The Japan Women’s World Cup squad announcement has been marked by a notable absence: Arsenal midfielder and Japan’s football star, Mana Iwabuchi.

Following a challenging stint on loan at Tottenham, the former World Cup winner has been sidelined for the first time since her debut over a decade ago.

LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 25: Mana Iwabuchi of Tottenham Hotspurs looks on during 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 Hotspurs looks on during 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)
  • Mana Iwabuchi’s challenging stint on loan at Tottenham has contributed to her absence from Japan’s Women’s World Cup squad for the first time in her career.
  • The Arsenal midfielder’s recent dip in form and game-time has led to a divide among football fans and speculation around her future career trajectory.
  • Despite her recent struggles, Iwabuchi’s support for her national team remains unwavering.

Mana Iwabuchi, who was a central figure in Japan’s 2011 World Cup victory, has been left out of the Japan World Cup squad, raising questions about her future in international football.

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)

This is the first time she has been excluded since her debut at 16 years old in 2010.

Over the years, Iwabuchi has been seen as the face of women’s football in Japan.

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From lifting the 2011 Women’s World Cup trophy to claiming silver at the 2012 Olympic Games and aiding Japan to a runner’s up finish at the 2015 World Cup, Iwabuchi has been instrumental in the team’s successes.

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)

Iwabuchi signed for Arsenal in 2021 and quickly became a fan favourite.

However, limited appearances under Arsenal manager Jonas Eidevall saw her join WSL rivals Tottenham Hotspur on loan in search of more game time.

The spell was far from successful, with Iwabuchi failing to register a goal or assist across 10 appearances.

The World Cup squad decision

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)

Japan coach Futoshi Ikeda selected a squad rich in international talent but there was no room for the 30-year-old.

Iwabuchi’s supporters and critics have voiced their opinions. Some fans have pointed the finger at Eidevall for the player’s diminished form.

Despite the controversy, Iwabuchi has remained supportive of her national team, taking to social media to express her hopes for Japan’s success at the World Cup.

[Translation: I wasn’t able to join the team this time, but I hope I can entrust my feelings to everyone on the team. Please support Nadeshiko Japan]

The Women’s World Cup will kick-off in late July with Japan aiming to better their disappointing run in France in 2019.

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