Hikaru Kitagawa

Early Life

Hikaru Kitagawa was born on May 10, 1997, in Kanazawa, Japan. She showed an early passion for football, which led her to graduate from the prestigious JFA Academy Fukushima, a notable institution for nurturing young football talent in Japan.

Career

Kitagawa began her professional career in 2015 when she joined Urawa Reds, where she quickly established herself as a regular right side back. However, her playing time diminished starting in 2017, prompting her move to Albirex Niigata in September 2018. Her career took a significant turn when she was announced as a player for BK Häcken in August 2024, making her the first Japanese player to join the club. In July 2025, she signed with Women's Super League club Everton, where she made an impressive debut by scoring against Manchester City in the 82nd minute on September 24, 2025.

International Career

On the international stage, Kitagawa has represented Japan at various youth levels, including the U-17 and U-20 national teams, contributing to Japan's victory in the 2014 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup and a third-place finish in the 2016 U-20 World Cup. She was selected for the Japan national team for the 2017 Algarve Cup and played five matches that year. More recently, she was included in the squad for the 2024 Summer Olympics and was part of the team that won the SheBelieves Cup in 2025.

Legacy

Throughout her career, Kitagawa has achieved significant honors, including the Empress's Cup in 2023 with INAC Kobe Leonessa and multiple championships with the Japan national teams, showcasing her talent and dedication to the sport.