Kaoru Mitoma

Professional Footballer

Japan Hita, Ōita

Quick Info

ProfessionProfessional Footballer
NationalityJapan
Date of Birth20/05/1997
Age28 years
BirthplaceHita, Ōita

Latest News about Kaoru Mitoma

01/04/2026

Kaoru Mitoma scored the decisive goal in Japan's historic 1-0 friendly victory against England, marking Japan's first-ever win against England in a friendly match. The goal ended England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford's impressive run of 10 consecutive clean sheets, a record spanning 536 days and 922 minutes without conceding for his country.

Do you like Kaoru Mitoma?

You can vote only once.

Bio/Wiki

SummaryJapanese professional footballer who plays as a left winger for Premier League club Brighton & Hove Albion. Known for his exceptional dribbling skills and pace. Made significant impact at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, assisting in comeback victories against Germany and Spain.

Physical Stats & More

Height5'10" (178 cm)
Weight161 lbs (73 kg)
PositionLeft Winger / Midfielder
Preferred FootRight

Educational Qualification(s)

UniversityUniversity of Tsukuba
FieldSports Science

Personal Life

ChildhoodBorn in Hita, Ōita. Grew up in Miyamae-ku, Kawasaki, Kanagawa. Parents were sports enthusiasts: father was a track and field athlete and mother played volleyball. Recognized as a skilled dribbler from childhood.

Career

Early CareerJoined Kawasaki Frontale academy as a youth player. After high school graduation at age 18, chose to pursue university education instead of signing with Kawasaki's senior team.
Professional Clubs
  • Club: Kawasaki Frontale Duration: Approximately 1.5 years Notable Achievement: Scored 13 goals and provided 12 assists, earning Best Eleven award. Became fifth rookie in history to score double-digit goals in October.
  • Club: Union SG (Belgium) Duration: 2021-2022 (on loan) Notable Achievement: Scored 8 goals and 4 assists in 29 matches. Known for entertaining dribbling displays.
  • Club: Brighton & Hove Albion Duration: From August 2021 Notable Achievement: Made Premier League debut in 2022. Scored in three consecutive matches. Scored decisive goal in FA Cup fourth-round win against Liverpool. Thrived after claiming left-wing spot in 2023.
  • Club: Kawasaki Frontale Duration: 2020-2021 (approximately 1.5 years) Notable Achievement: Made professional debut on opening match-day of 2020 J1 League. Scored 30 goals and provided 20 assists in 61 appearances. Named J.League Best XI in 2020. Helped team win league title and Emperor's Cup. First professional goal came against Shonan Bellmare on 26 July 2020.
  • Club: Union St.-Gilloise (Belgium) Duration: 2021-2022 (on loan) Notable Achievement: Scored 8 goals and 4 assists in 29 matches. Known for entertaining dribbling displays.
  • Club: Brighton & Hove Albion Duration: From August 2021 Notable Achievement: Made Premier League debut in 2022. Scored in three consecutive matches. Scored decisive goal in FA Cup fourth-round win against Liverpool. Thrived after claiming left-wing spot in 2023. 109 Premier League appearances with 22 goals and 14 assists.
InternationalRepresented Japan at FIFA World Cup 2022 and Olympic Football Tournament 2020. Debuted for Japan senior squad in 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification.

Style Quotient

Playing StyleExceptional dribbler known for pace and ability to beat defenders off the dribble. Versatile winger capable of creating and scoring goals.

Some Lesser Known Facts

1. Chose to attend University of Tsukuba instead of joining Kawasaki Frontale's senior team, believing university would provide better development
2. Studied sports science at university while developing his football career
3. Had a unique path to professional football compared to typical academy-only players
4. Performed at league MVP level in his first year with Kawasaki Frontale despite being a rookie
Information on this page is collected from public sources and may not be 100% accurate. Report an error
Scroll to Top