Chika Hirao
# Chika Hirao

Chika Hirao (平尾 知佳, Hirao Chika, born 31 December 1996) is a Japanese professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for WE League club Albirex Niigata and the Japan women's national team.

## Club career

Hirao was born in Matsudo on December 31, 1996. She joined L.League club Urawa Reds from JFA Academy Fukushima in 2014. She played many matches as regular goalkeeper and the club won the champions in first season. However her opportunity to play decreased behind Sakiko Ikeda from 2015 season. In 2018, she moved to Albirex Niigata.

## National team career

In September 2012, when Hirao was 15 years old, she was selected Japan U-17 national team for 2012 U-17 Women's World Cup and she played 3 matches as regular goalkeeper. In November 2016, she was selected Japan U-20 national team for 2016 U-20 Women's World Cup. She played 5 matches and Japan won the 3rd place.

In April 2018, Hirao was selected Japan national team for 2018 Women's Asian Cup. Although she did not play in any matches, Japan won the championship after two tournaments in a row. On August 2, she debuted against Australia.

On 13 June 2023, she was included in the 23-player squad for the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023.

## National team statistics

Japan national team :

| Year | Apps | Goals |
| - | - | - |
| 2018 | 1 | 0 |
| 2019 | 1 | 0 |
| 2020 | 0 | 0 |
| 2021 | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 | 2 | 0 |
| Total | 4 | 0 |
