Fūka Nagano is a professional footballer from Japan, known for her skills as a midfielder.
She began her professional career with Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies in 2014, helping them win the Nadeshiko League championship that year.
In 2018, Nagano played for Incheon Hyundai Steel Red Angels, winning the WK League in her first season.
Biography
Early Life and Background
Fūka Nagano is a talented Japanese professional footballer born into a culture rich in sports. She began her journey in football at a young age, showcasing her skills early on in youth competitions. Her dedication and talent led her to represent Japan in various youth tournaments, where she made a significant impact.
Career
Nagano's professional career took off in 2014 when she joined Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies, where she played a crucial role in helping the team secure the Nadeshiko League championship that same year. After three successful years, she moved to South Korea to play for Incheon Hyundai Steel Red Angels, where she won the WK League in her debut season. In 2019, she returned to Japan to play for Chifure AS Elfen Saitama, followed by a stint at Mynavi Sendai.
In July 2022, Nagano made a significant leap by joining North Carolina Courage in the NWSL, where she quickly made her mark by scoring her first goal in a match against Chicago Red Stars. Her journey continued in January 2023 when she signed with Liverpool F.C. Women, making her competitive debut shortly after. Throughout her club career, Nagano has been known for her versatility as a midfielder and defensive midfielder.
International Success
On the international stage, Nagano has been a key player for the Japan women's national football team. She has participated in multiple youth tournaments, including the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup, where she captained her team to the finals and won the Golden Ball award. She made her senior debut in 2018 and has since been a regular member of the national team, contributing to their success in the EAFF E-1 Football Championship and the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023, where she played a pivotal role in the team's advancement to the quarterfinals. Her achievements reflect her growth as a player and her commitment to the sport.
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Gallery
Career & Clubs
Urawa Reds
In 2014, Nagano played for Urawa Reds in Japan's top-division Nadeshiko League and helped the team win a league championship.
Incheon Hyundai Steel Red Angels
On 18 March 2018, Nagano signed a one-year contract with Incheon Hyundai Steel Red Angels. On 23 April, she made her debut in a 0–0 draw with Gyeongju KHNP. On 1 June, she scored her first goal in a 7–1 home victory against Changnyeong. She won the WK league in her lone season with the team.
Chifure AS Elfen Saitama
In January 2019, Nagano left South Korea and returned to her native Japan to play for Division 2 club Chifure AS Elfen Saitama. She stated that her motivation to join was because of her great respect for the coach of the team, Hiroshi Yoshida.
Mynavi Sendai
In January 2021, Nagano joined Mynavi Sendai.
North Carolina Courage
In July 2022, Nagano confirmed she would be joining the North Carolina Courage of the NWSL. She scored her first goal for the Courage on 20 August in a 4–0 victory over Chicago Red Stars.
Liverpool
In January 2023, Nagano joined Women's Super League side Liverpool. She was due to complete her debut on 22 January 2023 in a league match against Chelsea before the match was abandoned after 6 minutes of play. She made her official competitive debut in a 1–0 loss against West Ham United in the FA WSL Cup quarterfinals on 25 January 2023. She quickly established herself as a key part of the team as she started in all of…
Club
As of match played 13 September 2026
International
As of match played 6 June 2026
Scores and results list Japan's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Nagano goal.
Youth
In 2016, Nagano competed at the All Japan Youth (U-15) Women's Championship. She was part of the under-16 team that won the 2013 AFC U-16 Women's Championship in China and of the under-17 team that won the 2014 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup in Costa Rica. She captained Japan to the final of the 2016 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup in Jordan, where they were defeated by North Korea on penalty kicks, and won the Golden Ball award as the tournament's top scorer. In June 2018, Nagano was called up to the senior team for the first time for a friendly match against New Zealand. In August 2018, Nagano was part of Japan's victorious team in the 2018 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup in France, turning in a player of the match performance in the semi-final, and scoring a goal in the final in a 3–1 win over Spain.
Senior
On 11 November 2018, Nagano debuted for senior team against Norway. She established herself as a regular in the Japan national team in 2022, and she was part of the team that won the EAFF E-1 Football Championship in Japan. On 13 June 2023, she was included in the 23-player squad for the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023. She played a pivotal role in Japan's performance in the tournament. She started in all but one game as they finished top of their group and reached the quarterfinals in the world cup. On 14 June 2024, Nagano was included in the Japan squad for the 2024 Summer Olympics. Nagano was part of the Japan squad that won the 2025 SheBelieves Cup. She…
- Club
- Japan women's national football team
- Club
- North Carolina Courage (2022–2022)
- Club
- Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies (2014–2017)
- Club
- Chifure AS Elfen Saitama (2019–2020)
- Club
- Mynavi Sendai Ladies (2021–2022)
- Club
- Liverpool F.C. Women (2023–)
- Club
- Incheon Hyundai Steel Red Angels WFC (2018–2018)
Legacy
Urawa Red Diamonds Nadeshiko League: 2014 Empress's Cup runner-up: 2014 Nadeshiko League Cup runner-up: 2017 Incheon Hyundai Steel Red Angels
WK League: 2018 Japan U17
AFC U-16 Women's Championship: 2013 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup: 2014 Japan U20
AFC U-19 Women's Championship: 2017 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup: 2018 Japan
EAFF E-1 Football Championship: 2022 SheBelieves Cup: 2025 AFC Women's Asian Cup: 2026
Individual
FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup Golden Ball: 2016 Asian Young Footballer of the Year: 2016
Clubs
- Liverpool F.C. Women2023current
- Japan women's national football teamcurrent
- Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies2014–2017
- Incheon Hyundai Steel Red Angels WFC2018–2018
- Chifure AS Elfen Saitama2019–2020
- Mynavi Sendai Ladies2021–2022
- North Carolina Courage2022–2022
Archive
Passport
Identifiers & aliases
Fūka Nagano is a Japanese professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Women's Super League club Liverpool and the Japan national team.
Opinions of fans — not verified facts.
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