Chelsea forward Maika Hamano has signed a new long-term contract that will keep her at the club until the summer of 2029, the Women’s Super League champions confirmed in a statement on Thursday.
The 21-year-old Japan international joined Chelsea from INAC Kobe Leonessa in January 2023 and was immediately loaned to Swedish side Hammarby IF.
Since returning to London, she has established herself as part of Sonia Bompastor’s squad, making 39 appearances in all competitions and scoring nine goals.
Hamano is considered one of Japan’s brightest young attacking prospects. She made her Chelsea debut in December 2023 as a substitute against Bristol City, earned her first start in the League Cup against Sunderland in February 2024, and scored her first goal in April 2024 against Aston Villa.
Later that month she netted the decisive winner against Tottenham in the penultimate game of the season, keeping Chelsea on course for the league title.
After signing her new contract, Hamano said:
Being able to work alongside amazing players and staff, and to give our all towards the same goal throughout a long season – that’s incredible. Of course, the fans are with us every step of the way, too. Through the fans, I’ve learned just how amazing it is to be part of Chelsea.
Hamano also featured for Japan at the 2023 Women’s World Cup, although her progress that year was interrupted by a shoulder injury sustained during her loan spell in Sweden.
Born in Osaka in May 2004, the 1.67m forward is viewed as a long-term asset for Chelsea, who initially tied her down until 2027 and have now extended her stay by two further years.
She will be hoping to score her second of the season when Chelsea face Aston Villa later this week, after contributing to the win against Manchester City on opening day.
