CARY, N.C. (July 17, 2023) – The North Carolina Courage have signed Japanese attacking midfielder Rikako Kobayashi to a two-year contract through the 2024 season, plus an option for the 2025 season, the club announced today. Kobayashi will join the club during the summer transfer window, pending approval of a P-1 Visa.
The 25-year-old has seen action with the senior Japanese National Team and most recently played for Japanese club Tokyo Verdy Beleza of the WE League. She appeared in 18 matches last season for the club, making 13 starts and netting six goals while dishing a pair of assists. In her first season with Tokyo Verdy Beleza in 2021-22, she started all nine contests in which she appeared, scoring three goals and adding an assist.
“As we look to build upon this year so far, we were looking for a player who maintains a great soccer IQ, who has played at the international level, and someone who can come in and fit into our new style of play. Rikako does just that. She has a great ability to find valuable spaces that magnifies her technical quality and understanding of the game. We want to continue to build something special and this addition continues us in that path. We are extremely excited to have Rikako be a part of our club, our locker room, and have her in front of our fans. We look forward to her arrival here in Courage Country,” said Courage head coach Sean Nahas.
Kobayashi has appeared in 16 contests for the Japanese National Team from 2019 through 2023, appearing in a pair of She Believes Cup matches this past February with an assist against Canada. She has four goals in her career on the international stage.
Kobayashi becomes the sixth player on an International Slot on the Courage roster, and second from Japan alongside Narumi. The Courage roster currently sits at 25 active players, two on the season-ending injury list and six on international duty.
