
Azusa Iwashimizu was born on October 14, 1986, in Takizawa, Japan. From a young age, she showed a passion for football, which led her to join the youth team of Nippon TV Beleza. Her dedication and talent quickly propelled her through the ranks, setting the stage for a remarkable career.
Career
Iwashimizu made her professional debut in 2003 when she was promoted to Nippon TV Beleza, where she played as a defender until 2026. Over her career, she made an impressive 260 appearances in the L.League, earning a spot in the league's Best XI for an astounding 12 consecutive years from 2006 to 2017.
On the international stage, Iwashimizu debuted for the Japan women's national football team on February 18, 2006, against Russia. She played a pivotal role in Japan's success at the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup, where the team emerged victorious, and she contributed to their silver medal win at the 2012 Summer Olympics. Notably, during the 2011 World Cup Final, she received a red card in the final minute of extra time, yet Japan triumphed in the penalty shootout that followed. Iwashimizu also shone in the 2014 Asian Cup, scoring crucial goals in both the semifinal and final matches.
Legacy
Throughout her career, Iwashimizu has garnered numerous accolades, including being a champion in the FIFA Women's World Cup in 2011 and the AFC Women's Asian Cup in 2014. Her contributions to Nippon TV Beleza have also been significant, with the team winning multiple L.League and Empress's Cup titles. Iwashimizu's legacy is marked not only by her achievements on the field but also by her recognition as an honorary citizen, reflecting her impact on Japanese football.
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Gallery
Career & Clubs
On 18 February 2006, when Iwashimizu was 19 years old, she debuted for Japan national team against Russia. She has played in the 2007, 2011 and 2015 World Cups, winning the 2011 World Cup and winning a silver medal at the 2012 Summer Olympics. In the final minute of extra time in the 2011 World Cup Final, she was sent off after receiving a red card for slide tackling Alex Morgan. Japan would go on to win the match in the penalty shootout that followed. Iwashimizu was instrumental in Japan's victory at the 2014 Asian Cup, scoring the winning goal in both the semifinal against China and the final against Australia. She played 122 games and scored 11 goals for Japan until 2016.
Iwashimizu was born in Takizawa on 14 October 1986. In 2003, she was promoted to Nippon TV Beleza after developing in their youth team. She played 260 matches in the L.League until 2017. She was elected to the league's Best XI for 12 years in a row (2006-2017).
- National team
- Japan
- Club
- Nippon TV Tokyo Verdy Beleza (2003–2026)
- Club
- Japan women's national football team (2006–2016)
Trophies & Awards
- Award
- honorary citizenship
Legacy
Team
Japan women's national football team FIFA Women's World Cup Champion: 2011 East Asian Football Championship Champion: 2010 East Asian Football Championship Champions: 2008, 2010 AFC Women's Asian Cup Champion: 2014 Nippon TV Beleza L.League Champions (11): 2001, 2002, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 Empress's Cup : Champions: 2004, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2014, 2017, 2018 Nadeshiko League Cup : Champions: 2007, 2010, 2012, 2016, 2018
Individual
L.League Best Eleven (13): 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018
Clubs
- Nippon TV Tokyo Verdy Beleza2003–2026
- Japan women's national football team2006–2016
Archive
Passport
Identifiers & aliases
Azusa Iwashimizu is a Japanese footballer who played as a defender for Tokyo Verdy Beleza in the WE League and the Japan national team.
Opinions of fans — not verified facts.
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