Riko Ueki Asian Cup Glory: West Ham Chadwell Heath 2026

Key Points

• Riko Ueki, the Japanese striker for West Ham United Women, returned to training at Chadwell Heath as an AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026 champion with Japan.
• Her teammates organised a special celebration during her first session back, marking her success in the tournament held in Australia.
• Japan defeated Australia 1-0 in the final at Stadium Australia in Sydney, with Maika Hamano scoring the decisive goal in the 17th minute.
• Ueki played a starring role, scoring six goals across the tournament and earning the Golden Boot award for top scorer.
• She started in the final and contributed significantly, averaging a goal every 37 minutes during the competition.
• West Ham United’s official report from their website detailed the warm welcome, highlighting team spirit at their Chadwell Heath base.
• The celebration occurred on Thursday, 26 March 2026, coinciding with Ueki’s return post-tournament.
• Ueki joined West Ham in September 2023 from Nippon TV Tokyo Verdy Beleza and has since become a key player, earning West Ham United Young Player of the Year for 2023-24.
• Previous accolades include WE League Golden Boot and Outstanding Player awards in Japan.
• The event underscores the growing international profile of the West Ham Women’s team in the Barclays Women’s Super League (WSL).

Chadwell Heath (East London Times) March 26, 2026 – Riko Ueki returned to the West Ham United women’s team as an Asian Cup champion, receiving a heartfelt celebration from her teammates during her first training session back at the club’s Chadwell Heath facility.

The 26-year-old Japanese striker, who played a pivotal role in Japan’s 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup victory, was greeted with cheers and applause as she rejoined the squad. This joyous occasion highlights the strong camaraderie within the team amid their busy WSL campaign.

Who is Riko Ueki and What Did She Achieve in the Asian Cup?

Riko Ueki, born on 30 July 1999, is a professional footballer who plays as a striker for West Ham United in the Women’s Super League and represents the Japan national team. She joined West Ham in September 2023, bringing her experience from Japan’s WE League where she previously starred for Nippon TV Tokyo Verdy Beleza.

In the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup, Ueki emerged as the tournament’s top scorer with six goals, clinching the Golden Boot award. As detailed in West Ham’s official coverage, her contributions were instrumental in Japan’s triumph, including starting in the final where they secured a 1-0 victory over hosts Australia. Maika Hamano’s 17th-minute strike at Stadium Australia in Sydney proved decisive, but Ueki’s overall impact—averaging a goal every 37 minutes—drew widespread praise.

Ueki herself downplayed her role modestly, as reported in various accounts of the tournament, emphasising the team’s collective effort in reclaiming the trophy Japan had long coveted.

How Did West Ham United Celebrate Ueki’s Return?

The celebration unfolded at West Ham’s Chadwell Heath training ground, the spiritual home of the Hammers’ women’s setup. As per the club’s official “Inside Chadwell Heath” feature, Ueki’s teammates surprised her upon arrival, creating an electric atmosphere during the session.

Images and reports from the club’s website capture the moment: players gathered to honour her achievement, with visible joy and mutual respect on display. This gesture not only recognised Ueki’s international success but also boosted morale ahead of upcoming WSL fixtures.

No specific quotes from individual teammates were detailed in the primary reports, but the collective welcome underscored the inclusive spirit fostered under head coach Rita Guarino.

What is the Context of Japan’s Asian Cup Victory?

Japan’s path to glory in the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup culminated in a hard-fought 1-0 final win over Australia at Stadium Australia. Maika Hamano’s early goal sealed the deal, ending Australia’s hopes on home soil.

Ueki’s six-goal haul made her the standout performer, adding to her growing list of accolades that include the WE League Best XI (2022-23), Golden Boot (2022-23), and Outstanding Player awards (2021-22, 2022-23). Her Wikipedia profile confirms her pivotal role, noting the championship as a career highlight alongside her club successes.

The tournament, hosted in Australia, showcased Ueki’s clinical finishing and positioned her as a key figure in Japan’s resurgence.

How Does This Fit into West Ham Women’s Season?

While Ueki was away securing continental glory, West Ham United Women faced challenges domestically. On the same day as Japan’s final, Rita Guarino’s side suffered a 5-0 defeat to Arsenal in the WSL, as covered by West Ham Zone.

Chloe Kelly opened the scoring for Arsenal in the fourth minute, but West Ham remained competitive until half-time at 1-0 down. Second-half strikes from Alessia Russo, Beth Mead, and two more from Kelly turned the match into a rout. Head coach Guarino appeared despondent post-match, contrasting sharply with Ueki’s celebrations from afar.

Ueki’s return provides a timely boost, given her form in the WSL where she has celebrated goals with teammates like Viviane Asseyi, Ffion Morgan, Oona Siren, and Yu Endo, as captured in Getty Images from recent matches.

What is Ueki’s Career Journey at West Ham?

Since signing for West Ham in September 2023, Ueki has made 56 appearances and scored 13 goals. Her integration into the squad earned her the Young Player of the Year award for 2023-24.

Highlights include a composed finish celebrated on social media as “PURE AURA,” slotting past the keeper from the edge of the box in a Barclays WSL match, as posted by West Ham United Women on Instagram. Such moments illustrate her value to the team.

Her career stats with Japan stand at 45 caps and 13 goals since her senior debut in March 2019, plus youth international experience.

Why Does This Celebration Matter for Team Morale?

The Chadwell Heath welcome serves as a morale lifter for West Ham Women, who are navigating a competitive WSL season. As reported by the club’s official channels, such events foster unity and motivation.

In a league where international duties often disrupt schedules, recognising achievements like Ueki’s reinforces the club’s supportive culture. It also spotlights the global talent within the squad, enhancing West Ham’s reputation.

What Are Ueki’s Previous Accolades?

Beyond the Asian Cup Golden Boot, Ueki’s trophy cabinet boasts WE League honours: Best XI in 2022-23, Golden Boot in 2022-23, and Outstanding Player in 2021-22 and 2022-23. At West Ham, her 2023-24 Young Player award cements her rising star status.

These achievements, as chronicled on platforms like FotMob and Wikipedia, trace her evolution from Japanese domestic football to European prominence.

How Has West Ham Engaged with Broader Community Initiatives?

West Ham United has a history of community engagement, such as celebrating South Asian Heritage Month in 2025 with events at Chadwell Heath, including talent identification days. While not directly linked, such activities at the same venue highlight Chadwell Heath’s role as a hub for both football and community.

Ueki’s celebration aligns with this ethos, blending international success with local pride.

What Lies Ahead for Ueki and West Ham Women?

With Ueki back in the fold, West Ham gear up for their next WSL challenges. Her tournament form—six goals in the Asian Cup—promises to elevate the team’s attack.

As a 163cm forward with proven composure, Ueki remains integral under Guarino. Fans will watch keenly as she translates international form to domestic pitches.