Rikako Kobayashi (小林 里歌子, Kobayashi Rikako, born 21 July 1997) is a Japanese professional football player who plays as a midfielder for Tokyo Verdy Beleza the Japan national team.

She attended and played for Tokiwagi Gakuen High School, which competed in the second-division Challenge League.

[citation needed] On 17 July 2023, North Carolina Courage of the American National Women's Soccer League announced their signing of Kobayashi for a two-year contract through the 2024 NWSL season, with an option for an additional year.

[5][6] After failing to make a professional appearance for North Carolina due to injury, the club and Kobayashi mutually agreed to terminate her contract on 21 March 2024.

[citation needed] In February 2019, Kobayashi was selected Japan national team for SheBelieves Cup.