Mina Tanaka Bio
Mina Tanaka (田中 美南, Tanaka Mina; born April 28, 1994) is a professional footballer who plays as a forward for the National Women’s Soccer League club Utah Royals FC and the Japan national team. She has previously played for Nippon TV Beleza, Bayer Leverkusen, and INAC Kobe Leonessa. Known for her scoring ability, Tanaka has earned accolades as a top scorer and has been recognized in the Best Eleven multiple times throughout her career.
Early Life and Background
Mina Tanaka was born in Ubon Ratchathani, Thailand, to a Japanese father and a Thai mother. Shortly after her birth, she moved to Japan, where she grew up in Kawasaki City, Kanagawa. Tanaka graduated from Kanagawa Prefectural Yurigaoka High School in March 2013, where she began to develop her skills in soccer and laid the foundation for her future career in the sport.
Path to Soccer
Tanaka’s soccer journey began at a young age, playing for the youth team of NTV Tokyo Verdy Beleza from 2007 to 2011. She made her professional debut for the club on May 3, 2011, in a match against Okayama Yunogo Belle. Her early years were marked by significant achievements, including becoming the top scorer in the league in 2016 and 2017, and being selected for the Best Eleven from 2015 to 2017. These accomplishments helped her transition into the broader soccer industry, leading to opportunities with other clubs and the national team.
Mina Tanaka Career
Early Career (2011–2019)
Tanaka’s professional career began with NTV Tokyo Verdy Beleza, where she played from 2011 to 2019. During her time there, she established herself as a key player, scoring her first goal on August 14, 2011, in a match against Fukuoka J. Anclas. Her performance earned her recognition as the league’s top scorer in both 2016 and 2017, solidifying her reputation in Japanese women’s soccer.
Breakthrough (2020–Present)
In 2020, Tanaka signed with INAC Kobe Leonessa, where she continued to excel. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic causing delays in the season, she made her debut on July 18, 2020, scoring the only goal in the match. In 2021, she had a brief loan spell with Bayer Leverkusen before returning to Japan. As of July 5, 2024, Tanaka signed a contract with Utah Royals FC, which will run through the 2025 NWSL season. Her consistent performance has kept her in the spotlight as a prominent player in women’s soccer.
Notable Works and Milestones
Throughout her career, Mina Tanaka has been recognized for her scoring prowess and contributions to her teams. She has been a part of championship-winning squads, including the Japan national team, which won the AFC Women’s Asian Cup in 2018. Her individual accolades, such as being named a top scorer and a Best Eleven player, highlight her impact on the field.
Mina Tanaka Award Nominations
Mina Tanaka has received numerous nominations throughout her career, reflecting her skill and contributions to the sport. Her recognition as a top scorer and inclusion in the Best Eleven showcases her talent and hard work in women’s soccer.
Mina Tanaka Awards Won
Tanaka has won several awards during her career, including being named the top scorer in the league for two consecutive years and receiving Best Eleven honors multiple times. These accolades underscore her status as one of the leading players in women’s soccer.
Mina Tanaka Family
Information regarding Mina Tanaka’s family is limited and not publicly disclosed. However, it is known that she was born to a Japanese father and a Thai mother, which has influenced her multicultural background.
Personal Life
Details about Mina Tanaka’s personal life, including her marital status and relationships, are not widely available. She remains focused on her professional career and continues to represent her teams at both club and national levels.
