Kana Kitahara

Kana Kitahara (北原 佳奈) is a Japanese footballer who played as defender for Mynavi Sendai. She has also played for the Japan national team.

Kitahara is currently the player-head coach for Albirex Niigata FC (S).

Early life and education
Kitahara was born in Fujieda on December 17, 1988. She graduated from Kanto Gakuen University.

Club career
Kitahara joined Albirex Niigata in 2011. She played 93 games in L.League.

In 2016, she moved to Mynavi Vegalta Sendai.

In July 2022, Kitahara joins Albirex Niigata Singapore FC's women team, Albirex Niigata Singapore Ladies.

In 2023, Kitahara scored 17 goals in 13 matches for Albirex Niigata, where the team finished runner-up for the 2023 Women's Premier League.

International career
On September 22, 2013, Kitahara debuted for the Japan national team against Nigeria. In 2014, she played at the 2014 Asian Games and Japan won second place. She was also played in the 2015 World Cup, in which Japan won second place. She played nine games for Japan until 2015.

Coaching career
Kitahara has a Japan Football Association B Licence.

While playing for Albirex Niigata, Kitahara was also the assistant coach of the U-17 Albirex men’s team. She was also a coach of the Albirex Singapore Football Academy.

In 2024, Kitahara became the head coach for Albirex Niigata Singapore Ladies team, taking over from Nahar Daud.

Honours
Individual


 * Women’s Premier League Player of the Year: 2023
 * Women’s Premier League Golden Boot: 2023