*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 5:27, 24 July 2023 (UTC) ‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 18:02, 23 February 2023 (UTC)
Nahomi Kawasumi (川澄 奈穂美, Kawasumi Nahomi, born 23 September 1985) is a Japanese footballer who plays either as a midfielder or forward for Japanese club Albirex Niigata. A full international since 2008, she won gold at the 2011 World Cup as well as silver at the 2012 London Olympics and 2015 World Cup. During the 2011 World Cup, she scored two goals—including a lob at 35 yards away against Sweden during the semifinals—helping Japan eventually win the tournament for the first time in its history.
Early life
Kawasumi was raised in Kanagawa Prefecture about 40 minutes south of Tokyo where she began playing soccer as a youth following the lead of her older sister.[3] She played for the Rinkan Lemons while in elementary school along with future Japanese national team defender Megumi Kamionobe.[3] Kawasumi and Kamionobe scored approximately 70% of the team's goals.[3] Kawasumi attended Nippon Sport Science University.[4]
Club career
INAC Kobe Leonessa
Kawasumi signed with INAC Kobe Leonessa in 2008.[4] In 2011, she was named the league's most valuable player after captaining INAC to its first league championship title.[4] The team finished the 2011 season with a 12–3–0 record and 39 points.[5]
During the 2013 season, Kawasumi was named the league's most valuable player for a second time. Her twelve goals were second only to her teammate Beverly Goebel.[6] She was also named to the league's Best Eleven team for the fourth year in a row.[7] INAC finished first in the league with a 16–0–2 record securing their third championship in three consecutive years.[8] Their 48 points were 10 more than second place team Nippon TV Beleza.
In February 2014, Kawasumi signed with Seattle Reign FC on loan for the 2014 National Women's Soccer League season.[13] After scoring two goals including the game-winning goal against the Boston Breakers to lift Seattle to a 3–2 win on 6 July 2014, Kawasumi was named NWSL Player of the Week.[14] A few weeks later during a match against the 2013 champions Portland Thorns FC, Kawasumi scored two goals and served an assist to help the Reign win 5–0.[15] She was subsequently named NWSL Player of the Week for the second time during week 16 of the season.[16][17] Kawasumi finished the 2014 season, having scored 9 goals and provided 5 assists.[18] And she was selected to the NWSL Best XI for the 2014 Season.[19]
Seattle Reign FC
In June 2016, Kawasumi re-signed with NWSL club Seattle Reign FC.[20] Kawasumi scored a brace on her debut against the Boston Breakers just days after re-signing, earning her NWSL Player of the Week honors.[21] Despite her efforts, the Reign finished fifth in the 2016 NWSL season, missing the play-offs for the first time in three years. Kawasumi played in all ten matches for the Reign after re-signing, starting eight and scoring three goals.
On 13 May 2017, Kawasumi set a new NWSL single-game record with four assists in a 6–2 win over the Washington Spirit.[22] She continued her good run of form in the rest of the 2017 season, playing in all 24 games and scoring six goals.[23] Despite her contribution, Seattle again finished fifth and missed the play-offs.
During the semi-final match of the 2011 World Cup against Sweden, Kawasumi scored two goals helping Japan win 3–1 and advance to the final against the United States.[30][31][32] Kawasumi was in the starting line-up for the first time during the game and scored the equalizer in the 18th minute and the game-winning goal in the 64th.[33] Japan eventually defeated the United States in penalty kicks to clinch the gold medal.[34][35][36]
Kawasumi was named to Japan's roster for the 2012 London Olympics and scored her first goal of the tournament during the team' first group stage match against Canada. Japan defeated Canada 2–1.[37] Japan finished second in their group after tying both Sweden and South Africa 0–0.[37] After defeating Brazil 2–0 in the quarter-finals, Japan faced France in the semi-finals and won 2–1 advancing to the final.[38] The team was defeated 2–1 by the United States in the final earning Japan a silver medal at the tournament.[39] Kawasumi finished the tournament having played in every match for Japan and scoring one goal.[40]
Kawasumi remained an integral part of the Nadeshiko side, helping the team finish runners-up in the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup. Her cross forced a last-minute own goal by English defender Laura Bassett and sent Japan into the final.[41]
Following Japan's failed qualification to the 2016 Summer Olympics, new national team head coach Asako Takakura left off many veterans (including Kawasumi) in favor of younger players. However, Kawasumi was surprisingly recalled to the Nadeshiko in March 2018, following a two-year absence.[42] Her experience helped the team lift the 2018 AFC Women's Asian Cup. Faced with a real chance to make Japan's 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup roster and with playing time diminished at Seattle Reign FC, Kawasumi requested a trade and joined Sky Blue FC in January 2019.[24]
