Canberra United are delighted to announce the signing of former Adelaide United midfielder Nanako Sasaki ahead of the 202526 Ninja A-League season.
Sasaki will be a familiar face to fans of the competition having been a mainstay in the Reds engine room since signing for the club back in the 2021 season, going on to make 67 appearances and scoring four goals for the club.
Having begun her career in her native Japan with Tomitsuka Junior Football Club, Sasaki moved to Australia in 2017 playing in the National Premier League for Adelaide City and Adelaide Comets before signing for Adelaide United.
“We are excited to welcome Nanako to Canberra United for the upcoming Ninja A-League season,” Head Coach Antoni Jagarinec commented.
“She is a very technical player who has experience of playing in the competition, which is an added bonus, and will fit in well with the profile of player that we currently have at the club.
“I am looking forward to working with Nanako this season.”
Sasaki made the move to Australia shortly after finishing High School in a bid to improve her English as she chased her dream of being a flight attendant. However, it was her footballing ability that saw her fly high as she was named in three consecutive SA NPL Team of the Year selections.
“ I am looking forward to joining up with Canberra United for the new season and can’t wait to get started,” Sasaki said of her move to the Capital.
“I have always enjoyed playing against Canberra and experiencing the wonderful supporters that they have at McKellar Park. It will be nice to have them cheering me on for a change!
“I thank Antoni for giving me this opportunity and am ready to go!”
Canberra United memberships for the 2025/26 Ninja A-League Women’s season on sale now! Be there for the big moments, feel the atmosphere, and witness history for all home regular season matches at McKellar Park this season.
Name: Nanako Sasaki
Date of Birth: 16/03/1999
Place of Birth: Japan
A-League Appearances: 67
A-League goals: 4
Previous Clubs: Tomitsuka Junior Football Club, Adelaide City, Adelaide Comets, Adelaide United
