Kana Kitahara

Early Life

Kana Kitahara was born on December 17, 1988, in Fujieda, Japan. She pursued her education at Kanto Gakuen University, where she laid the foundation for her future career in football.

Career

Kitahara began her professional football journey in 2011 when she joined Albirex Niigata Ladies, where she made a significant impact by playing 93 games in the L.League. In 2016, she transitioned to Mynavi Vegalta Sendai, further honing her skills on the field. By July 2022, she had returned to Albirex Niigata, this time in Singapore, competing in the Women's Premier League. In a remarkable 2023 season, she scored 17 goals in just 13 matches, leading her team to a runner-up finish in the league.

In addition to her playing career, Kitahara has taken on coaching responsibilities. She holds a Japan Football Association B Licence and has served as an assistant coach for the U-17 Albirex men’s team and coached the Albirex Singapore Football Academy. In 2024, she became the head coach of the Albirex Niigata Singapore Ladies team, showcasing her leadership skills.

International Career

On September 22, 2013, Kitahara made her debut for the Japan national team against Nigeria. She represented her country in the 2014 Asian Games, where Japan secured a second-place finish, and played in the 2015 World Cup, contributing to another second-place achievement. Over her international career, she played nine matches for Japan until 2015.

Legacy

Kitahara's contributions to football have not gone unnoticed. In 2023, she was honored with the Women’s Premier League Player of the Year and the Golden Boot, recognizing her exceptional performance on the field. As a player-coach, she played a pivotal role in leading Albirex Niigata to their inaugural WPL title in the 2025 season, solidifying her legacy in women's football.