Moeka Minami is a professional footballer from Japan, known for her role as a defender.
Born on December 7, 1998, Minami has played for clubs like Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies and AS Roma.
She graduated from the University of Tsukuba Physical Education College in 2021.
Biography
Early Life
Moeka Minami was born on December 7, 1998, in Saitama Prefecture, Japan. She attended Saitama Prefectural Nanryō High School and later graduated from the University of Tsukuba Physical Education College in 2021. Minami began her football journey in the youth ranks of Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies, where she developed her skills as a defender.
Career
Minami's professional career took off when she was promoted to the Nadeshiko League club Urawa Reds in 2017. She made a significant move to Italy in July 2022, signing a two-year contract with AS Roma. Her debut came on August 19, 2022, in a UEFA Champions League match against Glasgow City, where she also scored her first goal for the club in a Serie A match against AC Milan on September 10, 2022. During her time at Roma, she helped the team secure their first Serie A title in the 2022-23 season and won the Supercoppa Italiana in November 2022. In June 2025, Minami signed with Brighton & Hove Albion in the Women's Super League, marking a new chapter in her career.
International Career
Minami has represented Japan at various levels, starting with the U-17 national team in 2014, where she contributed to their championship win at the U-17 World Cup. She captained the U-20 team to victory in the 2018 U-20 World Cup, earning the Bronze Ball award. Minami made her senior debut for Japan in 2019 and has since participated in major tournaments, including the FIFA Women's World Cup and the Summer Olympics. She was part of the squad that won the 2025 SheBelieves Cup, showcasing her growth and impact on the international stage.
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Gallery
Career & Clubs
Club
As of match played 12 September 2026
International
As of match played 18 April 2026
Scores and results list Japan's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Minami goal.
Urawa Reds
She was promoted to Nadeshiko League club Urawa Reds from the youth team in 2017.
AS Roma
On 24 July 2022, Minami signed a two-year contract with Italian Serie A club Roma. She made her debut for the club on 19 August 2022 in a 3–1 UEFA Champions League win against Glasgow City. On 10 September 2022, she scored her first goal for the club in a Serie A match against AC Milan. Later in the same month, she scored again for the club in a 4–1 win against Sparta Praha in the UEFA Champions League. On 5 November, Minami won her first silverware with Roma as they beaten Juventus in a penalty shootout in the 2022 Supercoppa Italiana. On 29 April 2023, she helped Roma clinched the 2022–23 Serie A title in a 2–1 win against Fiorentina, their first league title in club history. On 8 February 2024, Minami penned a two-year contract extension with Roma which keeps her with the club until 30 June 2026. She won her second Serie A title back to back with Roma at the end of the 2023–24 Serie A season.
Brighton & Hove Albion
On 21 June 2025, it was announced that Minami had signed for Women's Super League club Brighton & Hove Albion.
Youth
In 2014, Minami was selected for the Japan U-17 national team for the 2014 U-17 World Cup. She played one game against Paraguay in the group stage. Japan went on to win the championship. Minami was selected for the Japan U-20 national team for the 2018 U-20 World Cup. She played all six matches as center-back and team captain. Japan won the championship and Minami received the Bronze Ball award.
Senior
In February 2019, Minami was selected for the Japan national team for the SheBelieves Cup. At this tournament, on 2 March, she debuted as center back-against Brazil. On 10 May 2019, Minami was included in the 23-player squad for the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup. Minami was selected as part of the 22 players squad for the 2020 Summer Olympics held in Japan in 2021. She started all 3 group matches for Japan. On 7 January 2022, Minami was called up to the 2022 AFC Women's Asian Cup squad. On 13 June 2023, she was included in the 23-player squad for the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023. On 14 June 2024, Minami was included in the Japan squad for the 2024 Summer Olympics. Minami was part of the Japan squad that won the 2025 SheBelieves Cup.
- Club
- Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies
Personal
Minami was born in Saitama Prefecture on 7 December 1998. She attended high school in Saitama Prefectural Nanryō High School. She graduated from University of Tsukuba Physical Education College in 2021. She began her youth career when she joined the junior youth team of Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies.
Clubs
- Urawa Red Diamonds Ladiescurrent
Archive
Passport
Identifiers & aliases
Moeka Minami born 7 December 1998 is a Japanese professional footballer who plays as a defender for Women's Super League club Brighton & Hove Albion and the Japan national team.
Opinions of fans — not verified facts.
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