Homare Sawa

Sport: Soccer

Nation: Japan

DOB: September 6, 1978

Hometown: Tokyo

Career Highlights: Considered to be the best female soccer player ever produced by Japan, Sawa is looking to cap her illustrious career with a gold medal in the Olympics. She enjoyed the best year of her career in 2011, leading Japan to a surprising World Cup title and becoming the first Japanese player named the FIFA World Player of the Year. Her exploits at the World Cup were obvious, as she led the tournament with five goals and was awarded the Golden Ball as its best player. She scored with three minutes left in overtime of the final, forcing penalty kicks in a win over the United States. Her quickness, athleticism and skill on the ball make her a dangerous option darting through the midfield and towards the box. She's also capable of setting up scoring chances for her teammates, and her success will be vital to Japan's efforts to gain its first Olympic medal. Due to her size and importance to the team, Sawa is a constant target for physical play.

Olympic History: 2008,2004,1996