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13 May 2023
Momoko Tanikawa the rising japanese star
The 4th edition of the Sud Ladies Cup is about to take place from May 16 th to 21 st, 2023. Every year, this tournament welcomes female young players, some of them turn out to be real gems. Just a few days from the opening, we are going to introduce you some of the most promising players in this edition. Let's start with MomokoTanikawa from the Japanese national team.
Who is Momoko Tanikawa?
Among the 23 lucky players who will defend Japan’s flag, three of them are from the JFA Academy of Fukushima. Following the 2011 earthquake, the academy, founded in 2006, had to be relocated to Gotenba, at the foot of Mount Fuji, in Shizuoka prefecture. Alongside with Akari Kashima and Toko Koga, Momoka Tanikawa will therefore be the third JFA Academy players proudly wearing Japan’s colors in Avignon.
The 17-year-old attacking midfielder was one of the biggest 2022 Indian U17 World Cup‘s revelation. The 5.5 ft explosive young Japanese scored five goals in as many games.
What a World Cup!
Last October, she played her first World Cup Match. Far from being intimidated, Momoko Tanikawa showed all of her potential. “I’ve scored in three games in a row, which is good, but I think I can improve my defensive skills and my game in general.” says realistically the 17 year-old in a Fifa interview. Unfortunately, Japan has been eliminated by Spain in the quarter-final. Despite the disappointment during the game, Tanikawa succeeded to score against what turned out to be the 2022 World Cup winners. Impressive during the U17 World Cup, the JFA Academy of Fukushima players will surely continue her momentum during the Sud Ladies Cup.
Théo Lebegue
