Rumi Utsugi is a professional footballer from Japan, known for her role as a midfielder.
She began her professional career at Nippon TV Tokyo Verdy Beleza in 2004, where she enjoyed significant success.
Utsugi played for the Japan women's national football team from 2005 to 2019, making a lasting impact on the squad.
Biography
Early Life
Rumi Utsugi was born on December 5, 1988, in Kawasaki, Japan. From a young age, she showed a passion for football, which led her to pursue a career in the sport. Utsugi began her professional journey in 2004 when she joined Nippon TV Tokyo Verdy Beleza, where she quickly made a name for herself as a talented midfielder.
Career
During her six years at Nippon TV Beleza, Utsugi achieved remarkable success, winning four L.League titles and five Empress's Cups. In 2010, she took a significant step in her career by moving to France to play for Montpellier FC, becoming the first Japanese player in the Division 1 Féminine. Her time in France lasted until 2016, after which she joined Seattle Reign FC, where she continued to showcase her skills until 2019. Utsugi returned to her roots in 2021, rejoining Nippon TV Tokyo Verdy Beleza, where she continues to play.
International Career
On the international stage, Utsugi has represented Japan in multiple World Cups, including the victorious 2011 tournament and the runners-up finish in 2015. She has also participated in two Asian Cup competitions, solidifying her status as a key player for the national team. Known for her defensive prowess as a left-footed midfielder, Utsugi was named in the All-Star squad for the 2015 World Cup, highlighting her exceptional talent and contributions to the sport.
Collected from open sources (3) · facts link to sources · AI-processed
Gallery
Career & Clubs
Utsugi was born in Kawasaki on 5 December 1988. She began her professional career at Nippon TV Beleza in 2004. During her time at the club, she won four L.League titles and five Empress's Cups. In August 2010, after six years at Beleza, Utsugi departed her home country to sign for French club Montpellier of the Division 1 Féminine. After joining the club, she became the first Japanese player to play in the league.
A left-footed defensive midfielder, Utsugi has represented Japan at the 2007, 2011, and 2015 editions of the World Cup, as well as two Asian Cup competitions. Japan won the 2011 World Cup. She was named in the World Cup 2015 All-Star squad.
- Club
- Montpellier FC (2010–2016)
- Club
- Nippon TV Tokyo Verdy Beleza (2004–2010)
- Club
- Japan women's national under-20 football team (2008–2008)
- Club
- Japan women's national football team (2005–2019)
- Club
- Seattle Reign FC (2016–2019)
- Club
- Nippon TV Tokyo Verdy Beleza (2021–)
Legacy
Nippon TV Beleza
L.League: 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010 Empress's Cup: 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009 Nadeshiko League Cup: 2007, 2010 Japan
FIFA Women's World Cup: 2011; runners-up 2015 AFC U-16 Women's Championship: 2005
Clubs
- Nippon TV Tokyo Verdy Beleza2021current
- Nippon TV Tokyo Verdy Beleza2004–2010
- Japan women's national football team2005–2019
- Japan women's national under-20 football team2008–2008
- Montpellier FC2010–2016
- Seattle Reign FC2016–2019
Archive
Passport
Identifiers & aliases
Rumi Utsugi is a Japanese professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Tokyo Verdy Beleza of the WE League. She has previously played for Reign FC and Montpellier.
All links
Opinions of fans — not verified facts.
…