illo tempore mihi visum est

[The World Cup final] also changed everything for Sawa. The feeling that had always haunted her — that life would have been easier as a boy — evaporated with the victory. In January, Sawa was awarded FIFA’s Ballon d’Or, beating out Brazil’s Marta and U.S. star Abby Wambach for the top prize. It came after nearly 20 years of playing on the national team and competing in five World Cups. Sawa let only the briefest of smiles slip when the announcer called her name before walking purposefully to the stage in a powder blue kimono. That humility and reserve — coupled with her penchant for smashing barriers — has inspired fans at home. Many even know by heart a line from a pregame pep talk she gave to her teammates: ‘If you’re having a tough time, watch my back. I will be there, playing with everything I’ve got to lead you.’