Nahomi Kawasumi: The Big-Stage Match-Winner
Nahomi Kawasumi: The Big-Stage Match-Winner
Two goals in a World Cup semi-final — including a stunning lob — on the way to Japan’s 2011 title, then years of excellence in Japan and the NWSL. Nahomi Kawasumi made a habit of showing up when it mattered most.
Nahomi Kawasumi is a 2011 Women’s World Cup winner who delivered on the biggest stages. She scored two goals in the 2011 semi-final against Sweden — one a famous long-range lob — as Japan reached and won the final. A star at INAC Kobe Leonessa (four league titles) and a two-time NWSL Best XI selection in the United States, she won more than 80 caps for Japan.
In this guide
1. Who Nahomi Kawasumi is
2. The 2011 semi-final hero
3. Excellence in Japan and the NWSL
4. Why she matters
1. Who Nahomi Kawasumi is
The forward who scored when the lights were brightest.
Nahomi Kawasumi — “Naho” — is a clever, technical forward famous for producing in the biggest matches.1 She combined consistent club excellence with decisive contributions for the national team.
2. The 2011 semi-final hero
In the 2011 World Cup semi-final against Sweden, Kawasumi scored twice — including an audacious lob from distance — to send Japan into the final, which they won for the first time in their history.1 She was the top scorer and Best Player in that year’s domestic league as well.
3. Excellence in Japan and the NWSL
Kawasumi won four league titles with INAC Kobe Leonessa and then thrived in the United States, earning NWSL Best XI honours twice with Seattle Reign and later playing for Gotham FC.1 She won more than 80 caps for Japan across a long, decorated career.
4. Why she matters
- She delivered on the biggest stage. Two goals in the 2011 World Cup semi-final.
- She was a serial winner. Four league titles with INAC Kobe Leonessa.
- She starred abroad. Two-time NWSL Best XI in the United States.
In five lines
- Nahomi Kawasumi is a 2011 Women’s World Cup winner with Japan.
- She scored twice in the 2011 semi-final against Sweden.
- She won four league titles with INAC Kobe Leonessa.
- She was named NWSL Best XI twice with Seattle Reign.
- She won more than 80 caps for Japan.
From 2011 world champions to today’s stars
Explore the Nadeshiko legends and the players carrying the team forward.
Sources & notes
- Nahomi Kawasumi — 2011 Women’s World Cup winner; two goals in 2011 semi-final vs Sweden; INAC Kobe Leonessa (4 league titles, 2011 top scorer/Best Player); NWSL Seattle Reign (Best XI 2014/2015), Gotham FC; 80+ Japan caps. Wikipedia; Gotham FC
A player profile dated 15 June 2026. Current club and totals change — flagged ⚠ items should be confirmed against official sources.
📅 更新履歴
| 日付 | 変更内容 |
|---|---|
| 2026年6月15日 | 初回公開 |
✅ ファクト再検証
最終検証日：2026年6月15日
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