Chika Hirao
Chika Hirao is a professional footballer known for her role as a goalkeeper in Japan's national team.
Hirao plays for the WE League club Albirex Niigata, showcasing her skills at both club and international levels.
She began her professional career with Urawa Reds, where she helped the team win the championship in her first season.
Biography
Early Life
Chika Hirao was born on December 31, 1996, in Matsudo, Chiba, Japan. From a young age, she showed a passion for football, which led her to join the JFA Academy Fukushima, where she honed her skills as a goalkeeper. Her dedication and talent quickly became evident, setting the stage for her future career in professional football.
Career
Hirao began her professional journey in 2014 when she joined the L.League club Urawa Reds. In her debut season, she made a significant impact by helping the team secure the championship title, establishing herself as a regular goalkeeper. However, as the 2015 season approached, her playing time diminished due to competition from fellow goalkeeper Sakiko Ikeda. In 2018, seeking more opportunities, Hirao transferred to Albirex Niigata, where she continues to play.
On the international stage, Hirao's career has been equally impressive. She was first selected for the Japan U-17 national team at just 15 years old, participating in the 2012 U-17 Women's World Cup. Her journey continued with the U-20 national team, where she contributed to Japan's third-place finish in the 2016 U-20 Women's World Cup. Hirao made her senior debut for the Japan national team in 2018 and has since been part of several major tournaments, including the FIFA Women's World Cup and the Summer Olympics. Notably, she was part of the squad that won the 2025 SheBelieves Cup, showcasing her growth and importance in the national team.
Legacy
Chika Hirao's journey from a young football enthusiast to a professional goalkeeper is a testament to her hard work and determination. As she continues to represent Japan on the international stage, her contributions to women's football inspire many young athletes in Japan and beyond.
Collected from open sources (2) · facts link to sources · AI-processed
Career & Clubs
Club
As of match played 22 February 2026
International
As of match played 7 March 2026
In September 2012, when Hirao was 15 years old, she was selected Japan U-17 national team for 2012 U-17 Women's World Cup and she played 3 matches as regular goalkeeper. In November 2016, she was selected Japan U-20 national team for 2016 U-20 Women's World Cup. She played 5 matches and Japan won the 3rd place. In April 2018, Hirao was selected Japan national team for 2018 Women's Asian Cup. Although she did not play in any matches, Japan won the championship after two tournaments in a row. On 2 August, she debuted against Australia. On 10 May 2019, Hirao 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 13 June 2023, she was included in the 23-player squad for the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023. On 14 June 2024, Hirao was included in the Japan squad for the 2024 Summer Olympics. Hirao was part of the Japan squad that won the 2025 SheBelieves Cup.
Hirao was born in Matsudo, Chiba on 31 December 1996. She joined L.League club Urawa Reds from JFA Academy Fukushima in 2014. She played many matches as a regular goalkeeper, helping the club become the champions in the first season. However her opportunity to play decreased behind Sakiko Ikeda from 2015 season. In 2018, she moved to Albirex Niigata.
- Club
- Japan women's national football team
Clubs
- Japan women's national football teamcurrent
Archive
Passport
Identifiers & aliases
Chika Hirao is a Japanese professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for WE League club Albirex Niigata and the Japan national team.
Opinions of fans — not verified facts.
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