WE League Monthly Best Defense Award for February and March Announced
The WE League announced that Fubuki Kuno of Albirex Niigata Ladies has been selected as the recipient of the Monthly Best Defense Award for February and March in the 2025/26 SOMPO WE League. Kuno's decisive save in the match against Cerezo Osaka Yanmar Ladies was highly praised, with Selection Committee Chair Ayumi Kaihori commending her instantaneous reactions and technique.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 6, 2026 at 21:00
- 🔍 Collected: April 6, 2026 at 12:30
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 21, 2026 at 14:59 (362h 29m after Collected)
The WE League is pleased to announce that Fubuki Kuno (Albirex Niigata Ladies) has been selected as the recipient of the WE League Monthly Best Defense Award for February and March, which recognizes players who have performed exceptionally well in the 2025/26 SOMPO WE League each month.
## February/March WE League Monthly Best Defense Award
● Fubuki Kuno (Albirex Niigata Ladies)
● Target Match
2025/26 SOMPO WE League Matchday 16: Cerezo Osaka Yanmar Ladies vs. Albirex Niigata Ladies
● Target Scene
67th minute: A great save that prevented a scoring opportunity.
Click here for play footage.
● Player's Comment
"Thank you for selecting and voting for me for the February/March Monthly Best Defense Award. I am very happy! It was a play that was made possible by my smooth movement from positioning against the opponent's cross, my ability to form a block and respond to the shot, and Ariyoshi's clear of the spilled ball. I will continue to put my body on the line for the team and protect Niigata L's goal in cooperation with the field players."
● Reason for Selection (Selection Committee Chair: Ayumi Kaihori)
"I believe it was a play born from the team's collective desire to defend, with teammates covering the goal, as she responded to an opponent running into the near post, closed the distance with quick steps even in difficult situations, and kept her body and hands in play until the end. The big save she made in a situation where many people felt 'it was over' was a brilliant play that showcased Kuno's instantaneous reaction and technique, truly making her a guardian deity."
○ Click here for the special page
View details
### WE League Monthly Offense Award / Monthly Defense Award Overview
○ Target Competition
・2025/26 SOMPO WE League
## February/March WE League Monthly Best Defense Award
● Fubuki Kuno (Albirex Niigata Ladies)
● Target Match
2025/26 SOMPO WE League Matchday 16: Cerezo Osaka Yanmar Ladies vs. Albirex Niigata Ladies
● Target Scene
67th minute: A great save that prevented a scoring opportunity.
Click here for play footage.
● Player's Comment
"Thank you for selecting and voting for me for the February/March Monthly Best Defense Award. I am very happy! It was a play that was made possible by my smooth movement from positioning against the opponent's cross, my ability to form a block and respond to the shot, and Ariyoshi's clear of the spilled ball. I will continue to put my body on the line for the team and protect Niigata L's goal in cooperation with the field players."
● Reason for Selection (Selection Committee Chair: Ayumi Kaihori)
"I believe it was a play born from the team's collective desire to defend, with teammates covering the goal, as she responded to an opponent running into the near post, closed the distance with quick steps even in difficult situations, and kept her body and hands in play until the end. The big save she made in a situation where many people felt 'it was over' was a brilliant play that showcased Kuno's instantaneous reaction and technique, truly making her a guardian deity."
○ Click here for the special page
View details
### WE League Monthly Offense Award / Monthly Defense Award Overview
○ Target Competition
・2025/26 SOMPO WE League