# Miho Fukumoto

> Japanese association football player

**Wikidata**: [Q292367](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q292367)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miho_Fukumoto)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/miho-fukumoto

## Summary
Miho Fukumoto is a Japanese association football player who competed as a goalkeeper for both club teams and the Japan women's national team. Born on October 2, 1983, she is recognized for her contributions to Japanese women's football, including participation in multiple FIFA Women's World Cup tournaments and the Olympic Games. Her career spanned over a decade, during which she helped elevate the profile of women's football in Japan.

## Biography
- **Born**: October 2, 1983  
- **Nationality**: Japan  
- **Known for**: Professional football goalkeeper, international competitions with Japan's national team  
- **Employer(s)**: Okayama Yunogo Belle (club), Japan women's national football team  
- **Field(s)**: Association football  

## Contributions
- **International Tournaments**: Represented Japan in the 2007 FIFA Women's World Cup, 2008 Summer Olympics, and 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup.  
- **Asian Games Success**: Member of the Japanese team that won the gold medal at the 2010 Asian Games.  
- **Club Career**: Played for Okayama Yunogo Belle in the Nadeshiko League, contributing to domestic league competition from 2003 onward.  

## FAQs
- **What position did Miho Fukumoto play?**  
  She specialized as a goalkeeper throughout her career.  
- **Which international tournaments did she participate in?**  
  She competed in the 2007 and 2011 FIFA Women's World Cups, the 2008 Summer Olympics, and the 2010 Asian Games.  
- **What clubs did she play for?**  
  Fukumoto was notably affiliated with Okayama Yunogo Belle in Japan's Nadeshiko League.  
- **When did she retire?**  
  Her professional career concluded in the mid-2010s, though the exact retirement date is unspecified in the source material.  

## Why They Matter
Miho Fukumoto's career helped strengthen Japan's presence in international women's football during the 2000s and 2010s. Her participation in major tournaments, including the FIFA Women's World Cup and the Olympics, contributed to the growing recognition of Japanese women's football. As a goalkeeper, she played a critical role in defensive strategies, supporting the national team's progression in global competitions. Her achievements, such as the 2010 Asian Games gold medal, inspired subsequent generations of female players in Japan.

## Notable For
- **Debut and Longevity**: Began her professional career in 2003, maintaining an active role in Japanese football for over a decade.  
- **World Cup Appearances**: Represented Japan in two FIFA Women's World Cup tournaments (2007, 2011).  
- **Olympic Participation**: Competed in the 2008 Summer Olympics, contributing to Japan's international standing.  
- **Asian Games Champion**: Won the gold medal at the 2010 Asian Games, highlighting her impact in regional competitions.  

## Body
### Early Life and Career Start  
Miho Fukumoto was born on October 2, 1983, in Japan. She began her professional football career in 2003, joining Okayama Yunogo Belle in the Nadeshiko League, Japan's top division for women's football. Specializing as a goalkeeper, she quickly established herself as a key player in the team's defensive lineup.

### Professional Career  
Fukumoto's club career with Okayama Yunogo Belle spanned multiple seasons, during which she gained recognition for her goalkeeping skills. Her domestic performances led to her selection for the Japan women's national team, marking the beginning of her international career. She remained a consistent presence in both club and national team competitions throughout the 2000s and early 2010s.

### International Competitions  
Fukumoto's international debut came in the mid-2000s, leading to her inclusion in Japan's squad for the **2007 FIFA Women's World Cup**. She later competed in the **2008 Summer Olympics** in Beijing, where Japan faced challenges against global powerhouses. Her career highlight included participation in the **2011 FIFA Women's World Cup**, where Japan ultimately finished as runners-up, though Fukumoto's role in the tournament is not detailed in the source material. She also contributed to Japan's gold medal victory at the **2010 Asian Games**, a milestone achievement for the national team.

### Retirement and Legacy  
While the exact timeline of her retirement is unspecified, Fukumoto's career concluded in the mid-2010s. Her contributions to Japanese women's football, particularly in goalkeeping, left a lasting impact. She is remembered as part of the generation of players who elevated Japan's status in international competitions, paving the way for future successes, including the national team's 2011 World Cup victory. Her career exemplifies the growth and professionalization of women's football in Japan during the 2000s.

## References

1. Soccerdonna
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013