19 Facts About Saori Takarada

Saori Takarada is a Japanese professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Women's Super League club Leicester City and the Japan national team.

Saori Takarada previously played for Cerezo Osaka Sakai, Washington Spirit, and Linkopings FC.

In 2013, Saori Takarada joined Nadeshiko League club Cerezo Osaka Sakai.

Saori Takarada scored 44 goals in 110 appearances for the club and helped the club gain promotion to the top flight of the Nadeshiko League in 2019.

Saori Takarada played both as a forward and as a midfielder for Cerezo.

On 1 December 2020, Saori Takarada signed a contract with the Washington Spirit for the 2021 and 2022 seasons.

Saori Takarada reported to the Spirit's preseason training camp in February 2021.

Saori Takarada made her competitive debut for the club on 14 January 2024 in the fourth round of the FA Cup tie against Derby County.

Saori Takarada scored her first competitive goal for the club on 11 February 2024 in a FA Cup match against Birmingham City.

In 2016, Saori Takarada was named to the Japan U-17 national team roster for the 2016 U-17 World Cup.

Saori Takarada played in 5 matches and scored 2 goals, helping Japan to a 2nd place finish.

In 2018, Saori Takarada played for the Japan U-20 national team at the 2018 U-20 World Cup.

Saori Takarada played in all 6 matches and scored 5 goals and recorded 3 assists.

Saori Takarada scored the game-winning goal for Japan in the tournament final against Spain, leading Japan to the championship.

Saori Takarada earned the Silver Ball and Bronze Boot for her performance in the tournament.

Saori Takarada won the 2018 Asian Young Footballer of the Year award in 2018.

Saori Takarada was named to the Japanese national team for the 2019 World Cup after Riko Ueki withdrew due to injury in May 2019.

Saori Takarada served as a substitute for Japan during the World Cup, appearing in three of Japan's four games.

On 7 January 2022, Saori Takarada was called up to the 2022 AFC Women's Asian Cup squad.