Momoko Tanikawa made headlines recently as she shone during her debut for Bayern Munich, contributing significantly to the team’s remarkable 4-1 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt in the women's DFB-Pokal quarterfinals. The match, held on the 12th, showcased her talents as she scored her first goal and provided her first assist.
Coming off the bench at the 85th minute, Tanikawa quickly made her presence felt during the intense cup match, which was filled with dramatic moments, including Frankfurt taking the lead first. Tanikawa’s opportunity arose when her team was battling to recover from a 1-1 tie. The excitement built up as Bayern Munich desperately sought to regain control, and Tanikawa was ready to deliver.
Speaking about the match, Football Channel noted, "The breathtaking assist from Momoko Tanikawa was something to behold!" Highlighting the turning point at the 93rd minute, she received the ball near the corner area of the box. Showing exceptional skill, she began to weave through the Frankfurt defenders, evading three players with mesmerizing footwork before sending a pinpoint left-footed cross to her teammate, who scored the go-ahead goal. The flare and poise Tanikawa displayed during this moment were extraordinary, marking her as one to watch.
But Tanikawa was not done yet. Just ten minutes later, she received the ball again, this time just outside the penalty area. With the finesse of someone beyond her years, Tanikawa executed a crafty kick feint, leaving her defender grasping for air. She then unleashed a left-footed shot of remarkable power, which struck the crossbar and bounced down to seal her first professional goal with Bayern Munich. "Her dribbling to evade three defenders was simply impressive," noted observers after witnessing her remarkable performance.
At only 19 years old, Tanikawa has already become notable for her skills. A native of Japan, she joined Bayern Munich after making waves at Rosenborg, where she was the top scorer with 16 goals over the past season, and was recognized for Best Midfielder and Most Promising Player before her return to Bayern. This meteoric rise has sky-rocketed the expectations surrounding her future contributions both at the club and international levels.
Her positive performance on the pitch has been well received, and expectations continue to rise for her participation not only at Bayern Munich but also with the Japan national team, which is gearing up to feature her during the upcoming 2025 SheBelieves Cup. It will be Neils Nielsen's first tournament as the head coach of the national team which presents another significant opportunity for Tanikawa to shine.
During the match against Eintracht Frankfurt, Bayern Munich's manager praised the team's resilience, and Tanikawa's contributions were key to turning the tide. The victory propelled Bayern to the semifinals, where they can maintain momentum fueled by the arrival of fresh talent like Tanikawa. With her quick adaptation to high-pressure situations and her significant roles early on, many fans and analysts alike are eager to see how she continues to develop and make her mark.
This victory not only showcased Tanikawa’s potential but also served as a launching pad for her career at Bayern Munich. The match underscored the blend of skill, determination, and ambitions of team members, particularly with Tanikawa joining the ranks of other seasoned players. The spirit of the match is poised to resonate throughout the rest of the tournament, as Bayern Munich anticipates making another deep cup run.