Chicago Stars FC's Manaka Hayashi Emerges as Key Piece for 2026 Season

Second-year midfielder has taken big steps in her development, earning praise from new head coach Martin Sjögren.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 5:36pm

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Manaka Hayashi, a second-year midfielder for the Chicago Stars FC, has emerged as a crucial piece for the club in the 2026 NWSL season. After a limited role as a rookie in 2025, Hayashi has started all four matches to begin the 2026 campaign and has impressed new head coach Martin Sjögren with her technical ability, improved physicality, and growing confidence on the pitch.

Why it matters

The Chicago Stars FC struggled in 2025, but the team is hoping Hayashi can help lead a turnaround in 2026 under Sjögren's leadership. As a young, talented midfielder, Hayashi's development will be crucial to the club's success this season and in the years to come.

The details

Hayashi signed with the Stars ahead of the 2025 season after one collegiate season at Santa Clara. She had to wait to make her NWSL debut, coming off the bench in four of her first five pro matches before finally seeing the field against the North Carolina Courage on May 17. In 2026, Hayashi has started all four matches so far, showcasing her ability to control possession and win duels in the midfield. Sjögren has praised Hayashi's technical skills, her education in the Japanese youth national team system, and her improved physicality, which she has worked hard on in the offseason.

  • Hayashi made her NWSL debut off the bench against the North Carolina Courage on May 17, 2025.
  • Hayashi has started all four matches to begin the 2026 NWSL season.

The players

Manaka Hayashi

A second-year midfielder for the Chicago Stars FC who has emerged as a key piece in the team's 2026 campaign after a limited role as a rookie in 2025.

Martin Sjögren

The first-year head coach of the Chicago Stars FC who has praised Hayashi's development and believes she can help lead the team's turnaround in 2026.

Anders Jacobson

The former interim head coach of the Chicago Stars FC in 2025, who helped Hayashi gain confidence and adjust to the NWSL before Sjögren took over the team.

Yuki Nagasato

A former NWSL and Japanese National Team superstar who has served as a mentor to Hayashi, providing guidance on the physical aspects of the game and encouraging her development.

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What they’re saying

“I'm getting more minutes than last season already. I'm very grateful for the opportunity Martin has given me. And I feel like my role in the team has been changed, definitely like this season, more like as a midfielder that's helping to keep possession and, of course, win duels in the middle.”

— Manaka Hayashi, Chicago Stars FC Midfielder

“Anders helped us a lot to adjust to the new structure and tactics, especially, I've been emphasizing driving the ball into space, specific box defense, box defending. He educated us before Martin came to the team and I think he really helped us to keep consistent.”

— Manaka Hayashi, Chicago Stars FC Midfielder

“You can tell that Mana has been taking huge steps from last year to this year. And I think in all aspects, we all knew that. She's a technical, gifted player. She's also very well educated player coming out from Japan, and you know the system they have in Japan, also being a part of the national team, the youth national teams.”

— Martin Sjögren, Head Coach, Chicago Stars FC

What’s next

The Chicago Stars FC will look to Manaka Hayashi to continue her strong start to the 2026 season as they aim to turn things around under new head coach Martin Sjögren. Hayashi's development and leadership in the midfield will be crucial to the team's success this year and beyond.

The takeaway

Manaka Hayashi's emergence as a key player for the Chicago Stars FC in 2026 represents the potential for young, talented players to make a significant impact in the NWSL. Her growth from a limited role as a rookie to a central figure in the team's plans shows the value of player development and the ability of coaches to unlock a player's full potential.