Maika Hamano
Maika Hamano is a Japanese professional footballer who plays as a forward for Women's Super League club Tottenham Hotspur, on loan from Chelsea, and the Japan national team.
Club career
Hamano made her WE League debut for INAC Kobe Leonessa on 12 September 2021 in a 5–0 victory over Omiya Ardija Ventus.On 13 January 2023, Hamano signed for Chelsea and was immediately loaned to Swedish side Hammarby IF. There, she made 17 league appearances and scored 7 goals during the 2023 Damallsvenskan season, before being recalled in September after sustaining a shoulder injury.
After recovering from injury, Hamano made her Women's Super League debut for Chelsea on 17 December 2023 in a 3–0 away win over Bristol City, replacing Lauren James in the second half.
On 4 January 2026, Hamano joined fellow Women's Super League side Tottenham Hotspur on loan for the remainder of the season.
International career
In July 2022, Hamano was included in the Japan under-20 team for the 2022 U-20 World Cup, where they finished as runners-up after losing to Spain in the final. She won the Golden Ball as the tournament's best player, and the Silver Boot as the second-best goalscorer behind Inma Gabarro.Hamano made her senior team debut on 6 October 2022, when she came on as a substitute for Mina Tanaka in the 69th minute of a 2–0 friendly win over Nigeria. On 13 June 2023, she was included in Japan's 23-player squad for the 2023 World Cup.
On 14 June 2024, Hamano was included in the Japan squad for the 2024 Summer Olympics.
Hamano was part of the Japan squad that won the 2025 SheBelieves Cup.
Career statistics
Club
International
| No. | Date | Venue | Opponent | Score | Result | Competition |
| 1 | 3 June 2024 | Estadio Nueva Condomina, Murcia, Spain | 1–1 | 4–1 | Friendly | |
| 2 | 3 June 2024 | Estadio Nueva Condomina, Murcia, Spain | 2–1 | 4–1 | Friendly | |
| 3 | 13 July 2024 | Kanazawa Stadium, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan | 2–0 | 4–0 | MS&AD Cup | |
| 4 | 31 July 2024 | Stade de la Beaujoire, Nantes, France | 1–0 | 3–1 | 2024 Summer Olympics | |
| 5 | 20 February 2025 | Shell Energy Stadium, Houston, Texas, United States | 3–0 | 4–0 | 2025 SheBelieves Cup | |
| 6 | 23 February 2025 | State Farm Stadium, Glendale, Arizona, United States | 3–1 | 4–1 | 2025 SheBelieves Cup |
Honours
INAC Kobe Leonessa- WE League: 2021–22
- Swedish Cup: 2022–23
Japan U16
- AFC U-16 Women's Championship: 2019
- SheBelieves Cup: 2025
- AFC U-16 Women's Championship top scorer: 2019
- FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup Golden Ball: 2022
- AFC Youth Player of the Year: 2022