FC Bayern Women are kicking off their 2026/27 season in Japan, and they aren’t easing into it. The defending double winners are set to face off against RB Omiya Ardija Women this Saturday, July 25, at 10:00 CEST. This isn’t just another friendly, not for RB Omiya Ardija. It’s an early season measuring stick for a club with big ambitions.
Red Bull’s Vision for Japanese Football
RB Omiya Ardija’s story starts way back in 1969 as Denden Kanto Football Club, growing into a top-flight club by 1998. The real game-changer came in 2021 when they merged with the Omiya Ardija men’s team to join the newly launched Japanese professional WE League, starting as “Omiya Ardija Ventus.” Their central idea was all about using sport to share dreams and passion, and contribute to society. Then came the bombshell: November 6, 2024, Red Bull took over the club. From 2025, they were officially “Red Bull Omiya Ardija Women,” or “RB Omiya Ardija Women.” Talk about a rebrand! This move immediately signals a serious investment and a desire to make waves, not just in Japan but on the international stage.
The Record, The Players, The Pitch
So, how have the “Reddoburu” been doing? Their debut WE League campaign in 2021/22 saw them finish ninth out of 11 teams. They climbed to sixth the next season, then seventh in 2023/24. After the Red Bull takeover and the league expanding to 12 clubs, they found themselves second-from-bottom. But last term, they bounced back to seventh place, grabbing 27 points with six wins and nine draws. Get this: nine draws was more than any other team in the league. They scored 24 goals and conceded 28. Not bad, but definitely room to grow.
Now, who are the players to watch? Keep an eye on 25-year-old striker Mai Kadowaki, a familiar face from the Bundesliga, who used to play for RB Leipzig. She joined Omiya on loan earlier this year and is now staying permanently. She even faced Bayern once before in the German top flight! Then there’s 33-year-old Yuma Saito, who was Omiya’s top scorer last season with seven goals. Head coach José Barcala’s defense will definitely have their hands full with her. They’ll be playing at NACK5 Stadium Omiya in Saitama, a compact ground designed for a close fan experience with its “Football First” motto. With a capacity of around 15,500, it’s the perfect spot for this kind of high-stakes friendly.
This match is part of the Allianz Women’s Tour and a big moment for RB Omiya Ardija. They’re facing a European powerhouse, the defending double winners, in their backyard. What better way to test that Red Bull vision than against the best? It’s going to be a fascinating glimpse into what this Japanese club is building.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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