Nanase Kiryu

Early Life

Nanase Kiryu was born on October 31, 1989, in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. From a young age, she showed a passion for football, which would lead her to a successful career in the sport.

Career

Kiryu began her professional journey in 2007 when she joined Nippon TV Tokyo Verdy Beleza, a prominent team in Japan's first-division L.League. Over her six-year tenure with the club, she made 94 appearances and scored 25 goals, establishing herself as a key player. In February 2014, she took a significant step in her career by signing with Sky Blue FC in the National Women's Soccer League, where she played for one season before returning to Beleza. Her career continued to evolve as she signed with Guangdong Haiyin in China in January 2016, before returning to Japan in 2017 to join Okayama Yunogo Belle.

In addition to her club career, Kiryu has been a vital member of the Japan women's national football team since 2010. She made her debut against Denmark on January 13, 2010, and was part of the squad that won the AFC Women's Asian Cup in 2014. Throughout her national team career, she played 16 matches and scored 3 goals until 2014.

Legacy

Kiryu's contributions to football have not gone unnoticed. She was named to the L.League Best XI in 2013 and has won multiple championships with her clubs, including the L.League Division 1 League Champions in 2008 and 2010, and the Empress's Cup in 2008 and 2009. Her achievements reflect her dedication and skill as a forward, making her a respected figure in Japanese football.