Homare Sawa has long been the face of Japanese women's soccer, single-handedly carrying the sport years before its national team received the affectionate moniker of "Nadeshiko."

Since making her full international debut at the age of 15, Sawa has appeared in five World Cups and four Olympics, and is three games shy of 200 caps with 82 goals to her credit.

She was named the 2011 Women's World Player of the Year by FIFA for leading Japan to its first World Cup title in Germany, where she was also the tournament's top scorer.