After starring for Japan at the Under-20 World Cup in 2022 – Hamano won the Golden Ball and Silver Boot awards at that tournament – she joined the Blues in January 2023 from INAC Kobe Leonessa.

A short loan spell in Sweden followed before Hamano returned and established herself as an important figure in the Blues first team. The 21-year-old has made 39 appearances for Chelsea and struck nine goals in all competitions.

On putting pen to paper, Hamano said: 'Being able to work alongside amazing players and staff, and to give our all toward the same goal throughout a long season - that's incredible. Of course, the fans are with us every step of the way, too. Through the fans, I've learned just how amazing it is to be part of Chelsea.'  

Head of women’s football Paul Green added: ‘We’re delighted to extend Maika’s deal at the club. She’s adapted well to the Women’s Super League and brings high energy to the team.

‘She’s shown her quality and adaptability in being used in multiple positions. There’s still room for her to develop even further, and we look forward to seeing that development in the upcoming years.’

After signing for Chelsea, Hamano was loaned out to Hammarby IF in Sweden to gain experience in European football. She made 17 league appearances for the club and scored seven goals before her loan was cut short due to a shoulder injury. 

Hamano made her Chelsea debut as a second-half substitute in a 3-0 win over Bristol City in December 2023. Two months later, she played her first full 90 minutes for the Blues in a 5-0 League Cup victory over Sunderland.  

Her first 90 minutes in the Women’s Super League came at home to Aston Villa in April 2024. The Japan international marked that occasion with her first goal for the club.  

Hamano then made a vital contribution to Chelsea’s title triumph during the 2023/24 season, netting the only goal of the game against Tottenham in the penultimate game of the WSL campaign. Our emphatic 6-0 win at Old Trafford against Manchester United followed days later.

Hamano made 30 appearances for Chelsea in all competitions last season, scoring six goals and providing three assists to help the Blues claim a historic domestic Treble in blue.  

On the international stage, the forward has become an integral part of the Japanese senior squad. Since making her debut in 2022, she has represented her country on 21 occasions, scoring six goals.

In 2025, Hamano was part of the squad that won the SheBelievesCup, scoring against Australia and Colombia en route to lifting the trophy.  

Everyone at Chelsea sends their congratulations to Maika, and we wish her every success for the forthcoming years in blue.