Mana Iwabuchi has announced her retirement from the professional game.

This comes after a season that involved a loan spell at Tottenham Hotspur and exclusion from the Japan Women’s World Cup squad.

  • Mana Iwabuchi announces her retirement, after a complex season that included a loan to Tottenham Hotspur.
  • Iwabuchi, who joined Arsenal from Aston Villa, made a significant impact during her time at the club, including scoring in a 9-1 win over FC Zurich.
  • The midfielder found herself excluded from the Japan Women’s World Cup squad for the first time since 2010, possibly contributing to her decision to retire.
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)

Mana Iwabuchi, who initially joined Arsenal from Aston Villa in May 2021, amassed 28 appearances and netted six goals for the Gunners.

She achieved a memorable final performance in Arsenal’s dominant 9-1 win against FC Zurich in the UEFA Women’s Champions League.

Unfulfilled stint at Tottenham Hotspur

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)

Iwabuchi found herself on loan at Tottenham Hotspur. While her time at Spurs was less fruitful, the stint offered an intriguing subplot in her winding career.

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A divided fan opinion

Iwabuchi’s form was a topic of hot debate among fans, creating a divided atmosphere. Despite not registering a goal or assist in her 10 appearances for Spurs, her reputation remains undiminished in her homeland.

The Japan Women’s World Cup snub

Further complicating her narrative, Iwabuchi found herself left out of the Japan squad for the Women’s World Cup.

The decision marked the first time she has been omitted since her national debut in 2010, despite a history of meaningful contributions including securing the 2011 Women’s World Cup and a silver Olympic medal in 2012.

This exclusion may have played a part in her eventual decision to retire.

A heartfelt farewell

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)

Posting on social media, Iwabuchi conveyed her feelings: “To all the people supporting me, what is on my mind now is the gratitude to every single thing I experienced through this game – the support, encouragement, fighting together, the scenes, excitement, creativity – and I feel so grateful to all of you who were with me.

“I love football, I love the people I met in football, and I have loved my football career.

“Thank you so much for everything.”

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