Maya Hijikata joined Aston Villa in August 2025.

The striker made the switch from Nippon TV Tokyo Verdy Beleza where she had begun her senior career in football.

An ankle injury stalled her start to life as a Villan with her not making her debut until December 2025.

The 21-year-old was named in Japan's 2026 Asian Women's Cup squad for the March tournament which she went on to win.