Kaoru Mitoma (foto: Official TW/IG/FB account)
Kaoru Mitoma, Brighton’s dynamic left winger, has taken a remarkable path to football stardom, blending academic research with natural talent to become one of the Premier League’s most exciting players.
Born in 1997 in Kanagawa, Japan, Mitoma’s journey to professional success is anything but ordinary.
Mitoma began his footballing career in the academy of Kawasaki Frontale, but at 18, he made an unconventional decision. Instead of signing for Kawasaki’s senior team, he enrolled at the University of Tsukuba, a school known for its strong football program. “I wasn’t ready physically, and I knew I wouldn’t make the first team immediately,” Mitoma explained. He used his time at university to develop his skills, even writing a thesis on the art of dribbling.
His research involved attaching cameras to players’ heads to study their focus during dribbles. Mitoma discovered that the best dribblers seldom looked at the ball, instead focusing on their opponents and surroundings. “Good players don’t look down. They trap the ball while looking ahead. That was the difference,” Mitoma noted.
In 2020, Mitoma joined Kawasaki’s first team, where he enjoyed immediate success. He scored 13 goals and provided 12 assists in 30 matches during his debut J-League season, helping Kawasaki clinch the title. His blistering speed, ranking second-fastest in the league, and creative flair earned him a spot in the J-League Team of the Year.
Brighton Spot the Talent
Mitoma’s standout performances in Japan caught the attention of Brighton & Hove Albion, who signed him in August 2021 for £2.5 million. He was immediately loaned to Royale Union Saint-Gilloise in Belgium, where he impressed during the playoffs. Former teammate Christian Burgess praised Mitoma’s growth, saying, “He added a winner’s attitude to his quality on the ball. You have a special player on your hands.”
Returning to Brighton, Mitoma made his Premier League debut and quickly became a fan favorite. After the sale of Leandro Trossard to Arsenal, Mitoma seized the left-wing position and excelled, scoring key goals, including a decisive strike against Liverpool in the FA Cup.
A Global Star
Mitoma shone on the world stage at the FIFA World Cup 2022, coming off the bench to inspire Japan’s comeback victories over Germany and Spain. His assist against Spain secured Japan’s place in the knockout stages, further cementing his reputation as a clutch player.
Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi has praised Mitoma’s impact, calling him “a crucial part of the team” for his ability to beat opponents one-on-one. Mitoma attributes his skill to disrupting opponents’ balance, saying, “I am conscious of shifting the opponent’s center of gravity. If I can move their body, I win.”
The Road Ahead
Mitoma’s rise from a university student studying football to a Premier League star demonstrates his unique approach to the game. As he continues to dazzle fans and inspire aspiring players, Brighton has unearthed a gem whose journey is as captivating as his skills on the pitch.