is a Japanese women's professional footballer who plays as defender. She has also played for the Japan national team. Kitahara is currently the player-coach for Albirex Jurong.
Early life and education Kitahara was born in Fujieda on December 17, 1988. She graduated from Kanto Gakuen University.
Playing career
Club career Kitahara joined Albirex Niigata in 2011. She played 93 games in L.League.
In 2016, she moved to Mynavi Vegalta Sendai.Mynavi Vegalta Sendai
In July 2022, Kitahara joined the Albirex Niigata Singapore of the Women's Premier League.
In 2023, Kitahara scored 17 goals in 13 matches for Albirex Niigata, where the team finished runner-up for the 2023 Women's Premier League.
Now a playing-coach, Kitahara helped Albirex Niigata won their inaugural WPL title in the 2025 season. She remained with the team for the following season, which renamed themselves as Albirex Jurong.
International career On September 22, 2013, Kitahara debuted for the Japan national team against Nigeria. In 2014, she played at the 2014 Asian Games and Japan won second place. She was also played in the 2015 World Cup, in which Japan won second place.FIFA She played nine games for Japan until 2015.
Coaching career Kitahara has a Japan Football Association B Licence.
While playing for Albirex Niigata, Kitahara was also the assistant coach of the U-17 Albirex men’s team. She was also a coach of the Albirex Singapore Football Academy.
In 2024, Kitahara became the head coach for Albirex Niigata Singapore Ladies team, taking over from Nahar Daud.
National team statistics List of match in 2013 , 2014 , 2015 at Japan Football Association Japan national teamYearAppsGoals201310201460201520Total90
Honours Individual
Women’s Premier League Player of the Year: 2023 Women’s Premier League Golden Boot: 2023
References
External links
Japan Football Association Fox Soccer profile Eurosport profile