Saki Kumagai is regarded as one of the finest Asian female midfielders of all time.
She scored the decisive penalty for Lyon in the 2016 UEFA Champions League Final, showcasing her clutch performance under pressure.
Kumagai was part of Japan's World Cup-winning team in 2011, scoring the winning penalty in the final against the United States.
Biography
Early Life
Saki Kumagai is a distinguished Japanese professional footballer, born in Japan. She began her football journey at a young age, showcasing her talent and passion for the sport. After graduating from high school, she joined Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies in 2009, where she quickly made her mark by helping the team secure the L.League championship in her debut season.
Career
Kumagai's professional career took off when she moved to Germany to play for 1. FFC Frankfurt in 2011, where she spent two seasons before transferring to OL Lyon in 2013. At Lyon, she became a key player, notably scoring the decisive penalty in the 2016 UEFA Champions League Final, solidifying her reputation as one of the finest Asian female midfielders. After an impressive eight-year stint at Lyon, she returned to Germany to join FC Bayern Munich in 2021. In June 2023, she signed with A.S. Roma Women, continuing her career in Serie A. Throughout her club career, Kumagai has played in various prestigious leagues, including the Nadeshiko League, Frauen-Bundesliga, and Serie A.
International Career
Kumagai has been a vital member of the Japan women's national football team since her debut in 2008. She played a crucial role in Japan's victory at the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup, scoring the winning penalty in the final against the United States. Over the years, she has represented Japan in multiple international tournaments, including the Olympics and the AFC Women's Asian Cup, where she captained the team to victory in 2018. With over 100 caps for her country, Kumagai is celebrated for her leadership and skill on the field, making her one of the most successful East Asian footballers in history.
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Gallery
Career & Clubs
Urawa Reds
After graduating from high school, she joined for Urawa Reds in 2009. The club won L.League championship in 2009 season.
Frankfurt
In July 2011, she moved to German Bundesliga club Frankfurt where she played for 2 seasons.
Lyon
Kumagai moved to French Division 1 Féminine club Lyon in June 2013, where she scored the decisive penalty for Lyon in the 2016 UEFA Champions League Final, following a player-of-the-match performance. In April 2021, Kumagai announced that she would be leaving Lyon after 8 seasons.
Bayern Munich
On 12 May 2021, Kumagai would return to the Frauen Bundesliga when FC Bayern Munich announced her as their first signing of the season.
Roma
On 5 June 2023, it was announced that Kumagai had joined Serie A side AS Roma on a three-year deal.
London City Lionesses
On 23 January 2025, it was announced that Kumagai had signed for London City Lionesses.
West Ham United
On 4 September 2026, it was announced that Kumagai had signed for West Ham United.
On 7 March 2008, when Kumagai was 17 years old, she debuted for the Japan national team against Canada. In August, Kumagai was selected for the Japan U-20 national team at the 2008 U-20 World Cup. In 2010, she played for the U-20 team as captain during the 2010 U-20 World Cup. In 2011, she was part of Japan's World Cup-winning team, scoring the winning penalty in the final against the United States. She was also in the squad at the 2012 Summer Olympics and the 2015 World Cup. Japan came second at both competitions. In January 2017, she was named Japan's captain by manager Asako Takakura. In 2018, Japan won the 2018 Asian Cup. She has played more than 100 games for Japan. On 10 November 2019, Kumagai scored her first ever goal in a friendly match for Japan in a 2–0 win against South Africa. On 18 June 2021, she was included in the Japan squad for the 2020 Summer Olympics. On 7 January 2022, Kumagai 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 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup. On 14 June 2024, Kumagai was included in the Japan squad for the 2024 Summer Olympics. Kumagai was part of the Japan squad that won the 2025 SheBelieves Cup and the 2026 AFC Women's Asian Cup.
Club
As of match played 16 May 2026
International
As of match played 18 April 2026
Scores and results list Japan's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Kumagai goal.
- Club
- 1. FFC Frankfurt (2011–2013)
- Club
- OL Lyonnes (2013–2021)
- Club
- Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies (2009–2011)
- Club
- Japan women's national football team (2008–)
- Club
- FC Bayern Munich Women (2021–2023)
- Club
- A.S. Roma Women (2023–2025)
- League
- Nadeshiko League
- League
- Frauen-Bundesliga
- League
- Première Ligue
- League
- Serie A
- National team
- Japan
Legacy
Urawa Reds
Nadeshiko League: 2009 Lyon
Première Ligue: 2013–14, 2014–15, 2015–16, 2016–17, 2017–18, 2018–19, 2019–20 Coupe de France: 2013–14, 2014–15, 2015–16, 2016–17, 2018–19, 2019–20 UEFA Women's Champions League: 2015–16, 2016–17, 2017–18, 2018–19, 2019–20 Trophée des Championnes: 2019 Bayern Munich
Frauen-Bundesliga: 2022–23 AS Roma
Serie A Femminile: 2023–24 Coppa Italia (women): 2023–24 Supercoppa Italiana (women): 2024 Japan FIFA Women's World Cup - Winner: 2011, Runner-up: 2015 Summer Olympics Silver Medal: 2012 AFC Women's Asian Cup - Winner: 2018, 2026 Asian Games: 2010 East Asian Football Championship: 2010 Japan U20
AFC U-19 Women's Championship: 2009 Individual
Asian Women's Footballer of the Year: 2019 IFFHS Women's World Team: 2018, 2020 IFFHS World's Woman Team of the Decade 2011–2020 IFFHS AFC Woman Team of the Decade 2011–2020 Women's Golden Foot: 2024
Clubs
- Japan women's national football team2008current
- Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies2009–2011
- 1. FFC Frankfurt2011–2013
- OL Lyonnes2013–2021
- FC Bayern Munich Women2021–2023
- A.S. Roma Women2023–2025
Archive
Passport
Identifiers & aliases
Saki Kumagai is a Japanese professional footballer who plays as a midfielder or defender for Women's Super League club West Ham United and the Japan national team. A versatile defensive midfielder with keen sense of anticipation and exceptional tactical acumen, she is also able to be deployed as a central defender. She is regarded as one of the finest Asian female midfielders of all time. She is one of the most successful East Asian footballers, of any gender, at club and international level.
Opinions of fans — not verified facts.
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