Kaoru Mitoma has broken a Japanese Premier League goal-scoring record after the winger found the back of the net in Brighton’s 3-3 draw against Brentford at the Amex Stadium on Saturday, 1st of April, 2023.
Kaoru Mitoma scored for Brighton in the first half to equalize Brentford’s 10 minutes opener scored by Pontus Jansson.
The goal came just four days after scoring for Japan national team in a 2-1 friendly defeat against Colombia during the International break.
The Japanese International has been in excellent form under Brighton & Hove Albion’s head coach Roberto De Zerbi this season as the Seagulls continue to aim at European qualification for the first time in their history.
Mitoma’s first half-goal has expanded his goal record in the English Premier League to seven for the season, therefore he has become the highest-scoring Japanese player in a single Premier League season.
The 25-year-old forward has moved ahead of Shinji Okazaki (Leicester City 2017/2018) and former Manchester United player Shinji Kagawa (2012/2013) who scored six goals in a single Premier League campaign respectively.
Mitoma’s four goals out of seven have come at the Amex Stadium with the last against Brentford, following a home goal against Arsenal, Bournemouth, and West Ham United.
The 15 times Japanese representative was also on target in away games against Everton, Leicester City, and Wolverhampton Wanderers, with Brighton winning on all three outings.
Who is Kaoru Mitoma?
Kaoru Mitoma is a Japanese professional football player who was born on the 20th of May, 1997. He plays as a winger for English Premier League club Brighton & Hove Albion, and the Japan National team.
Kaoru Mitoma’s career;
Mitoma started his career with Frontale football academy in Japan at the U10 level. He was later offered a promotion from the U18s to the senior team coached by Yahiro Kazama.
Mitoma made his official professional debut with Kawasaki Frontale senior team on the opening matchday of the 2020 J1 League and promptly established himself after the League resumed following the COVID-19 outbreak.
Mitoma with Brighton & Hove Albion;
On the 10th of August, 2021, Mitoma joined the Premier League side on a four-year deal.
On the 13th of August, 2022, Mitoma made his English Premier League debut for Brighton coming on as a substitute in the 75th minute of play in a 0-0 draw against Newcastle United.
He made his first start for Brighton on August 24 of the same year in the EFL cup second round against League one side Forest Green Rovers.
He made his first Premier League start on the 29th of October, 2022, as he recorded an assist in their home win over Chelsea, a week later he scored his first EPL goal against Wolves.
Mitoma’s stats this season:
The 25-year-old has made 24 appearances for the Seagulls this season scoring 28 goals and 3 assists in all competitions.
Mitoma’s salary;
Kaoru signed a four-year contract worth £2, 080,000 with Brighton including an annual average salary worth £520,000 and he will become a free agent in 2025.
Mitoma’s net worth;
In 2022, his net worth is believed to be around $1-5 million. His income is from contract salaries and bonuses, and endorsements. His market value is around 2.50 million euros.
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