The Japanese winner of the World Cup and pioneer Yuki Nagasato, who made the story by playing for a senior male team in 2020, announced his retirement from football.
The former Chelsea attacker, aged 37, played 132 times for his country during a 24 -year -old professional career who saw him raise the World Cup with Japan in 2011.
In 2020, she joined the Japanese side of second level Hayabusa eleven on loan, becoming the first woman to play for a male team in her country.
“For 30 years, since I launched a ball, football has been my life. I have chased the game, I challenged myself and I grew up by each victory and defeat,” said Nagasato on Instagram.
“The trip was not always easy but every moment had a meaning. Retirement was not an easy decision, but I am excited for the next one.”
Nagasato said his decision to join a male team in 2020 was inspired by the fight of former United States Megan Rapinoe for equality.
“I thought I could show that women can also play in a male team,” she said.
“I want to help create a community where there is no border on gender or breed.”
In 2011, Nagasato appeared as a substitute in the World Cup final when Japan beat the United States to penalties after a 2-2 draw after an additional time.
Nagasato’s career in the club has seen him win the Champions League with the German part Turbine Potsdam in 2010 before joining Chelsea in 2013.
She played 18 times for the Blues, scoring five goals, before other spells in Germany, the United States and Australia.
Nagasato, who also won an Olympic silver medal at the 2012 London Games, scored 58 goals for Japan and withdrew as the second highest scorer in his country, behind the 83 of Homare Sawa.
