Football: Former Nadeshiko Japan defender Iwashimizu to retire – Japan Wire by Kyodo News

TOKYO – Former Japan international Azusa Iwashimizu, a key member of the 2011 Women’s World Cup-winning side, will retire when the domestic football season ends next month, her club Nippon TV Tokyo Verdy Beleza said Monday.
The 39-year-old defender has spent her entire club career with Beleza and became known for balancing motherhood with her football duties following her return to the pitch a year after giving birth to her son in 2020.
“The reason for my retirement is simple — I’m no longer able to perform at a level that satisfies me,” Iwashimizu said in a statement from the club.
“I’m truly grateful to the club for supporting my challenge of giving birth while continuing my career as a player,” she also said.
A native of Iwate Prefecture in northeastern Japan, Iwashimizu earned 122 caps and scored 11 goals for Nadeshiko Japan, helping the side win the 2011 World Cup in Germany and an Olympic silver medal at the London Games the following year.

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