5: EP5: 2011 - Yuki Nagasato & Japan’s historic World Cup win

In 2011, Japan caused one of the biggest upsets in football history when they beat the USA to become the first Asian nation to win the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
In this episode of Changing The Game, Yuki Nagasato joins Ali Riley to discuss that moment (1:46) and the emotional aftermath of lifting the trophy, following the 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan (12:58). 
Reflecting on her footballing journey, Nagasato explains the benefits of playing abroad and gives insight into her decision to return to Japan to play in a men's side alongside her brother - a groundbreaking move which sparked mass media attention (11:20). 
Having participated in three World Cups and two Olympic games, Nagasato discusses the demands of playing football at a high level and opens up on her time in the national team, revealing the toll that football took on her mental health and how she has since regained her love for the game by embracing activities away from the pitch (17:23). 
Stay tuned for the next episode of FIFPRO's Changing The Game with Janine van Wyk, out 8th December.