Mizuho Sakaguchi

is a former Japanese footballer who played as a midfielder. She last played for Omiya Ardija Ventus in the WE League and the Japan national team.

Club career Sakaguchi was born in Sakai on October 15, 1987. In 2003, at the age of 15, she debuted in the L.League at Speranza FC Takatsuki. After graduating from high school, she joined Tasaki Perule FC in 2006. She was selected Best Eleven in 2007. However, the club was disbanded in 2008 due to financial strain. She went to the United States and joined USL W-League club FC Indiana in 2009. In 2010, she returned to Japan and joined Albirex Niigata. She was selected Best Eleven in 2011. In 2012, she moved to Nippon TV Beleza. She was selected MVP awards for 3 years in a row (2015-2017). She was also selected Best Eleven for 5 years in a row (2013-2017).

National team career In July 2006, Sakaguchi was selected to be on the Japan national team for the 2006 Asian Cup. At this competition, on July 19, she debuted and scored 2 goals against Vietnam. She played in the 2011 World Cup where Japan won the championship; Sakaguchi scored one of the penalties in the shootout against United States in the final. She also played in the 2015 World Cup where Japan came second. She was also part of the silver medal-winning 2012 Summer Olympic team. From June 2016, she was given the number 10 shirt for Japan by new manager Asako Takakura. She played 124 games and scored 29 goals for Japan until 2018.

Career statistics Club

International

Scores and results list Japan's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Sakaguchi goal.

Honours Tasaki Perule FC Empress's Cup: 2007

Japan FIFA Women's World Cup: 2011; Runner-up: 2015 Asian Games: 2010; Silver Medal 2006 EAFF Women's Football Championship: 2008 AFC Women's Asian Cup Champion: 2014

Individual L.League Best Eleven: 2007, 2011, 2013