Nadeshiko Japan Stars Yui Hasegawa, Anzuka Yamashita & Toko Koga Nominated for 2025 FIFA Women's World Best XI
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Nomination Overview and Selection Process
On November 6, 2025, FIFA announced the 88 nominees for the Women's World Best XI. Three players from Japan's national team, Nadeshiko Japan, were included: goalkeeper Anzuka Yamashita and midfielders Yui Hasegawa and Toko Koga. Having three Japanese players nominated simultaneously highlights the growth of Japanese women's soccer and its increasing presence on the global stage.
The selection period covered player performances between August 11, 2024, and August 2, 2025. Votes were cast by fans, national team coaches, and captains, with the Best XI chosen according to formation. Although no Japanese player made the individual awards like "Best Player" or "Best Goalkeeper," the nomination itself demonstrates international recognition.
These nominations reflect not only the individual skills of the players but also the development of tactical strategies and youth training in Japanese women's soccer. Japanese players are now excelling not just domestically, but also in Europe's top leagues and the U.S., attracting global attention.
Anzuka Yamashita: Guardian of the Goal
Born September 29, 1995, in Tokyo, Anzuka Yamashita currently plays for Manchester City Women. After domestic stints with Nippon TV Tokyo Verdy Beleza and INAC Kobe Leonessa, she moved to Europe in the summer of 2024, a major step for a Japanese goalkeeper. Yamashita quickly adapted, earning trust as the team's guardian.
In the 2025–26 season, she appeared in 5 matches with 1 clean sheet and an average of 1.2 goals conceded per 90 minutes. Her ability to handle high-speed European attacks builds on her domestic experience and has earned recognition worldwide.
For highlights, fans can search "Yamashita saves 2024-25 Manchester City Women" on official channels. Her rapid rise to Best XI nominee exemplifies the pathway for aspiring Japanese goalkeepers and symbolizes the reliability of Nadeshiko Japan's last line of defense.
Yui Hasegawa: Midfield Dominance
Yui Hasegawa, born January 29, 1997, in Miyagi Prefecture, also plays for Manchester City Women. Joining Europe in September 2022, she quickly established herself as a key player in midfield. Hasegawa excels in both attack and defense, anchoring her team and gaining recognition in the UEFA Women's Champions League.
In the 2024–25 WSL season, she ranked among the top in ball recoveries and, in the 2025–26 season, played 7 matches scoring 1 goal. Her contributions earned her a fan-voted Etihad Player of the Season award. Highlight clips can be found under "Yui Hasegawa Manchester City Women goal" and "Yui Hasegawa possession wins 2024-25".
Blog angles to explore include "Transforming Japan's Midfield," "Midfield Dominance in Numbers," and "Trust Earned in Europe." Visual data and graphs can help readers understand her critical role.
Toko Koga: Young Talent and Future Hope
Toko Koga, born January 6, 2006, in Osaka Prefecture, plays for Tottenham Hotspur Women. She moved to Feyenoord Women in January 2024 to gain European experience, and in July 2025, she signed with Tottenham, making an immediate impact. At just 19 years old, she represents the next generation of Nadeshiko Japan.
During her Feyenoord tenure, she played 35 matches scoring 3 goals. At Tottenham, she has already appeared in 6 matches with an average rating of 6.90, contributing significantly to team defense. Fans can view highlights via "Toko Koga Feyenoord Women highlights" and "Toko Koga Tottenham Women debut".
Blog angles include "Dream Stage at 19," "Supporting the Next Generation of Nadeshiko," and "Competing for a Starting Spot Immediately After Transfer."
Significance and the Future of Japanese Women's Soccer
The simultaneous nomination of three Japanese players demonstrates the global recognition of Japanese talent and elevates the profile of the women's game in Japan. It confirms the success of domestic youth development programs, tactical evolution, and international exposure.
While nomination is not the final selection, fan votes and expert evaluations could result in actual inclusion in the Best XI. This milestone will likely increase attention to Japanese players in European leagues and globally.
Key Points to Watch
Fans should observe the continued performance of these players in both club and international matches. Yui Hasegawa's midfield control, Anzuka Yamashita's reliability as goalkeeper, and Toko Koga's growth as a young talent are critical evaluation metrics. Encouraging reader engagement with questions like "Which Nadeshiko Japan player are you most excited about?" or "Who should move to Europe next?" can boost interaction.
Summary
The nomination of Yui Hasegawa, Anzuka Yamashita, and Toko Koga for the 2025 FIFA Women's World Best XI marks a milestone in Japanese women's soccer. Yamashita's goalkeeping reliability, Hasegawa's midfield dominance, and Koga's emerging talent collectively showcase that Japanese players can compete on the global stage. Following their club seasons and the final voting will be exciting for fans, reflecting Japan's growing influence in world football.
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