Risa Shimizu

is a Japanese professional football player who plays as a right-back for Women's Super League club West Ham United and the Japan national team. Born and raised in Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture, Shimizu played youth football for Tokyo Verdy Beleza and subsequently begun her professional career with the club in 2013. Shimizu moved to West Ham United in 2022. Shimizu made her senior international debut for the Japan national team in 2018 and has since won 62 caps. Early life and career Shimizu was born in Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture on June 15, 1996. She began playing football aged seven years old, influenced by her two years older sister. Her family moved to Yokohama, in Kanagawa Prefecture the following year, and she joined local club FC Susukino Ladies. By the time she was ten, Shimizu was a prolific striker for her team in national junior competitions.