Kana Kitahara

is a Japanese women's professional footballer who plays as defender. She has also played for the Japan national team. Kitahara is currently the player-coach for Albirex Jurong.

Early life and education Kitahara was born in Fujieda on December 17, 1988. She graduated from Kanto Gakuen University.

Playing career

Club career Kitahara joined Albirex Niigata in 2011. She played 93 games in L.League.

In 2016, she moved to Mynavi Vegalta Sendai.

In July 2022, Kitahara joined the Albirex Niigata Singapore of the Women's Premier League.

In 2023, Kitahara scored 17 goals in 13 matches for Albirex Niigata, where the team finished runner-up for the 2023 Women's Premier League. She remained with the team for the following season, which renamed themselves as Albirex Jurong.

International career On September 22, 2013, Kitahara debuted for the Japan national team against Nigeria. In 2014, she played at the 2014 Asian Games and Japan won second place. She was also played in the 2015 World Cup, in which Japan won second place. She played nine games for Japan until 2015.

Coaching career Kitahara has a Japan Football Association B Licence.

Honours Individual

Women’s Premier League Player of the Year: 2023 Women’s Premier League Golden Boot: 2023