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Kaoru Mitoma

Kaoru Mitoma is a Japanese professional footballer who plays as a left winger for Brighton & Hove Albion and the Japan national team.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Kaoru Mitoma is a Japanese professional footballer who plays as a left winger for Brighton & Hove Albion and the Japan national team. He is noted for his dribbling, pace, and direct attacking play. He began his professional career with Kawasaki Frontale before moving to Brighton in 2021.

Early life and youth career

Mitoma was born in Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan, in 1997. He came through the academy of Kawasaki Frontale and later played at the University of Tsukuba before turning professional.

Club career

Mitoma signed for Brighton & Hove Albion in 2021 and spent the 2021–22 season on loan with Union Saint-Gilloise in Belgium. He later became an established Premier League player for Brighton, winning the Premier League Goal of the Month award for a solo goal against Wolverhampton Wanderers in August 2023, and extended his contract in October 2023 until June 2027.

International career

Mitoma made his senior international debut for Japan in November 2021. He has since been a regular part of Japan’s national team setup.

Playing style

Mitoma is primarily a left winger and is known for close control, acceleration, and one-on-one dribbling. Media and club sources highlight his ability to beat defenders and create attacking chances.

Key facts

  • Mitoma joined Brighton & Hove Albion in August 2021 after playing for Kawasaki Frontale.
  • He spent the 2021–22 season on loan at Belgian club Union Saint-Gilloise.
  • Mitoma made his senior debut for Japan in November 2021.
  • He is widely recognized for his dribbling ability and pace.
  • He signed a new Brighton contract in October 2023 that runs until June 2027.

Frequently asked questions

What position does Kaoru Mitoma play?
He primarily plays as a left winger, though some sources also list him as a midfielder.
Which club does Kaoru Mitoma play for?
He plays for Brighton & Hove Albion in the English Premier League.
When did Kaoru Mitoma join Brighton?
He joined Brighton in August 2021 on a four-year contract.
Did Kaoru Mitoma play on loan in Belgium?
Yes. He spent the 2021–22 season on loan with Union Saint-Gilloise and made 29 appearances in all competitions.
When did Kaoru Mitoma debut for Japan?
He made his senior debut for Japan in November 2021.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaoru_Mitoma
    Supports: Birth date, nationality, position, clubs, and general career overview.
  2. Brighton & Hove Albion — https://www.brightonandhovealbion.com/player-detail-statistics-midfielder/451340
    Supports: Transfer to Brighton, loan spell, contract extension, goal and appearance details, and playing record.
  3. Premier League — https://www.premierleague.com/en/players/451340/kaoru-mitoma/overview
    Supports: Nationality, date of birth, appearances, goals, and assists.
  4. Premier League — https://www.premierleague.com/news/3109440
    Supports: Background on Mitoma's rise, signing fee reported by the club, and scoring record context.
  5. Japan Football Association — https://www.jfa.jp/eng/samuraiblue/member/mitoma_kaoru.html
    Supports: National team player profile and international representation.