Kaoru Mitoma is a player who is rapidly rising in the Premier League, showcasing exceptional football prowess and substantiating it with awards and record-breaking performances. He recently took the football world by storm as multiple clubs vied for his acquisition from Brighton.
In our biography, you’ll delve into the behind-the-scenes of pivotal moments in his life, from his formative years to the point where he ascended to stardom.
The School Childhood That Ignited His Passion for Football
Kaoru Mitoma is a brilliant young football player, born on May 20, 1997, in Hita, Ōita, Japan. The Japanese winger and playmaker already have the attention of top leagues, including the Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, and the Bundesliga. It won’t be long before major clubs are in a bidding war for his contract. The talented winger displayed remarkable skills from a young age, catching the eye of his parents, who foresaw his potential to become a superstar someday.
Kaoru embarked on his journey with the Kawasaki Frontale team at the tender age of 11. He steadily advanced through the club’s various youth stages, leaving a lasting impression on all the coaches who had the privilege of working with him.
By the time he turned nineteen, the club made a compelling offer, urging him to sign a professional contract and kickstart his career in earnest. The unexpected twist, however, was that the young player declined the offer and made the resolute choice to enroll in university instead.
Kaoru, The Younger Brother Who Made It Happen
Kaoru Mitoma is one of three siblings, born to their parents’ relationship. In this unique childhood photograph, the Japanese winger can be seen sitting beside his three-year-old brother. His older brother, who would later become an actor, mostly played soccer for fun during their childhood. However, it was Mitoma who took the game seriously enough to achieve what he did.
Kaoru’s Educational Excellence
As a child, Mitoma believed that pursuing an education was just as important as nurturing a professional football career. He respected his parents’ wishes and ensured he completed his education as a foundation for his career.
Mitoma graduated from Kawasaki Municipal Saginuma Elementary School before moving on to Kawasaki City Arima Junior High School. Subsequently, he transitioned to Kawasaki Municipal Tachibana High School. His educational journey culminated at the University of Tsukuba.
Mitoma’s Love Life
The Japanese samurai found love in the form of his longtime sweetheart, Narumi Miura. The two are now happily married and residing in England. It is said that Narumi has been a source of support since their childhood. Several websites have mentioned that Kaoru and Narumi have known each other since their early years. However, Kaoru stated that their romantic journey began during their college years
The Samurai Who Declined a Professional Contract at 18
When Mitoma turned nineteen, his club, Kawasaki Frontale, made a concerted effort to persuade him to sign a professional contract, providing a clear path for his career. The surprising twist was that the athlete declined the offer and chose to pursue higher education.
This talented Japanese student studied physical education at the esteemed Tsukuba University in Japan, gaining a comprehensive understanding of sports and physical sciences.
The winger was quoted in “The Athletic” newspaper, saying, “I felt that I was not physically prepared to enter the first team, so I wanted to dedicate more time to self-improvement.”
Mitoma continued to play football after enrolling in college, participating in college tournaments from 2017 to 2019, as well as the Asian Games in 2018 and the 2019 Toulon Championship with the U-23 team.
In contrast to Europe, where university competitions are often overshadowed by professional leagues, in Japan, university competitions hold significant importance. Mitoma garnered considerable attention when he consistently delivered top-notch performances in the university league.
Kaoru Mitoma Youth Career
In 2020, the young soccer player inked his inaugural contract with the senior squad of Kawasaki Frontale. He made his official professional debut on the opening day of the 2020 J1 League season. As the global epidemic gradually subsided, he quickly began making a name for himself.
Mitoma spent three seasons with Kawasaki Frontale, during which he secured victories in the Emperor’s Cup, Japanese Super Cup, and J1 League. On August 10, 2021, he added another milestone to his career by signing his second contract—a four-year agreement—with the Premier League team, Brighton & Hove Albion.
Mitoma has an impressive track record in his career. During his time with Kawasaki Frontale, he played 62 matches, scoring 30 goals and providing 20 assists. While at Tsukuba University, he participated in 5 matches, contributing 2 goals and 1 assist.
In the Belgian league, he made a significant impact, scoring his first goal that led the side to a 4-2 victory against Seraing, just over a month after joining. Over the course of his time with Union SG, he played a total of 29 games, netting 8 goals and providing 4 assists in all competitions.
Brighton Career
Kaoru Mitoma garnered attention from several European clubs, but the talented winger chose to join the ranks of Brighton & Hove Albion. On the 10th of August 2021, the Seagulls officially signed a four-year contract with Mitoma.
Brighton’s midfielder, Kaoru Mitoma, made his Premier League debut on August 13, 2022, during a match against Newcastle. He started the game on the bench and entered the field in the 75th minute, replacing Trossard. Following his debut, Mitoma displayed an exceptional level of performance, captivating fans in the Premier League. He went on to play 51 matches with Brighton, contributing 13 goals and 12 assists against top English clubs.
National Career
Mitoma’s outstanding skills, knowledge, and unwavering work ethic have positioned him as a promising talent with the potential to become one of the greatest players in Japanese football history.
On November 14, 2021, Mitoma made his international debut for the Japan National Football Team during a 1-0 victory over Oman in the 2022 World Cup qualifying matches. His international success continued when he scored another crucial goal for his team against Australia in the 2022 World Cup qualifying, just five months later. Japan greatly appreciates Mitoma’s contributions, leading them to the 2022 World Cup events, even though they faced an unfortunate exit from the round of 16 after losing their final penalty shootout against Croatia.
Praised by Pep!
Mitoma’s recent stellar performances did not go unnoticed by one of the best modern football managers, Pep Guardiola. Pep has openly expressed his admiration for the Japanese winger, stating, “The impact of [Kaoru] Mitoma on the Premier League has been incredible. He is in the right place with the right manager, and his last season was extraordinary.”
Market Value and Next Club
As of the current estimate on Transfermrkt.com, Mitoma’s transfer value stands at approximately £30 million ($36.5 million). However, it’s highly likely that this value will surge even higher should Brighton decide to sell him in 2024.
The battle for Mitoma’s signature is expected to be intense, with both Manchester City and Manchester United being strong contenders. Brighton will undoubtedly demand a substantial transfer fee, and both Manchester teams are expected to go to great lengths to secure the deal.
Both Manchester United and Manchester City would make wise choices in signing Mitoma. He has solidified his status as one of the Premier League’s top wingers, and, as previously mentioned, facing him on the pitch is a daunting task for any defender.
