1. She's a born winner
No footballer will ever tire of winning trophies - and Yu Endo has lifted plenty of silverware over the past five years.
In 2020, our new signing made 13 appearances to help Urawa Reds win the Nadeshiko League Division 1 and achieve promotion to the WE League.
The following term, having finished runners-up in the two seasons prior, Endo and Urawa Reds lifted the Empress's Cup, whilst also enjoying a positive league campaign, finishing second in Japan’s top flight.
Seasons 2022/23 and 2023/24 brought Endo’s side the most success, winning back-to-back league titles as well as successive AFC Women's Champions Leagues - the first in the club’s history.
In her final campaign, Endo lifted her second Empress's Cup whilst finishing third in the WE League.
2. She defines 'ever-present'
In 2023/24 and 2024/25, Endo featured in every league match, proving a reliable and ever-present figure for Urawa Reds. Moreover, she only missed four fixtures in the two league campaigns prior.
Her consistent availability is something Endo prides herself on.
Speaking in her first interview with West Ham TV, Endo said: "I always wish to play from the start until the end. I think my achievement was based on looking after myself and my training, so here at this team too, I want to do my best to avoid injuries so I can play throughout the season."
3. A loyal servant
While Endo is undoubtedly excited about joining West Ham United and embarking on her first campaign in the Barclays Women’s Super League, her move to east London brings an end to a 15-year association with Urawa Reds.
The 27-year-old progressed through their youth ranks before making her first-team debut in October 2016 and becoming a mainstay in the side.
Endo departed the club having made 171 appearances, scoring 13 goals.
4. Our fifth Japan international
Endo becomes West Ham United’s fifth-ever Japanese player, linking up with current fellow international Riko Ueki.
Endo has already formed a strong bond with Ueki, spending a lot of her early days at Chadwell Heath with her, and our No9 is delighted to welcome another Japanese player to east London!
She also follows in the footsteps of Yui Hasegawa, Honoka Hayashi and Risa Shimizu, who made a combined 128 appearances in Claret and Blue.
The number of Japanese players in the WSL has grown year on year, and Endo is hoping to shine among them.
"I’m really happy that we can show just what Japanese players can do on the world stage," she said. "I was given No2, so I want to live up to the number as a representative of Japan here in England."
5. Interests outside of football
Away from winning trophies, Endo enjoys playing golf, having competed in tournaments in Japan.
She’s brought her golf clubs with her to England, and is looking forward to hitting the golf courses that London has to offer!
Golf isn’t Endo’s only interest, as she also has a social media account for her dog, Shingen!
She regularly updates the Instagram page with pictures of her Pug, and will be sure to welcome him to east London soon.
