INAC Kobe Leonessa
INAC Kobe Leonessa is a professional Japanese women's football club from Kobe, founded in 2001. INAC stands for International Athletic Club, while Leonessa means Lioness in Italian.
In 2006 INAC Leonessa was promoted to the Nadeshiko.League, where it has played since 2020. In 2021 they are playing in WE League. The 2008 season marked a great leap for the team as it was the runner-up both in the Nadeshiko.League and the All Japan Women's Football Championship. 2010 saw INAC lift its first title as they beat Urawa Red Diamonds in the final of the All Japan Women's Football Championship through a penalty shootout, and in 2011, coinciding with the club's 10th anniversary, the team won the double Nadeshiko.League – All Japan Women's Football Championship.
Leonessa's 2011 squad included seven champions of the 2011 World Cup: Ayumi Kaihori, Yukari Kinga, Nahomi Kawasumi, Shinobu Ohno, Homare Sawa, Megumi Takase and Asuna Tanaka.
Kits
Kit suppliers and shirt sponsors
Mascot
Raimu-chan
- Born September 3.
- Modeled after the lioness from which the team got its name.
- Her favorite foods are Yakiniku and Japanese-style rolled omelette.
Players
Current squad
Club staff
Honours
Domestic
- WE League
- *Champions : 2021–22
- *Runners-up : 2022–23
- Nadeshiko.League Division 1
- *Champions : 2011, 2012, 2013
- *Runners-up : 2008, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2020
- Empress's Cup
- *Champions : 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2023
- *Runners-up : 2008, 2018, 2022, 2025
- WE League Cup
- *Runners-up : 2024–25
- Nadeshiko League Cup
- *Champions : 2013
- *Runners-up : 2012, 2018, 2019
International
- Japan/Korea Women's League Championship
- *Champions : 2012
- International Women's Club Championship
- *Champions : 2013
- *Runners-up : 2012
Season-by-season records
Transition of team name
- INAC Leonessa: 2001–2008
- INAC Kobe Leonessa: 2009–present