The formidable striker surpassed Australia’s Cortnee Vine and Korea Republic’s Kim Hye-ri to become the fourth Japanese player, after Homare Sawa, Aya Miyama, and Saki Kumagai to win the prestigious accolade.
Before joining England’s Women’s Super League side Brighton & Hove Albion—where she made history as the first player to score a hattrick on her debut—the 28-year-old spent a decade showcasing her goalscoring prowess with WE League’s Urawa Red Diamonds Ladies.
“However, I don’t think I’m at the same standard as these iconic players yet, but I am focused on working hard to reach their heights. Right now, this recognition has proven that I am on the right path and that the belief I had in myself was justified.”
Her impressive tally of 20 goals and 10 assists last season led the Saitama-based side to back-to-back WE League titles and the AFC Women’s Club Championship™ ۲۰۲۳ crown, earning her both the Most Valuable Player and Top Scorer awards, as well as a spot on the league’s Best XI.
“This club has essentially brought me up for the last 15 years. I entered the club’s system as a 13-year-old and have come a long way since. All the great results I have achieved are thanks to my teammates who have supported me and helped me grow as a player, for which I am truly grateful.”
While her club success has already cemented her place in Japanese football, Seike’s desire to bring home silverware for the Nadeshiko remains firm. The Japanese number 17 made three appearances at the FIFA Women’s World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023 and feels she is yet to unleash her full potential for the national team.
“I am working really hard on myself and want to achieve a lot more than I have for the Nadeshikos. Among my top priorities are to win the FIFA Women’s World Cup for Japan, and also become Olympic champions,” she said.
In fact, with the dominance of Japan’s age-group national team taking the runners-up position in the FIFA Women’s U-20 World Cup Colombia 2024, Seike is hopeful of a brighter age for women’s football in Japan, who last won the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2011.
“I am optimistic about the future and am really hopeful that, with the potential of the younger generation and the experience of the seniors, we can work together to elevate Japanese football and promote the sport across the Continent. I am excited and ready to help the Nadeshikos find their way to the top again,” said Seike.
“Even beyond Japan, I think the future for Asian women’s football is bright. We have improved significantly both technically and physically, and I am excited for what the future holds for us,” she added.
