Mana Iwabuchi

Mana Iwabuchi, born on March 18, 1993, is a celebrated former professional footballer from Japan, renowned for her exceptional skills as a forward and attacking midfielder. Her illustrious career saw her don the jerseys of prestigious clubs such as Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa, Bayern Munich, 1899 Hoffenheim, and Arsenal. Iwabuchi's remarkable talent on the field has made her a prominent figure in women's football, particularly in her home country.

Regarded as a gifted technician, Iwabuchi is known for her incredible weight of pass and excellent ball control. Her diminutive stature, combined with her ability to dribble past opponents effortlessly, earned her the affectionate nickname 'Manadona,' a tribute to the legendary Diego Maradona. Since making her debut for the Japan national team at the age of sixteen, she has become a key player, earning over eighty-five caps and scoring thirty-seven goals.

Iwabuchi's international career is highlighted by her participation in three consecutive FIFA Women's World Cup tournaments, where she was part of the victorious squad in 2011, contributing as a substitute in the final at just eighteen years old. Additionally, she boasts a silver medal from the 2012 Summer Olympics in London and a gold medal from the 2018 Asian Games, showcasing her prowess on the global stage.

Her accolades include being named in the IFFHS AFC Woman Team of the Decade, winning the Asian Young Footballer of the Year award twice, and receiving the FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup Golden Ball. Iwabuchi also holds the distinction of being the youngest recipient of the People's Honour Award, a prestigious commendation from the Prime Minister of Japan, awarded to her as part of the World Cup-winning squad in 2011.

On September 1, 2023, Iwabuchi announced her retirement from professional football. Since then, she has transitioned into a role as a pundit and football presenter on Japanese television, continuing to inspire the next generation of athletes.