Maya Hijikata

Maya Hijikata
Personal information
Date of birth (2004-04-13) April 13, 2004 (age 20)
Place of birth Niiza, Saitama, Japan
Height 1.65 m (5 ft 5 in)
Position(s) Striker
Team information
Current team
NTV Tokyo Verdy Beleza
Number 11
Youth career
2020–2022 NTV Tokyo Verdy Menina
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2021– NTV Tokyo Verdy Beleza 30 (7)
International career
2022–2024 Japan U-20 13 (5)
2023– Japan 5 (2)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Maya Hijikata (土方 麻椰, Hijikata Maya, born April 13, 2004) is a Japanese professional footballer who plays as a striker for the Japanese club NTV Tokyo Verdy Beleza and the Japanese national team.

Club career

In 2023, Hijikata was promoted from Nippon TV Tokyo Verdy Menina to Nippon TV Tokyo Verdy Beleza.[1]

International career

In July 2022, Hijikata was selected for the Japanese U-20 national team for the U-20 Women's World Cup. She played in five matches at the tournament, contributing to Japan's runner-up finish.[2][3]

In August 2023, Hijikata was selected for the senior Japanese national team for the Asian Games.[4] She played in five matches at the tournament, scoring two goals and contributing to Japan's victory.[5]

Hijikata was selected for the national team for the 2024 AFC U-20 Women's Asian Cup held in Uzbekistan in February 2024 and was also selected for the national team for the 2024 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup in September of the same year.[6][7]

Honours

Japan

Japan U-20

Individual

  • AFC U-20 Women's Asian Cup Top Scorer: 2024

References