The Indomitable Soul of Tokyo Verdy Beleza
Tomoko Muramatsu is a tenacious and profoundly resilient central defender who serves as the captain for NTV Tokyo Verdy Beleza, the most decorated club in Japanese women’s football. A quintessential “one-club woman,” her entire professional and youth career has been spent within the Beleza organization, progressing from its esteemed academy, Menina, to becoming the leader of the senior team. Her career is a powerful narrative of perseverance, defined by an extraordinary comeback from three separate, career-threatening anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries. These setbacks collectively sidelined her for more than five years, yet she returned to re-establish herself as one of the premier defenders in Japan. On the pitch, Muramatsu is the defensive anchor, renowned for her exceptional one-on-one defending, calm judgment under pressure, and embodying the “defensive soul” of the club—a mantle she inherited from her mentor, the legendary 2011 World Cup winner Azusa Iwashimizu.
The Story So Far
Tomoko Muramatsu’s journey is a testament to loyalty and mental fortitude, having never played for another club besides NTV Tokyo Verdy Beleza. Her story begins in Setagaya, Tokyo, where she started playing football under the influence of her older brother at local clubs Nakamachi FC and Buddy FC. In 2007, she took the defining step of her youth career by joining NTV Menina, the prestigious academy of NTV Beleza. It was here her tactical identity was forged; after initially playing as a forward, she was transitioned to centre-back. Her coach’s praise for her strength in one-on-one duels ignited a passion for the defensive arts, leading her to believe that preventing goals was “cooler” than scoring them.
In 2011, as a first-year high school student, Muramatsu was promoted to the senior squad. Her impact was immediate. She was installed as a starting centre-back, playing alongside her idol and reigning World Cup champion, Azusa Iwashimizu, and appeared in every single league match of her debut season.
This rapid rise, however, met its first devastating obstacle. In 2012, just before she was set to star in the U-20 Women’s World Cup on home soil, she suffered her first ACL tear in her right knee. The recovery was plagued by setbacks, including a re-tear and meniscus surgery, extending her absence to over two years.
She returned in late 2014, quickly re-establishing herself as a cornerstone of the Beleza defence. She was instrumental in the team’s domestic dominance, leading them to consecutive Nadeshiko League championships in 2015 and 2016 and being named to the league’s Best Eleven in both of those years. Her form earned her a senior debut for Nadeshiko Japan in 2015, and she would accumulate four caps over the next year.
Then, disaster struck again. In July 2017, Muramatsu tore the ACL in her left knee. An initial eight-month prognosis spiralled into a gruelling three-year absence from the game. During this prolonged layoff, as her team won title after title without her, she admitted to repeatedly considering retirement. Her strength to continue came from a profound shift in perspective; while recovering in the hospital, she shared a room with patients battling life-threatening illnesses. One patient told her that watching her play football gave them the “will to live”. This powerful moment armed Muramatsu with an unbreakable mental toughness, built on the realization that “just being alive” and having the chance to play was a gift.
Muramatsu made her second triumphant comeback on July 19, 2020, after a three-year absence. She returned as a leader, guiding her club through the transition into Japan’s first fully professional women’s league, the WE League, in 2021. Her unwavering commitment culminated in her being named team captain, a role that formalized her status as the heart and soul of Beleza. She is the living embodiment of the club’s identity, famously stating, “Whoever is here, Beleza is Beleza,” reflecting her duty to uphold a legacy that transcends any single player.
Style of Play & Tactical Analysis
Muramatsu is an intelligent, tenacious, and modern central defender. Her defining attribute is her dominance in one-on-one defensive situations, playing with a fierce, “never-lose” mentality in individual duels. This aggression is balanced by a high football IQ; she excels at calmly judging the flow of an attack, measuring the distance to her opponent, and timing her challenges with precision. She proactively identifies areas of danger and adopts the correct positioning to neutralize threats before they develop.
It is impossible to analyse Muramatsu’s style without acknowledging the profound influence of her mentor, Azusa Iwashimizu. As a 16-year-old rookie, she had the formative experience of partnering with the World Cup winner, who “scolded and taught” her the defensive arts. From Iwashimizu, Muramatsu learned that a defender must play with their “spirit to the forefront, with guts and soul”. This bond is even reflected in their club nicknames: Iwashimizu is known for a name related to “Iwa-shi” (sardine), while Muramatsu is affectionately called “Katsuo” (bonito).
While her game is rooted in traditional defensive grit, Muramatsu has consciously evolved. She admitted that build-up play was not an initial strength, but through dedicated work, she has developed this aspect and now actively “wants the ball” to initiate attacks. The long injury layoffs paradoxically fostered a deeper, more cerebral understanding of the game, forcing her to study tactics from the outside. The player who returned was not just physically healed but mentally fortified and tactically more astute, and as captain, she now confidently organizes the entire backline.
Future Outlook
As the established captain and defensive cornerstone of NTV Tokyo Verdy Beleza, Tomoko Muramatsu’s future is inextricably linked with the club’s success in the professional WE League era. Having successfully guided her team to a league title, her near-term focus remains on upholding the “Beleza way”. She serves as the living embodiment of the club’s identity, tasked with maintaining its high standards and mentoring the next generation, ensuring the legacy she inherited from Azusa Iwashimizu is passed on.
The Trophy Case (Honours)
NTV Beleza / NTV Tokyo Verdy Beleza
- Nadeshiko League (5): 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019
- WE League (1): 2024-25
- Empress’s Cup (6): 2014, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2022-23
- Nadeshiko League Cup (3): 2012, 2016, 2018, 2019
- AFC Women’s Club Championship (1): 2019
Japan
- FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup: Runner-up (2010)
- AFC U-16 Women’s Championship: 3rd Place (2009)
- FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup: 3rd Place (2012)**Withdrew due to injury before the tournament
Individual
- Nadeshiko League Best Eleven (2): 2015, 2016
- WE League Excellent Player Award (2): 2022-23, 2023-24
The Record (Career Statistics)
WE League Era Only
| Season | Competition | Appearances | Goals | Assists | Minutes Played | Yellow Cards |
| 2021-22 | WE League | 20 | 1 | 0 | 1796 | 0 |
| 2022-23 | WE League | 18 | 2 | 1 | 1545 | 2 |
| 2023-24 | WE League | 20 | 2 | 0 | 1766 | 1 |