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Japanese Midfielder Mao Itamura Joins Liverpool, Pending Visa

7/21/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Japanese midfielder Mao Itamura signed for Liverpool from Feyenoord, with the transfer pending visa clearance.
She was named 2025-26 Women’s Eredivisie Player of the Year after scoring eight goals and six assists.
Her season helped Feyenoord qualify for European competition for the first time.
Itamura said that playing in the WSL and for Liverpool had been a lifelong goal and that she hopes to impress fans with her skill.

History

Historical Context

In 2011, captain Homare Sawa guided Japan to a 1-0 win over the United States in Yokohama, earning the Golden Ball and Golden Boot with five goals and becoming the first Asian nation to claim the FIFA World Cup. That triumph opened a European pathway, now seen as Mao Itamura moves from Feyenoord to Liverpool for the 2025-26 season, extending Sawa’s legacy.

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Story summary

Japanese midfielder Mao Itamura signed for Liverpool from Feyenoord, with the transfer pending visa clearance.
She was named 2025-26 Women’s Eredivisie Player of the Year after scoring eight goals and six assists.
Her season helped Feyenoord qualify for European competition for the first time.
Itamura said that playing in the WSL and for Liverpool had been a lifelong goal and that she hopes to impress fans with her skill.

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