Biography
Who is Norio Sasaki?
Playing career and education
Norio Sasaki attended Teikyo High School during his youth. While there, he captained the football squad to victory in the national inter-high school competition. His team also achieved a semi-final finish at the All Japan High School Soccer Tournament.
Following his secondary education, he enrolled at Meiji University. Once he completed his degree, he found employment at the Nippon Telegraph and Telephone corporation. During this period, he played as a midfielder and defender for the company club, NTT Kanto.
Early coaching roles
In 1998, Norio Sasaki began his managerial career by serving as the head coach for the Japan Football League team Omiya Ardija. He held various administrative and developmental roles within the organization, including serving as the youth team head coach and the head of development.
These positions allowed him to gain extensive experience in player management and tactical planning within the Japanese football structure. His work at Omiya Ardija served as the foundation for his future opportunities with the national program.
Leading Nadeshiko Japan
In 2006, he became the assistant coach for the Japanese women's national team and took charge of the U-20 squad. He was promoted to head coach of the senior national team in 2008, taking over from Hiroshi Ohashi. Under his guidance, the team secured victories at the 2008 and 2010 EAFF Women's Football Championship tournaments.
The highlight of his tenure occurred at the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup. After defeating Germany and Sweden, his team faced the United States in the final match. They won the championship following a penalty shoot-out. This victory earned the squad the People's Honour Award in Japan. He was also named the FIFA World Women's Coach of the Year for 2011.
Honours and recognition
Throughout his career, he received several major accolades for his contributions to the sport. He was named the AFC Coach of the Year in 2011 and won the FIFA World Women's Coach of the Year award the same year. His management tenure included an Asian Games victory in 2010 and an AFC Women's Asian Cup win in 2014.
In 2019, he received induction into the Japan Football Hall of Fame. Currently, he serves as the coordinator of Nadeshiko Japan, continuing his involvement with the national team program.
Birthday and age
Norio Sasaki was born on May 24, 1958, which makes Norio 68 years old today. That birthday falls under the Gemini sign. Norio shares the date with 63 other famous people.
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