As the curtains close on the football season, Arsenal has bid farewell to their Japanese midfielder, Mana Iwabuchi.

Following the end of her contract, Iwabuchi has left the Gunners.

  • Arsenal bids adieu to Mana Iwabuchi following the expiration of her contract.
  • After an unsuccessful loan spell at Tottenham Hotspur, Iwabuchi has been left out of Japan’s World Cup squad.
  • Despite her recent struggles, Iwabuchi remains supportive of her national team and Arsenal.

Japanese international Mana Iwabuchi, has left Arsenal after her contract’s expiration.

SCHAFFHAUSEN, SWITZERLAND - DECEMBER 21: Mana Iwabuchi of Arsenal Women FC plays the ball during the UEFA Women's Champions League group C match between FC Zürich and Arsenal at WeFox Arena on December 21, 2022 in Schaffhausen, Switzerland. (Photo by Sebastian Widmann/Getty Images)
SCHAFFHAUSEN, SWITZERLAND – DECEMBER 21: Mana Iwabuchi of Arsenal Women FC plays the ball during the UEFA Women’s Champions League group C match between FC Zürich and Arsenal at WeFox Arena on December 21, 2022 in Schaffhausen, Switzerland. (Photo by Sebastian Widmann/Getty Images)

Marking her arrival from Aston Villa in May 2021 with a stellar goal during the UEFA Women’s Champions League against Okzheptes, she graced the pitch 28 times for the club, contributing six goals, including one in Arsenal’s triumphant 9-1 victory over FC Zurich.

Her last performance for the Gunners was indeed memorable, wrapping up the night with Arsenal’s final goal.

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Loan to Tottenham and World Cup woes

BIRKENHEAD, ENGLAND - MARCH 12: Mana Iwabuchi of Tottenham Hotspur reacts after picking up an injury before being substituted during the FA Women's Super League match between Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur at Prenton Park on March 12, 2023 in Birkenhead, England. (Photo by Lewis Storey/Getty Images)
BIRKENHEAD, ENGLAND – MARCH 12: Mana Iwabuchi of Tottenham Hotspur reacts after picking up an injury before being substituted during the FA Women’s Super League match between Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur at Prenton Park on March 12, 2023 in Birkenhead, England. (Photo by Lewis Storey/Getty Images)

The second half of the 2022/23 season saw Iwabuchi loaned to fellow Barclays Women’s Super League club Tottenham Hotspur. Despite her efforts, she was unable to register a goal or an assist in 10appearances.

Adding to her challenges, the Japan Women’s World Cup squad excluded Iwabuchi, marking a significant change as this is the first omission since her debut in 2010.

Fans have been divided over her recent form, leading to speculation on her future career trajectory. Despite the setback, her unwavering support for the national team and Arsenal continues, expressed in heartfelt posts on her social media platforms.

Iwabuchi – a steadfast supporter

LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 25: Mana Iwabuchi of Tottenham Hotspur warms up prior to the FA Women's Continental Tyres League Cup match between Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea at Brisbane Road on January 25, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 25: Mana Iwabuchi of Tottenham Hotspur warms up prior to the FA Women’s Continental Tyres League Cup match between Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea at Brisbane Road on January 25, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

Even with these hurdles, Iwabuchi’s reputation as a beacon of women’s football in Japan stands unchallenged.

Since her debut at 16 years old, she has been instrumental in the team’s successes, from securing the 2011 Women’s World Cup to earning a silver medal at the 2012 Olympics and helping Japan finish as runners-up in the 2015 World Cup.

Her absence from the Japan World Cup squad, however, raises questions about her future role in international football.

With a heartfelt goodbye from Arsenal, everyone at the club thanks Mana Iwabuchi for her contribution and wishes her every success in her future endeavours.

As the Women’s World Cup approaches, Iwabuchi’s next steps are eagerly awaited by her fans and football enthusiasts alike.

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