Riko Ueki has expressed how much it would mean to her to make more history with West Ham United women’s team this season.
The Hammers have already set records with their phenomenal form in the Barclays Women’s Super League this term - most points at home in a season, most wins at home in a season and biggest-ever league win, to name a few - but the Japan international has her eye on one more to tick off before the end of the campaign.
Following their scintillating 7-1 success at Crystal Palace on Sunday, the Irons know that wins from their final two matches against Aston Villa and Leicester City will see them accumulate the most points in the WSL in the Club’s history.
“If we can make history, I would be so happy,” said Ueki.
“I want to score and continue to help the team. I feel we can really climb the table and the last few games are a really good opportunity for us.
“The first half of the season was a bit difficult, but we kept going and we got better. I’ve enjoyed this season. I think this season has been so different from the last. I’ve learnt what my strengths are.
“We (the attackers) know each other’s strengths. I can hold up the play, I’m good at heading, Vivi (Viviane Asseyi) can put in a good cross or a good shot, that’s important for us to make success. Sheki (Shekiera Martinez) has good physicality and she can score a lot. I love playing with her and we can help each other.”
Ueki reached a landmark 50 appearances for the Club when the women’s team came from behind to take a dramatic point off Barclays Women's Super League leaders Chelsea at Kingsmeadow on Sunday 30 March.
On that sunny afternoon in west London, Ueki helped to inspire the comeback as, while off-balance, she played a well-weighted pass to No19 Martinez, who finished clinically on the stroke of half-time. The Germany U23 international then scored a late equaliser in second-half stoppage time to help the Hammers become the first team to take a point off Chelsea away from home this term.
While Ueki celebrated a half-century of appearances in a West Ham shirt, it was also Rehanne Skinner’s 50th game in charge of the Club. The forward has featured in every game under the manager's tenure.
“Honestly, I didn’t know that [I had played in every game]! But when we both hit 50 games against Chelsea, I realised!” joked Ueki. “I’m so happy because it’s important that I’ve played a lot.
“She trusts me, she helps me and talks to me about how to grow my game.”
Another person who has helped Ueki at the Club since her arrival from Tokyo Verdy Beleza in September 2023 is forward, and close friend, Emma Harries.
“She’s my best friend,” expressed Ueki. “She helped me get better with English, but we also link up well on the pitch. We trust each other, we believe in each other and I’m so proud of her.”
Riko Ueki's favourites...
Band or artist
My favourite singer is Japanese, she’s called Sayaka Yamamoto. When I was 14 or 15, I loved her music and now I listen to her songs before every game.
Box set or TV series
I mainly watch Japanese television, but I love watching Britain’s Got Talent!
Phone app
I use Instagram and TikTok a lot! We’ve started a West Ham United women’s team TikTok and I always watch it. I really enjoy it!
Holiday destination
I love going back to Japan. My favourite things to do are go shopping or go to a café with my family.
Other sport to watch
I like to watch basketball. I’ve never played it, though! They all score a lot, and I like to score!
Sports star
Mana Iwabuchi. She’s a Japanese player who played for Arsenal, she’s my legend. When I was 21, we played together for the national team and it was an amazing experience.
Ground to play at
I love playing at our stadium, it’s similar to the ones in Japan. It’s close to the fans so you can really hear the atmosphere.
Match you’ve played in
In the equivalent of the FA Cup in Japan, we (Tokyo Verdy Beleza) won it and I scored two goals. In every round of that cup run I scored two goals! My favourite game for West Ham was probably when we beat Arsenal last season, and we made history.
Meal
I would say Takoyaki - it’s a Japanese octopus pancake ball. I made some a few days ago!
Karaoke song
I don’t have a special song that I sing! But for my initiation, I sang 'Take Me Home, Country Roads' with Emma Harries!
