Etsuko Handa
Etsuko Handa is a celebrated Japanese former professional footballer and manager.
She played for Suzuyo Shimizu FC Lovely Ladies from 1989 to 1996, where she made a significant impact.
In 1989, Handa helped her team win the L.League in its inaugural season and was awarded Best Player.
Biography
Early Life
Etsuko Handa was born on May 10, 1965, in Shizuoka, Japan. From a young age, she showed a passion for football, which would lead her to become a prominent figure in women's football in Japan.
Career
Handa's professional career began with her local club, Shimizudaihachi SC, before she moved to Suzuyo Shimizu FC Lovely Ladies, where she played from 1989 to 1996. During her time with Shimizu FC Ladies, she made a significant impact by helping the team win the inaugural L.League in 1989, earning the Best Player award for her outstanding performance. Handa was a prolific forward, scoring 14 goals in the 1993 season, which made her the league's top scorer. Her talent was recognized as she was selected for the Best Eleven four times in her career (1989, 1990, 1993, 1994).
Handa's international career with the Japan women's national football team began at the young age of 16 when she was selected for the 1981 AFC Championship. She made her debut against Chinese Taipei on June 7, 1981, and scored Japan's first goal in an international match just days later, leading to their first victory. Over her career, she played in multiple AFC Championships, Asian Games, World Cups, and the 1996 Summer Olympics, amassing a total of 75 caps and scoring 19 goals for her country.
Legacy
Etsuko Handa's contributions to women's football in Japan have left a lasting legacy. She not only paved the way for future generations of female footballers but also played a crucial role in elevating the status of women's football in Japan on the international stage.
Collected from open sources (2) · facts link to sources · AI-processed
Career & Clubs
Handa was born in Shizuoka on 10 May 1965. She played for her local club Shimizudaihachi SC and Suzuyo Shimizu FC Lovely Ladies (formerly Shimizu FC Ladies). In 1989, Handa helped Shimizu FC Ladies win the L.League in its inaugural season, while also earning the Best player award. During the 1993 season, she scored 14 goals and was the league's top scorer. She was selected Best Eleven four times (1989, 1990, 1993, 1994).
In June 1981, when Handa was 16 years old, she was selected to the Japan national team for the 1981 AFC Championship. At this competition, she debuted against Chinese Taipei on 7 June. This fixture was also Japan's first International A Match. On 13 June, she scored a goal in Japan's (1–0) victory against Indonesia. It was Japan's first goal and first win in an "A" match. She also played at the 1986, 1989, 1991, 1993 and 1995 AFC Championships. Handa also competed at the 1990 and 1994 Asian Games, as well as the 1991 and 1995 World Cups and the 1996 Summer Olympics. She played 75 games in total for Japan throughout her career, as well as scoring 19 goals.
- Club
- Japan women's national football team (1981–1996)
- Club
- Shimizudaihachi Pleiades
- Club
- Suzuyo Shimizu FC Lovely Ladies (1989–1996)
Clubs
- Shimizudaihachi Pleiadescurrent
- Japan women's national football team1981–1996
- Suzuyo Shimizu FC Lovely Ladies1989–1996
Archive
Passport
Identifiers & aliases
Etsuko Handa is a Japanese former professional footballer. She was also a member of the Japan national team.
Opinions of fans — not verified facts.
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