Biography
Who is Yui Hasegawa?
Early life and youth career
Yui Hasegawa was born in Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, on January 29, 1997. During her childhood, she moved to Toda, Saitama, with her family. She started playing football at age six, influenced by her older brothers. Initially, she played among boys before joining a club specifically for girls when she was around nine years old.
In 2009, she joined Menina, which served as the elite youth academy for Tokyo Verdy Beleza. She dedicated herself to training, often traveling by train from Saitama to Tokyo after school. She later attended Meguro Nihon University High School and graduated from Nihon University in 2019. Her early development was marked by successive victories at the JFA U-18 All Japan Youth Women's Football Tournaments between 2011 and 2014.
Club career in Japan
After progressing through the youth system, she was promoted to the Tokyo Verdy Beleza senior squad in 2013. She made her league debut on March 23, 2013, against FC Kibi IU Charme. By 2015, she became a regular starter and scored her first league goal against Iga FC Kunoichi. That same year, she helped the team capture the league championship, ending a five-year title drought.
During her eight seasons with the club, she accumulated numerous trophies, including five Empress's Cup titles and three League Cup wins. She also secured the domestic triple crown twice, in 2018 and 2019. She earned spots in the Nadeshiko League Best XI for four consecutive years starting in 2017. Before leaving for Europe in 2021, she reached a milestone of over 200 appearances for the club.
International experience and European career
Hasegawa joined AC Milan in January 2021. She scored twice in her debut match against Pink Bari. Her time in Italy saw the team finish as league runners-up and qualify for the UEFA Champions League. Later, she moved to West Ham United in England, where she earned two WSL Goal of the Month awards during her debut season. In 2022, she transferred to Manchester City.
At Manchester City, she established herself as a defensive midfielder. She helped the team finish fourth in the league and reached the FA Women's League Cup semi-finals in her first season. Her performance earned her a spot in the PFA WSL Team of the Year. She has represented Japan at multiple major tournaments, including the 2019 and 2023 FIFA World Cup, as well as the 2020 and 2024 Olympic Games. By March 2025, she had earned over 100 caps for her country.
Recent achievements
Yui continued to be a central figure for Manchester City through the 2023-24 season. She helped the squad finish second in the league, contributing to a streak of 13 consecutive victories. In early 2023, she signed a contract extension keeping her with the club until 2027. She received nominations for the Ballon d'Or Féminin in both 2023 and 2024.
During the 2024-25 season, she played in the UEFA Champions League. She was later named Manchester City's Player of the Season and earned a third consecutive spot in the PFA WSL Team of the Year. In September 2025, she signed another contract extension, securing her place with the team until 2029. Shortly after, she recorded her 100th competitive appearance for Manchester City.
Birthday and age
Yui Hasegawa was born on January 29, 1997, which makes Yui 29 years old today. That birthday falls under the Aquarius sign. Yui shares the date with 32 other famous people.
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