Japanese club’s location and history of success have helped it to produce a staggering number of top players

Away from the dazzling lights of the city and tucked in the leafy suburbs of greater Tokyo is a little-known entity whose efforts in youth development fly curiously under the radar. Welcome to Tokyo Verdy Beleza, Japan’s most successful women’s football team.

Their success is validated not only by the country’s most occupied trophy cabinet but also by a staggering record of academy graduates going on to perform at the highest level. The 2024 Ballon d’Or nominee Yui Hasegawa of Manchester City and the West Ham forward Riko Ueki are two of several Beleza academy graduates thriving in the English WSL. The Japan legends Mana Iwabuchi and Homare Sawa are two more graduates of high renown.