Biography
DOB 19/12/95
Mebae Tanaka joined the Wellington Phoenix a month out from the start of the 2024-25 Ninja A-League after impressing during a trial at the start of pre-season.
The Japanese winger has played professionally in Japan and South Korea and joins the Nix from Preston Lions FC, who recently finished runner-up in Victoria’s National Premier Leagues (NPL) competition.
Head coach Paul Temple believes Tanaka will add much-needed depth to his roster.
“We’ve got a strong squad already, so Mebae will add a lot of quality and competition for places.
“We saw last season that you can’t go a whole season with just your starting XI. You need quality in the squad, so she’ll play an important part across the whole season.
“Mebae will need a little time to adapt having not played in the A-League before but I’m excited with what she can bring to the team.”
> 2023-24 season
Mebae Tanaka joined Preston Lions FC in May 2024 from Suwon FC in the South Korean top flight.
Tanaka scored 10 goals in 18 matches for Preston in NPL Victoria, including a hat-trick against Bentleigh Greens in July.
She believes there’s a lot she can offer the Phoenix.
“I am a technical player and like to dribble, play short passes, deliver crosses and do a lot of running.
“To start with I just want to play and then I want to score goals and assist others.”
No stats available
