2011 FIFA Women's World Cup winner and 2015 World Cup runner up Yukari Kinga has signed with Canberra United for the 2016/17 W-League season.

The 32 year old defensive midfielder joins on loan from Japanese club INAC Kobe Leonessa.

“I'm really excited to announce Canberra United welcomes World Cup winning Nadeshiko player, Yukari Kinga to the club,” Head Coach Rae Dower commented.

“An opportunity to have a player with the pedigree of Kinga is a real coup not only for Canberra United but for the whole Westfield W-League competition.

With over 100 caps for Nadeshiko, Kinga is an able replacement for Kendall Fletcher and Julia De Angelis in the heart of the United midfield.

“Her extensive playing experience and professionalism will be a tremendous asset to our team this year as we head into a period of regeneration for the club. I would like to thank INAC for their assistance in releasing Yukari at the completion of her league commitments."

While Kinga is the third Japanese player to line up in the W-League, the London 2012 silver medallist is the most experienced and highest profile of the trio.

“She is very excited for the opportunity to play for Canberra United and is really looking forward to immersing herself into the Canberra community. I am sure that she will quickly become a crowd favourite at McKellar and across the country wherever she plays.”

Canberra United commences their season on 12 November 2016 against defending champions Melbourne City.

STATISTICS 

Name: Yukari Kinga

Position: Defender/Midfielder

Date of Birth: 2 May 1984

Place of Birth: Yokohama, Japan

Clubs: NTV Belaza, INAC Kobe Leonessa, Arsenal,

Representative Honours: Japan U19, Japan (100 appearances, 5 goals)

Honours: FIFA World Cup Winner (2011), FIFA World Cup Runner-Up (2015), Olympic Games Silver Medal (2012), Asian Games Gold Medal (2010), L. League Rookie of the Year (2003), L. League Best 11 (2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012), L. League Cup MVP (2007), L. League Champion (2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, L. League Cup Champion (2007, 2010, 201), All-Japan Championship (2004, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015)