February/March WE League Monthly Best Defense Award Winner Announced

The WE League is pleased to announce that Fubuki Kuno (Albirex Niigata Ladies) has been selected as the winner of the February/March WE League Monthly Best Defense Award, which honors players who have performed exceptionally 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 Matchweek 16: Cerezo Osaka Yanmar Ladies vs. Albirex Niigata Ladies

● Target Scene

67th minute: A great save that prevented a scoring opportunity

● Player Comment

"Thank you for selecting me and voting for me for the February/March Monthly Best Defense Award. I am very happy! This play was made possible because my positioning and movement were smooth in response to the opponent's cross, I was able to form a block against the shot, and Saori Ariyoshi cleared the loose ball. I will continue to put my body on the line for the team and work with the field players to protect the Niigata L goal."

● Reason for Selection (Selection Committee Chair: Ayumi Kaihori)

"Starting with her response to the opponent running toward the near post, she closed the distance with an instantaneous step even in a difficult situation, and held her body and hands until the very end. With a teammate coming in to cover the goal, this play was the culmination of the entire team's desire to defend. This big save, in a moment where many felt a goal was inevitable, was a brilliant play that truly showcased Kuno's instantaneous reaction and technique—she is a true guardian of the goal."

○ Click here for the special page

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■ WE League Monthly Offense Award / Monthly Defense Award Overview

○ Eligible Competition

・2025/26 SOMPO WE League *WE League Kracie Cup is excluded

○ Eligible Players

・All players who participated in the above competition

〇 Award Months

August / September / October / November & December / February & March / April & May (6 times in total)

○ Selection Method

・Each club nominates offense and defense scenes

・Fan/supporter voting is conducted

・The Monthly Best Offense/Defense Award Selection Committee meets to decide the winners based on the club nominations and fan voting results

○ Selection Committee Members

Selection Committee Chair: Ayumi Kaihori (WE League Board Member)

Selection Committee Member: Yukari Kinga (WE League Specially Appointed Board Member)

Selection Committee Member: Kenji Kawashima (Yomiuri Shimbun Tokyo Headquarters Editorial Committee Member)

○ Announcement

In principle, announced in the month following the target month