Kaoru Mitoma

QUICK FACTS

• ·Born May 20, 1997 in Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan
• ·Brighton & Hove Albion winger — one of the Premier League's most exciting players
• ·Completed a university thesis on dribbling techniques during his professional career
• ·Married Kenmochi Kuria — a Japanese champion triple jump athlete — in 2022
• ·Son Heung-min called him 'the player most difficult to defend against' in the Premier League
• ·Famous for his tight ball control and ability to beat defenders in confined spaces
• ·Wears No. 22 at Brighton; No. 7 for Japan
• ·Regarded by many coaches as one of the most unorthodox and effective dribblers in Europe

Is Kaoru Mitoma single, dating or married?

Yes, Kaoru Mitoma is married to Kenmochi Kuria.

Last verified: May 2026.

Who is Kenmochi Kuria?

Kenmochi Kuria is a Japanese professional track and field athlete specialising in the triple jump, and the national champion in her discipline. She met Kaoru Mitoma as a fellow student at the University of Tsukuba, where both pursued their athletic careers alongside their studies. After six years together, the couple married in 2022, and held a celebratory wedding ceremony in Kamakura in June 2025. She is one of the most accomplished sporting partners of any footballer at this World Cup.

ABOUT

Kaoru Mitoma is one of the Premier League's most electrifying wingers — a player whose unique dribbling style, explosive acceleration, and incredible work rate have made him a fan favourite at Brighton. His academic background (completing a university thesis on dribbling during his professional career) reflects an exceptional football intelligence that sets him apart. He married university classmate and champion triple-jump athlete Kenmochi Kuria in 2022.

WORLD CUP 2026 OUTLOOK

Kaoru Mitoma is one of the most unique players heading to the 2026 World Cup — a player whose unconventional dribbling style, developed through academic study as much as natural talent, makes him genuinely difficult to prepare for. On Japan's left flank, he is the counterbalance to Kubo's right-side creativity, giving Japan two simultaneous threats that stretch any defensive shape. His exceptional work rate and pressing also make Japan's transition game devastatingly effective. In the 2022 World Cup, Mitoma's last-minute cross to Tanaka against Spain was one of the most discussed moments in VAR history. He will be involved in the big moments again in 2026.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Who is Kaoru Mitoma's wife?

Kaoru Mitoma married Kenmochi Kuria in 2022. She is a Japanese champion triple jump athlete who competed at national level. The couple met while both were university students at Tsukuba University.

How old is Mitoma at the 2026 World Cup?

Kaoru Mitoma will be 29 years old during the 2026 FIFA World Cup (born May 20, 1997). He turns 29 before the tournament begins and arrives at the peak of his powers.

What is Mitoma's famous moment from the 2022 World Cup?

Mitoma's most famous moment came against Spain in the 2022 World Cup group stage, when his last-second cross was ruled to have stayed in play by a fraction — despite appearing out — setting up Tanaka Ao to score Japan's winning goal. The VAR review of that moment became one of the most talked-about decisions in World Cup history.

What is Mitoma's Instagram?

His official Instagram handle is @kaoru.m.0520.

Last verified: May 2026