The eighth different Japanese winner of this award, Osaka-born Hamano has quickly emerged as one of her nation's most promising rising stars in recent times.
The 19-year-old left an indelible mark at the FIFA Women’s U-20 World Cup Costa Rica 2022 last July, where her outstanding performances for Japan saw her clinch the Golden Ball and help them to a runners-up finish. With four goals to her name, the forward also claimed the Silver Boot. .....
🇯🇵 Maika Hamano wins the AFC Youth Player of the Year (Women’s) award!
— AFC (@theafcdotcom) October 31, 2023
The sky is set to be the limit for the Japanese forward. #AFCAwards2022 pic.twitter.com/oUtTSJB5V1
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