Two members of Japan’s triumphant FIFA Women’s World Cup 2011™ squad enjoyed a trip down memory lane at the FIFA Museum on Monday, 28 July. Japanese legends Aya Miyama and Mana Iwabuchi were treated to an exclusive tour of the exhibition and savoured our FIFA Women’s World Cup™ showcases, especially the one dedicated to the 2011 tournament.

The pair’s emotion reached a climax when they lifted the FIFA Women’s World Cup Trophy again. In Iwabuchi’s case, this was the first time that she had got her hands on the iconic prize for almost 15 years: “It’s very special. I don’t really remember the moment after the final. But now I’m very happy and proud of holding it.”

Iwabuchi marked her maiden visit to the museum in traditional fashion by becoming the second of Japan’s 2011 trailblazers to add a golden pin to our hallowed Wall of Champions. The first? Miyama, whom we are proud to call a regular, as she had visited us twice before but continues to get a kick out of coming back.

Remarkably, Iwabuchi was still a teenager during the tournament in Germany. The adidas Golden Ball winner at the 2008 edition of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup™, the starlet earned her first full cap in 2010. One year later, despite her youth, the exciting attacker was entrusted to come on as a substitute in almost all of her team’s matches at the senior event, including the final, helping Japan become the only Asian team to triumph at a senior World Cup to date.

Manadona, as she was nicknamed, would go on to taste further success at home and abroad. Besides amassing nearly 90 caps and over 35 goals for her country, the skilful schemer enjoyed spells in Germany with Hoffenheim and Bayern Munich and in England with Aston Villa, Arsenal and Tottenham.

Check out the best snapshots from the 2011 world champions’ visit!