The Chicago Red Stars announced the re-signing of Yuki Nagasato today to a one-year contract with a one-year option. Yuki was a member of the Red Stars from 2017-2020 and spent one year in Kentucky as a member of Racing Louisville’s inaugural team before returning to Chicago for the 2022 season.

“I’m excited to continue to be part of building the team, club culture, and the city of Chicago! I still love playing soccer, having lots of desire to grow, and challenging myself every single day. I extremely appreciate getting the opportunity to do all of that,” said Yuki. “I want to see the team and game grow. I also love playing our game as a team which fans always love to watch. For that, I will give my best every single day and try to raise our/my standard as much as possible. Can’t wait for the next season!”

“Yuki Nagasato is an experienced player in this league and she exudes professionalism in every aspect of the game, on and off the field,” said Chicago Red Stars Associate General Manager, Michelle Lomnicki. “She is an essential part of this team and we are excited to bring her back to Chicago.”

Yuki has been a key member of Chicago’s offense, scoring the only Red Stars goal in the 2022 National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) quarterfinal match against San Diego Wave FC. During the 2022 season Yuki played in 21 matches, starting in 20, scored 3 goals, including a brace against Racing Louisville FC in August, and assisted on three other goals. As a member of the Chicago Red Stars, the forward has appeared in 94 regular-season matches, contributing 18 goals and 22 assists.

Prior to joining the Red Stars, Yuki spent time playing in Europe for VfL Wolfsburg, FCC Frankfurt and FCC Turbine Potsdam in Germany, where she won the league golden boot with 18 goals in 2013, as well as a stint with Chelsea in England. Yuki was a member of Japan’s National Team for over a decade, making 132 international appearances and scoring 58 goals. Yuki was on the team that won the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2011. In 2020, Yuki made history by becoming the first woman to sign with men’s club Hayabusa Eleven which is a member of the Kanagawa Prefecture League in Japan.