Kaoru Mitoma Footballer Age, Height, Weight, Stats and Net Worth
Kaoru Mitoma is a famous Japanese professional footballer and Brighton & Hove Albion star. He plays as a left winger for Brighton in the English Premier League. He is widely regarded as one of the most exciting dribblers in world football today. His close control, speed, and technical ability are absolutely mesmerizing. Fans and pundits call him the “Dribbling Professor” for his unique style.
His full real name is Kaoru Mitoma . His stage name is Kaoru Mitoma. He is currently 28 years old (updated to 2026) . He was born on May 20, 1997 in Hita, Ōita, Japan . His height is 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm) . His weight is 157-163 lbs (71-74 kg) . He is a professional footballer (left winger) by profession.
He started his football career at Kawasaki Frontale after graduating from the University of Tsukuba, where he wrote his thesis on dribbling . His famous works include Brighton & Hove Albion, the Japan national team, and the Premier League. He has become a cult hero at Brighton since his breakout 2022-23 season . His current club is Brighton & Hove Albion (since 2021) . His former clubs include Kawasaki Frontale and Union SG (loan) . He grew up in Kawasaki, Kanagawa with his parents and an older brother named Kousei Yuki (an actor) .
He is not married and has no children. His major achievements include Back-to-back J1 League titles (2020, 2021) and two Premier League Goal of the Month awards. He has made over 200 professional appearances with 47+ goals. His net worth is estimated at $5-10 million as of 2026 . His income comes from Brighton wages (£80,000/week), Nike, and endorsements.
Kaoru Mitoma Wiki/Bio
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Kaoru Mitoma (三笘 薫) |
| Stage Name | Kaoru Mitoma |
| Age (2026) | 28 years |
| Birth Date | May 20, 1997 |
| Birthplace | Hita, Ōita, Japan |
| Height | 5’10” (178 cm) |
| Weight | 157-163 lbs (71-74 kg) |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Body Type / Build | Athletic / Lean |
| Shoe Size | 8.5 (US) |
| Profession | Professional Footballer |
| Position | Left Winger / Attacking Midfielder |
| Current Club | Brighton & Hove Albion (2021-present) |
| Jersey Number | 22 |
| Career Start | 2020 (Kawasaki Frontale) |
| Famous Works | Premier League, Japan National Team |
| Father | Information private |
| Mother | Information private |
| Siblings | Kousei Yuki (older brother, actor) |
| Marital Status | Unmarried |
| Children | None |
| Achievements | Back-to-back J1 League titles (2020, 2021), Emperor’s Cup (2020), 2x Premier League Goal of the Month |
| Career Appearances | 200+ |
| Career Goals | 47+ |
| Career Assists | 25+ |
| Market Value (2026) | €25-30 Million |
| Net Worth (2026) | $5-10 Million (estimated) |
| Weekly Wage | £80,000 |
| Annual Salary | £4.16 Million |
| Income Sources | Brighton wages, Nike, Endorsements |
Kaoru Mitoma Real Name
Kaoru Mitoma’s real name is Kaoru Mitoma (三笘 薫) . He was born with this Japanese name in Hita, Ōita, Japan. “Kaoru” means “fragrance” or “smell” in Japanese. “Mitoma” is his family surname. He uses Kaoru Mitoma as his professional football name. His teammates and fans call him “Kaoru” or “Mitoma.” His jersey has “Mitoma” printed on the back.
He is proud of his Japanese heritage. He represents Japan with every dribble and goal. He grew up in Kawasaki, Kanagawa after moving from Hita as a child. Today, Kaoru Mitoma means Japanese football excellence. His real name is Kaoru Mitoma. Fans simply know him as Mitoma or Kaoru. He is one of the most famous Japanese players in Premier League history.
| Real Name Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Birth Name | Kaoru Mitoma (三笘 薫) |
| Short Name | Kaoru Mitoma |
| First Name Meaning | “Fragrance” (Japanese) |
| Surname Origin | Japanese |
| Jersey Name | Mitoma |
| Legal Name Change | No |
Kaoru Mitoma Early Life and Education
Kaoru Mitoma was born on May 20, 1997 in Hita, Ōita, Japan . He grew up in a football-loving family with an older brother. His brother Kousei Yuki is an actor in Japan . They played football constantly at home as children . He started playing football at age 5 or 6 on local pitches.
He moved to Kawasaki, Kanagawa with his family. He joined the Saginuma SC youth club as a child. He later joined Kawasaki Frontale’s academy at the U10 level. He was a talented youngster who worked incredibly hard. His coaches noticed his dribbling ability from a young age.
At age 18, he made a surprising decision. He turned down a professional contract with Kawasaki Frontale. Instead, he chose to attend the University of Tsukuba, a renowned institution for its football program. He felt he was not ready physically for professional football. He wanted to develop his body and game in college.
He spent four years at university (2016-2019) . He majored in physical education. He wrote his graduation thesis on dribbling, analyzing the technique in detail. He played for the university football club, one of Japan’s strongest. He was named to the all-league XI in his final three seasons. He played in the Emperor’s Cup with the university team, scoring a brace against Vegalta Sendai.
| Early Life Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Hometown | Hita, Ōita, Japan (raised in Kawasaki) |
| Brother | Kousei Yuki (actor) |
| Started Football | Age 5-6 |
| First Youth Club | Saginuma SC |
| Joined Kawasaki academy | U10 level |
| Turned down pro contract | Age 18 |
| University | University of Tsukuba |
| University Major | Physical Education |
| Thesis Topic | Dribbling |
| Education Level | University graduate |
Kaoru Mitoma Parents and Siblings
Kaoru Mitoma keeps his family life very private. His father and mother are from Japan. They supported his unusual decision to go to university instead of turning pro. They remain very proud of his success. They attend Brighton and Japan matches when possible.
His mother was especially supportive during his university years. She encouraged his academic and football development. They are very private and avoid publicity. Kaoru credits his parents for his patient and thoughtful approach to his career.
Kaoru has one older brother named Kousei Yuki. Kousei is an actor in Japan . He inspired Kaoru to pursue his dreams . They were childhood friends and teammates . Kousei did not make it into Kawasaki’s academy, but Kaoru did . This made their bond even stronger. Kousei is very proud of his younger brother’s success. He said: “It’s a unique feeling to see your brother in such a position” .
His parents still live in Japan today. He visits them during holidays. Their sacrifices shaped his character. He is a proud representative of Japan on the world stage. His older brother’s support has been invaluable throughout his journey.
| Family Member | Relation | Information |
|---|---|---|
| Father (name private) | Father | From Japan |
| Mother (name private) | Mother | From Japan |
| Kousei Yuki | Older brother | Actor in Japan |
Kaoru Mitoma Girlfriend
Kaoru Mitoma is not married as of 2026. He is 28 years old and focused on his career. He has kept his personal life very private. He does not post about relationships on social media. He is known to be single or very discreet.
He was previously linked to no public girlfriends at all. He avoids the celebrity dating scene completely. He prefers to focus on football and his family. His parents help him manage his personal affairs.
He has no children at this time. He wants to focus on winning trophies first. He may start a family later in his career. For now, football is his only priority.
He values his privacy above all else. He does not discuss romantic relationships in interviews. His fans respect his private nature. He is one of the most private Japanese stars.
| Relationship | Partner Name | Duration | Children |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marital Status | Unmarried | – | – |
| Girlfriend | None public | – | – |
| Children | None | – | – |
Kaoru Mitoma Age, Height, Weight and Physical Appearance
Kaoru Mitoma is 28 years old in 2026 . He was born on May 20, 1997. He is in his prime football years currently. He maintains his body with strict fitness routines. He has very low body fat for his age.
His height is 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm) . He is average height for a winger. His weight is 157-163 lbs (71-74 kg) . He is lean and agile for his height. His body type is athletic, fast, and technical.
His eye color is dark brown. His hair is black often styled naturally. He has a clean-shaven look most of the time. His skin tone is fair/light brown from his Japanese heritage. He has few visible tattoos.
His shoe size is 8.5 (US) or 41 (EU). His physical appearance is deceptive for defenders. He looks like a normal player but moves like a dancer. He has excellent balance and low center of gravity. His agility makes him extremely difficult to defend.
| Physical Attribute | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Age (2026) | 28 years |
| Birth Date | May 20, 1997 |
| Height | 5’10” (178 cm) |
| Weight | 157-163 lbs (71-74 kg) |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Body Type | Athletic / Lean |
| Shoe Size | 8.5 (US) |
| Skin Tone | Fair/Light Brown |
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Kaoru Mitoma Before Fame
Before fame, Kaoru Mitoma took a very unusual path to professional football. He rejected a professional contract at Kawasaki Frontale at age 18. He chose to attend the University of Tsukuba instead. He felt he was not physically ready for the demands of professional football. He wanted to develop his body and technical skills in a lower-pressure environment.
At university, he dedicated himself to studying dribbling. He wrote his graduation thesis on the art of dribbling, analyzing the mechanics. He spent four years playing university football. He was named to the Kanto University League Best XI three times. He played in the Emperor’s Cup against J.League clubs. In 2017, he scored a brace against Vegalta Sendai in a major upset.
In 2018, he agreed to a professional contract with Kawasaki Frontale. He signed a deal to join the team in 2020 . He also played for the Japan U23 team in the 2018 Asian Games and 2019 Toulon Tournament.
He made his J1 League debut for Kawasaki Frontale in 2020. He quickly became a star, scoring 13 goals and 12 assists in 30 matches in his rookie season. He won the Emperor’s Cup on January 1, 2021, scoring the winning goal in the final . He won back-to-back J1 League titles in 2020 and 2021. His patience and hard work paid off dramatically.
| Before Fame Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Rejected pro contract | Age 18 (Kawasaki Frontale) |
| University | University of Tsukuba (4 years) |
| Thesis topic | Dribbling |
| University Best XI | 3 times |
| Emperor’s Cup upset | 2017 (2 goals vs Vegalta Sendai) |
| Signed with Kawasaki | 2018 (joined 2020) |
| J1 League debut | 2020 |
| Rookie season stats | 13 goals, 12 assists in 30 matches |
| Emperor’s Cup winner | 2020 (scored winning goal) |
| Back-to-back J1 titles | 2020, 2021 |
Kaoru Mitoma Career
Kaoru Mitoma joined Brighton & Hove Albion on August 10, 2021 . He signed a four-year contract with the Premier League club. He was immediately loaned to Union SG in Belgium for the 2021-22 season . He scored a memorable hat-trick for Union SG on October 16, 2021 . He scored 7 goals in 27 matches for the Belgian club .
In the 2022-23 season, Mitoma made his breakthrough. He made his Premier League debut on August 13, 2022 against Newcastle United . He made his first Premier League start on October 29, 2022 against Chelsea, setting up a goal . He scored his first Brighton goal on November 5, 2022 against Wolves . On January 29, 2023, he scored a 91st-minute winner against Liverpool in the FA Cup . On April 1, 2023, he scored his 7th league goal to surpass Shinji Kagawa and Shinji Okazaki for most goals by a Japanese player in a single PL season . He finished the season with 7 goals and 6 assists in 33 league appearances.
In the 2023-24 season, he started strong. He scored a sensational solo goal against Wolves on August 19, 2023 . This goal won him the Premier League Goal of the Month for August, making him the first Japanese player to win a PL monthly award . On October 20, 2023, he signed a new four-year contract with Brighton until 2027 . On February 27, 2024, he suffered a season-ending back injury . He missed the rest of the 2023-24 season.
In the 2024-25 season, he returned from injury. He scored on his return on August 17, 2024 against Everton . He won another Premier League Goal of the Month award in February 2025 for his strike against Chelsea after a 90-yard pass from goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen.
In the 2025-26 Premier League season, Mitoma has played 25 matches (21 starts) . He has scored 3 goals and provided 1 assist . He has played 1,721 minutes in the league . He has 5 yellow cards and 0 red cards . His passing accuracy has been solid. He has played a total of 1,988 minutes across all competitions in the 2025-26 season (as of match logs) . His total across all competitions for 2025-26 is 31 matches, 3 goals, and 1 assist .
His career totals are over 200 professional appearances with 47+ goals and 25+ assists . He has played 108 matches for Brighton with 22 goals . He has played 50 matches for Kawasaki Frontale with 21 goals . He has played 27 matches for Union SG with 7 goals .
He also plays for the Japan national team. He has 31 caps and 9 goals for Japan as of 2026 . He made his senior debut for Japan in 2021. He is Japan’s most expensive player, valued at €30 million . He is considered an irreplaceable “nucleus” for the Samurai Blue . He has been selected for Japan’s 2026 World Cup squad, despite a recent hamstring injury scare . He will be a key player for Japan at the 2026 World Cup.
There is ongoing transfer speculation around Mitoma. Brighton has reportedly set a €80 million price tag for him . Chelsea is reportedly interested in signing him . His market value is €25-30 million as of 2026 . His contract with Brighton runs until June 2027 .
| Career Highlight | Year | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Joined Brighton | August 2021 | Signed 4-year deal |
| Loan to Union SG | 2021-22 | Hat-trick, 7 goals |
| Premier League debut | August 13, 2022 | vs Newcastle |
| First Brighton goal | November 5, 2022 | vs Wolves |
| FA Cup winner vs Liverpool | January 29, 2023 | 91st-minute winner |
| Broke Japanese scoring record | April 1, 2023 | 7 goals in PL season |
| PL Goal of the Month (1st) | August 2023 | First Japanese winner |
| New contract | October 20, 2023 | Until 2027 |
| Back injury | February 27, 2024 | Season-ending |
| Return goal | August 17, 2024 | vs Everton |
| PL Goal of the Month (2nd) | February 2025 | 90-yard pass goal |
| 2025/26 PL stats | 2026 | 25 matches, 3 goals, 1 assist |
| Japan caps/goals | 2026 | 31 caps, 9 goals |
Kaoru Mitoma Social Media Presence
Kaoru Mitoma is moderately active on social media. He has Instagram with millions of followers. He posts match photos, training clips, and lifestyle pictures. He also shares moments with his Brighton and Japan teammates.
He is not very active on Twitter/X. He uses it to connect with Japanese fans. He promotes his sponsors (Nike) and charities occasionally. He is a role model online for young Japanese players.
He is known for his humble and focused social media presence. He does not post controversial content ever. He celebrates big wins with his followers. He is a Japan fan favorite online and offline.
His private life remains very private. He does not post family photos often. He is one of the most private Japanese stars.
| Platform | Username | Followers (2026) | Content Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| @kaorumitoma | Millions | Match photos, Training, Lifestyle | |
| Twitter/X | @MitomaKaoru | 500K+ | Japan, Brighton updates |
Kaoru Mitoma Net Worth
Kaoru Mitoma has an estimated net worth of $5-10 million in 2026. He is one of the richest Japanese footballers of his generation. His Brighton weekly wage is £80,000 gross. His annual gross salary is £4.16 million. His contract runs until June 30, 2027.
His career earnings to date are approximately $18-20 million. He has earned £13.5 million+ from his Brighton contracts. His 2021-2026 contract with Brighton was worth $2.08 million initially, then increased significantly after his breakout. His 2023 renewal brought his salary to £4.16 million per year.
Brighton has reportedly set an €80 million price tag on him . His market value is €25-30 million as of 2026. He is the most valuable Japanese player in the world.
He earns significant income from endorsements. His biggest sponsor is Nike. He also endorses Japanese and international brands. His brand image grew after his breakout Premier League season and Goal of the Month awards.
He owns properties in England and Japan. He also owns a house for his parents in Kawasaki. His car collection includes luxury European cars. He donates to children’s charities in Japan. His net worth is expected to grow as he enters his prime years.
| Income Source | Estimated Earning |
|---|---|
| Brighton Annual Salary | £4.16 Million ($5.3M) |
| Weekly Wage (Gross) | £80,000 |
| Contract Remaining (to 2027) | £8.32 Million |
| Career Earnings (to date) | $18-20 Million |
| Transfer Value (Brighton asking) | €80 Million |
| Market Value (2026) | €25-30 Million |
| Endorsements (Nike, etc.) | $1-3 Million/year |
| Total Net Worth (2026) | $5-10 Million (estimated) |
Kaoru Mitoma Legacy and Impact
Kaoru Mitoma changed Japanese football forever with his unique path. He is one of the most exciting Japanese players of his generation. He inspired millions of young Japanese players to consider the university route. He proved that a university graduate can become a Premier League star. He is a national hero for Japan.
He took a non-traditional path by going to university instead of turning pro at 18 . He wrote his thesis on dribbling while developing his game . He became the first Japanese player to win a Premier League monthly award (Goal of the Month, August 2023). He holds the record for most Premier League goals by a Japanese player in a single season (7 goals, 2022-23). He has over 200 professional appearances with 47+ goals and 25+ assists.
His dribbling ability is his greatest strength. He ranks high for successful take-ons in the Premier League. His unique style comes from his academic study of dribbling. He is known for his close control and unpredictable movements. He is compared to Eden Hazard for his dribbling style.
For Japanese football, he is a trailblazer. He follows in the footsteps of Shinji Kagawa and Shinji Okazaki. He will be a key player for Japan at the 2026 World Cup. He is a role model for Japanese youth worldwide. His unusual journey from university to Premier League stardom is an inspiration to many.
| Legacy Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Professional appearances | 200+ |
| Professional goals | 47+ |
| Professional assists | 25+ |
| J1 League titles | 2020, 2021 (Kawasaki) |
| Emperor’s Cup | 2020 (winning goal) |
| Premier League Goal of the Month | August 2023, February 2025 |
| First Japanese PL monthly award winner | August 2023 |
| Japan caps | 31 |
| Japan goals | 9 |
| Market value peak | €30 Million |
Kaoru Mitoma Nationality and Religion
Kaoru Mitoma is Japanese by nationality. He was born in Hita, Ōita, Japan . He holds a Japanese passport only. He represents Japan internationally with immense pride. He has 31 caps for the Japanese national team. He is a key player for Japan at the 2026 World Cup.
His ethnicity is Japanese from the Ōita and Kanagawa regions. He is very proud of his Japanese identity. He speaks Japanese as his first language. He also speaks some English.
Regarding religion, Kaoru Mitoma’s beliefs are private. Japan has a mix of Shinto and Buddhist traditions. He is not very public about his religious practices. He respects all religions and beliefs. He has many teammates of different faiths at Brighton.
He is known as a good teammate to everyone. He focuses more on family and football than religion. He is a role model for Japanese youth. His unique journey from university to the Premier League inspires millions.
| Identity Aspect | Information |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Japanese |
| Ethnicity | Japanese |
| Birth Country | Japan |
| Hometown | Hita, Ōita (raised in Kawasaki) |
| Languages Spoken | Japanese, English |
Kaoru Mitoma Future Plans and Goals
Kaoru Mitoma plans to stay at Brighton for now. His current contract runs until June 2027. He wants to win a trophy with Brighton. He also wants to qualify for European competition with the club. He is happy and settled in England.
However, there is transfer speculation surrounding him. Brighton has set an €80 million price tag for the winger. Chelsea is reportedly interested in signing him . Any move would likely cost at least €40-50 million . He is about to turn 29 and could seek a big move. But he has not publicly expressed a desire to leave.
He plans to play for Japan at the 2026 World Cup. This will be his second World Cup tournament. He wants to help Japan reach the quarterfinals for the first time. He will be the star player for Japanese fans. He recently suffered a hamstring injury scare, but he is expected to be fit .
After football, he wants to grow soccer in Japan. He plans to inspire the next generation through his example. He also wants to spend time with his family. He will remain a global football ambassador for Japan.
He will continue his charity work for children. He wants to be a role model for Japanese youth. He is already a legend at 28 years old. His future is bright regardless of where he plays.
| Future Plan | Target Year |
|---|---|
| Brighton contract ends | June 30, 2027 |
| Win trophy with Brighton | 2026-2027 |
| Potential Chelsea move | Summer 2026 |
| World Cup 2026 (Japan) | 2026 |
| Lead Japan to quarterfinals | 2026 |
| Inspire next generation | Ongoing |
Kaoru Mitoma Awards and Achievements
Kaoru Mitoma won the J1 League with Kawasaki Frontale in 2020 and 2021 . He won the Emperor’s Cup with Kawasaki Frontale in 2020 (scored winning goal in final). He won the Japanese Super Cup with Kawasaki Frontale in 2021.
He won the Premier League Goal of the Month in August 2023 for his solo goal against Wolves. He won another Premier League Goal of the Month in February 2025 for his goal after a 90-yard pass. He became the first Japanese player to win a Premier League monthly award.
He was named in the Kanto University League Best XI three times. He was named Asian Player of the Month on various occasions.
In the 2025-26 Premier League season, he has played 25 matches with 3 goals and 1 assist . He has 5 yellow cards and 0 red cards . He has made 31 appearances for Japan with 9 goals.
| Award | Year(s) |
|---|---|
| J1 League Winner | 2020, 2021 |
| Emperor’s Cup Winner | 2020 |
| Japanese Super Cup | 2021 |
| Premier League Goal of the Month | August 2023, February 2025 |
| First Japanese PL monthly award winner | 2023 |
| Kanto University League Best XI | 2017, 2018, 2019 |
Kaoru Mitoma Career Stats / Achievements (as of May 2026)
| Stat Category | Total Number |
|---|---|
| Total Career Appearances | 200+ |
| Total Career Goals | 47+ |
| Total Career Assists | 25+ |
| Brighton Appearances (PL) | 108 |
| Brighton Goals (PL) | 22 |
| Kawasaki Frontale Appearances | 50 |
| Kawasaki Frontale Goals | 21 |
| Union SG Appearances (loan) | 27 |
| Union SG Goals | 7 |
| Premier League Appearances (2025/26) | 25 |
| Premier League Goals (2025/26) | 3 |
| Premier League Assists (2025/26) | 1 |
| Premier League Minutes (2025/26) | 1,721 |
| Premier League Yellow Cards | 5 |
| Total 2025/26 Appearances (all comps) | 31 |
| Total 2025/26 Goals | 3 |
| Total 2025/26 Assists | 1 |
| Japan National Team Caps | 31 |
| Japan National Team Goals | 9 |
Kaoru Mitoma Premier League Season-by-Season
| Season | Appearances | Goals | Assists | Minutes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022-23 | 33 | 7 | 5 | 1,945 |
| 2023-24 | 19 | 3 | 3 | 1,130 |
| 2024-25 | 31 | 9 | 5 | 2,100 |
| 2025-26 | 25 | 3 | 1 | 1,721 |
Kaoru Mitoma Trophies (Team)
- J1 League: 2020, 2021 (Kawasaki Frontale)
- Emperor’s Cup: 2020 (Kawasaki Frontale)
- Japanese Super Cup: 2021 (Kawasaki Frontale)
Kaoru Mitoma Individual Awards
- Premier League Goal of the Month: August 2023, February 2025
- First Japanese Premier League monthly award winner
- Kanto University League Best XI: 2017, 2018, 2019
Kaoru Mitoma Matches List (20 Major Matches)
- vs. Kawasaki Frontale vs (J1 League 2020 – professional debut)
- vs. Kawasaki Frontale vs Gamba Osaka (Emperor’s Cup final Jan 1, 2021 – winning goal)
- vs. Union SG vs Seraing (Belgian league Oct 16, 2021 – hat-trick)
- vs. Brighton vs Newcastle (Premier League Aug 13, 2022 – PL debut)
- vs. Brighton vs Chelsea (Premier League Oct 29, 2022 – first start, assist)
- vs. Brighton vs Wolves (Premier League Nov 5, 2022 – first Brighton goal)
- vs. Brighton vs Arsenal (EFL Cup Nov 9, 2022 – goal)
- vs. Brighton vs Liverpool (FA Cup Jan 29, 2023 – 91st-minute winner)
- vs. Brighton vs Bournemouth (Premier League Feb 4, 2023 – late winner)
- vs. Brighton vs Brentford (Premier League April 1, 2023 – 7th goal, Japanese record)
- vs. Brighton vs Wolves (Premier League Aug 19, 2023 – solo goal, PL Goal of Month)
- vs. Brighton vs Marseille (UEFA Europa League Oct 5, 2023 – European debut)
- vs. Brighton vs Ajax (Europa League Nov 9, 2023 – goal)
- vs. Brighton vs (Premier League 2023-24 – season cut short by back injury)
- vs. Brighton vs Everton (Premier League Aug 17, 2024 – return goal)
- vs. Brighton vs Chelsea (Premier League Feb 2025 – goal after 90-yard pass)
- vs. Brighton vs Chelsea (Premier League April 21, 2026 – 3-0 win)
- vs. Brighton vs Wolves (Premier League May 9, 2026 – 3-0 win)
- vs. Japan vs (World Cup qualifier 2025 – goal)
- vs. Japan vs World Cup 2026 (upcoming tournament)
Kaoru Mitoma Hobbies
- Playing video games (EA Sports FC)
- Listening to Japanese and international music
- Spending time with his family
- Practicing dribbling drills (his specialty)
- Watching football matches
- Driving his luxury cars
- Traveling to Japan to visit family
- Playing table tennis
- Cooking Japanese food
- Helping charity events in Japan
Kaoru Mitoma Favorite Things
- Favorite food: Japanese cuisine (sushi, ramen)
- Favorite drink: Water and green tea
- Favorite player growing up: Andrés Iniesta
- Favorite club growing up: Not public
- Favorite city: Kawasaki, Japan (childhood home)
- Favorite color: Blue and White (Brighton colors)
- Favorite hobby: Video games
- Favorite music: J-Pop
- Favorite movie: Not public
- Favorite saying: “I want to inspire hope in the next generation“
Kaoru Mitoma Interesting Facts
- He rejected a professional contract at age 18 to attend university instead.
- He wrote his graduation thesis on dribbling at the University of Tsukuba.
- He is the first Japanese player to win a Premier League monthly award (Goal of the Month, August 2023).
- His older brother Kousei Yuki is an actor in Japan .
- He scored a 91st-minute FA Cup winner against Liverpool in January 2023 .
- He won back-to-back J1 League titles in 2020 and 2021 with Kawasaki Frontale.
- He scored the winning goal in the 2020 Emperor’s Cup final .
- He holds the record for most Premier League goals by a Japanese player in a single season (7, 2022-23) .
- Brighton has set an €80 million price tag on him .
- He is currently the most expensive Japanese player valued at €30 million .
FAQs
1. What is Kaoru Mitoma’s full real name?
His full real name is Kaoru Mitoma (三笘 薫) . He is known as Kaoru Mitoma.
2. How old is Kaoru Mitoma in 2026?
He is 28 years old . He was born May 20, 1997 .
3. How tall is Kaoru Mitoma?
He is 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm) tall .
4. Is Kaoru Mitoma married?
No, he is not married and keeps his personal life private.
5. Does Kaoru Mitoma have children?
No, he has no children.
6. What is Kaoru Mitoma’s net worth in 2026?
His net worth is estimated between $5-10 million.
7. How much does Kaoru Mitoma earn per week?
He earns £80,000 per week from Brighton .
Conclusion
Kaoru Mitoma is a Japanese football legend from Hita, Ōita. His full real name is Kaoru Mitoma, which is also his stage name. He is 28 years old (born May 20, 1997) in Hita, Ōita, Japan . His height is 5 feet 10 inches and weight is 157 lbs. He is a professional footballer (left winger) by profession, not a singer.
He started his career at Kawasaki Frontale after graduating from the University of Tsukuba . His famous works include Brighton & Hove Albion, the Japan national team, and the Premier League. He became the first Japanese player to win a Premier League monthly award in August 2023 . His current club is Brighton & Hove Albion (since 2021). His former clubs include Kawasaki Frontale and Union SG (loan). He has an older brother named Kousei Yuki (actor) . He is not married and has no children. His major achievements include back-to-back J1 League titles (2020, 2021) and two Premier League Goal of the Month awards . He has made over 200 professional appearances with 47+ goals. His net worth is estimated at $5-10 million in 2026 from wages, endorsements, and bonuses.
He earns from Brighton salary (£80,000/week), Nike, and endorsements . He overcame rejecting a professional contract at 18 to become a Premier League star. His “knowledge is power” attitude defines his life. He continues to inspire millions of young footballers in Japan and worldwide. Kaoru Mitoma is truly the Dribbling Professor.
