By: Icko de Guzman
As Japan continues its push in the FIFA Futsal Women’s World Cup 2025, one name has steadily risen above the noise inside the PhilSports Arena: Naomi Matsumoto.
The 28-year-old midfielder has quickly become one of the tournament’s unexpected fan favorites as the competition enters the knockout stage.
Remarkably, Matsumoto only began playing futsal at age 19. Yet in just a few years, she has grown into a standout for Bardral Urayasu Las Bonitas, helping the club capture multiple titles in Japan’s women’s futsal scene.
Her rapid rise opened the door to the Nadeshiko Five, where she debuted in June 2021. Since then, Matsumoto has evolved into a key figure for the national team, contributing to Japan’s AFC Women’s Futsal Asian Cup 2025 triumph and their successful qualification for the World Cup.
Her performances — along with her personality — have turned her into a breakout star in Manila. Matsumoto’s Instagram following has surged to more than 60,000 in recent days, many of them Filipino fans who have watched Japan’s matches either live or online.
(C) FIFA
Matsumoto, who is also a licensed chef, says the support has been deeply felt.
“Every day I’ve been happy with the Filipino hospitality and warm welcome,” she said through an interpreter. “I’m very happy being here in the Philippines.”
On the pitch, she has delivered on both ends of the floor. With Japan needing at least a draw to reach the quarterfinals, Matsumoto struck just four minutes into their final group-stage match against Tanzania. Her early goal set the tone for a dominant 9–0 win, pushing Japan to six points and safely into the knockout round.
Now, the challenge intensifies as Japan prepares to face world No. 1 Brazil on Tuesday, December 2 — a matchup Matsumoto is embracing with excitement.
“We had to win this game against Tanzania to reach the next round,” she said. “We went out together as a team, gave 100%, and we’re really proud to be facing Brazil in the quarterfinals.”
With momentum behind her and a growing following cheering her on, Matsumoto and Japan now brace for their toughest test yet — one she seems more than ready to meet head-on.
