Kaoru Mitoma’s Early Life

Kaoru Mitoma is a Japanese professional football. Born on May 20, 1997, he plays as a winger for both the Japan national team and Premier League side Brighton & Hove Albion. Not much is known about his early life and childhood as the player is very private about his life. However, it is generally believed he focused on dribbling in his college thesis.

In trying to reference the problems of fellow Kawasaki academy graduates Koji Miyoshi and Ko Itakura to get regular minutes with the senior team, Mitoma stated that he felt unqualified to play professional football at the age of 18. He always had this humble feeling that his teammates were better than him.

Kaoru Mitoma’s Parents and Family

No one knows Kaoru Mitoma Father’s name, and neither is there any information about Kaoru Mitoma’s mother. However, he reportedly has an elder brother who also plays football.

Kaoru Mitoma’s Age

In 2022, Mitoma celebrated his 25th birthday. Thus, as per his birthdate, his zodiac sign is Pisces.

Kaoru Mitoma’s Career

In his career, Mitoma has reached heights that ordinarily take a normal individual lifetime to reach. While specializing in physical education at Tsukuba, he also got to play a part in the Kanto University Soccer League. He was selected to the all-league XI in each of his final three seasons. When he still played football at Tsukuba, Mitoma was chosen to play for  Japan’s under-23 national team at the 2018 Asian Games, the 2019 Toulon Tournament, and other events.

He signed a professional deal in July 2018 with the senior Kawasaki Frontale squad, which began in 2020. As the first youngster to score a brace in the top division since Yoshinori Muto, he made his professional pro debut on the first matchday of the 2020 J1 Competition and instantly established a name for himself after the league restarted after the COVID-19 outbreak. He played with Kawasaki Frontale for three seasons, where he earned one J1 League, a Japanese Super Cup, and an Emperor’s Cup.

On August 10, 2021, Mitoma signed a four-year contract with Premier League club Brighton & Hove Albion after spending the previous year on loan with Union SG. On October 16, he scored his debut goal for Union SG. Mitoma earned his Premier League debut for Brighton on August 13, 2022, replacing Leandro Trossard in the 75th minute of a goalless draw against Newcastle United FC. On August 24, he made his debut, starting and playing 67 minutes of the team’s 3-0 EFL Cup second-round victory away to League One team Forest Green Rovers.

On October 29, he made his debut in the Premier League. He assisted Leandro Trossard’s goal in the fifth minute of the eventual 4-1 victory over Chelsea at home. A week later, in the Seagulls’ eventual 3-2 away victory over Wolves, he netted his first goal for the team by heading them even off a cross from Adam Lallana.

Kaoru Mitoma’s Net Worth And Earnings

Additionally, he receives a good income of almost £1,040,000 every year. His market value as of January 6, 2022, was $2.50 million. 

Mitoma has amassed a great fan base on social media – the Brighton Forward has more than 138K Instagram followers.

Kaoru Mitoma’s Relationship

Not much is known about Kaoru Mitoma’s relationship. Sources say he is engaged to the “love of his life”. Also, the name of the lady he is engaged to is unknown.

Kaoru Mitoma’s Religion

Mitoma is a Japanese citizen who practices the Christian religion.

Kaoru Mitoma’s Style Of Play

Known to be a very fast thinker, Mitoma has a rapid acceleration that enables him to move past defenders. Mitoma is naturally a right footer, playing as an LM or LW position off the left. The Japanese forward has a  quick dribbling ability that enables him to outrun his defender on the outside or inside of the 18-yard box.

Kaoru Mitoma’s Football Stats

For successful dribbles in 90 minutes of the 2022–2023 premier league season as of this writing, Mitoma has been ranked third, showcasing his superior skill in one-on-one scenarios. There are other factors at work in Mitoma’s game – it’s not just about his goals per GP. For instance,  at the time of this writing, he is the only footballer  in the Premier League  to be among the top 10 in terms of goals scored and projected assists from open play .

Mitomahas a strong defensive game as well. As of this writing, he has won 14 of 17 tackles (82% success rate) this season. 

Kaoru Mitoma’s Play At International Level

Mitoma has played for the Japan National Team at the U21 level, U23 level, and senior levels.

Kaoru Mitoma was selected on November 1 to represent Japan in the 26-man team for the FIFA World Cup in 2022. On November 16, he made his professional debut, entering the game as a sub in a 1-0 victory over Oman.

He contributed to AO Tanaka’s winning goal in the last group match, which Japan won against Spain on December 1 and got advanced to the round of 16. The goal was controversial; after initially being disallowed due to the ball leaving the field of play, VAR affirmed the goal, explaining that the ball’s curvature hung just slightly above the line.

Kaoru Mitoma’s Honours And Awards

Some of his honors and awards at  Kawasaki Frontale include:

• Won the J1 League in 2020

• Won the Emperor’s Cup in 2020

• Won Japanese Super Cup in 2021

Kaoru Mitoma’s individual awards include:

• featured in the J.League Best XI in 2020

• Featured in the Japan Pro-Footballers Association awards: MVP, Best XI in 2022

Kaoru Mitoma’s Height/Weight

Kaoru Mitoma stands at 5’10” feet (1.78m).  He has a body weight is 73 kg.  He is known to have the physique of an athlete.

Manuel Neuer international retirement was announced by the player on the 21st of August, 2024 via his Instagram handle.

Manuel Neuer;

Although, today marks the end of my career with the national team. Irrespective, it fills me with pride and a huge amount of gratitude to have played alongside all my teammates and to have captained the national team for over seven years,” said Neuer in a video on his Instagram channel.

“We’ve had many highs and lows. Everyone knows what the highlight was: the victory in the Maracanã Stadium against Argentina, when we were crowned world champions,” the FC Bayern goalkeeper continued.

“However, my thanks go to everyone who was part of my journey and to you, the fans. You’ve always supported me. I loved wearing the jersey of the German national team.’

FC Bayern Supervisory board member and former German international, Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said: “Manuel Neuer has already made history with his glittering career in the national team.

In my opinion, he is the greatest goalkeeper German football has ever produced.

He changed the goalkeeping game and raised it to a new level; he set the benchmark and ensured that goalkeepers all over the world emulated his style”.

Manuel Neuer, the German Shot stopper, widely regarded as the best sweeper-keeper of this generation, has paid his dues to international football.

And we would be celebrating him by looking at his international career. Join me!

Manuel Neuer Personal Life

Neuer was born on March 27, 1986, in Gelsenkirchen, Germany. He began playing football at a young age and joined Schalke 04’s youth academy at 14.

Manuel Neuer is married to Nina Weiss, and the couple have a child together, a daughter named Matilda.

Manuel Neuer is widely regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers in football history, and has been a cornerstone of the German national team since his debut in 2009.

With 124 caps, he is one of the most capped players in German history, leading the team to a World Cup title and numerous semifinal appearances in major tournaments.

Manuel Neuer International Retirement: Early Years (2009-2010)

Neuer made his international debut on June 2, 2009, in a friendly match against the United Arab Emirates, coming on as a substitute for Robert Enke.

Although He was just 23 years old, he had already established himself as a top goalkeeper in the Bundesliga with Schalke 04.

Despite his impressive performances at Schalke O4, Neuer’s early appearances for the German National team were limited due to the presence of experienced goalkeepers like René Adler and Hans-Jörg Butt.

Manuel Neuer International Retirement: Breakthrough season!

2010 World Cup

Neuer’s breakthrough came during the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Although, he was selected as Germany’s third-choice goalkeeper, but an injury to Adler before the tournament and a poor performance by Butt in the opening match against Australia led to Neuer starting the remaining matches.

However, Neuer took the bull by the horns and impressed the coaching staff and the fans with his exceptional reflexes, shot-stopping, and ball distribution, helping Germany reach the semifinals. 

Rise to stardom!

Euro 2012

Neuer was Germany’s undisputed first-choice goalkeeper for Euro 2012, starting all five matches as they reached the semifinals. He was praised for his exceptional reflexes and shot-stopping abilities, particularly in the quarterfinal match against Greece.

Manuel Neuer gave credit for his sweeper-keeper style to his time at Schalke 04.

It was at that moment Manuel Neuer cemented his position as the German’s first-choice goalkeeper.

2014 World Cup

Manuel Neuer was a pivotal figure in Germany’s World Cup-winning campaign in 2014.

His sharp reflexes and ball-distributing abilities were key to the German machine’s success.

Neuer started all seven matches, conceding only four goals, and was named the Golden Glove winner as the tournament’s best goalkeeper.

His sweeper-keeper style was particularly effective in the group-stage match against Portugal as he neutralized the attacking impetus of Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani.

Euro 2016

Neuer captained Germany for the first time during Euro 2016, after Bastian Schweinsteiger’s retirement.

He started all six matches, helping Germany reach the semifinals.

Manuel Neuer International Retirement: The Twilight Years

2018 World Cup

Neuer was again Germany’s captain and first-choice goalkeeper for the 2018 World Cup.

However, a poor campaign saw Germany eliminated in the group stage. Neuer’s performances were under scrutiny by fans as the shot-stopper as he was plagued by injuries, and fans looked up to Marc Andre Ter Stegen of Barcelona, as a potential replacement.

Euro 2020

Neuer played all four matches for Germany at Euro 2020, helping them reach the round of 16.

Manuel Neuer International stats: Individual Accolades

Throughout his international career, Neuer has received numerous individual accolades, including:

– Golden Glove winner at the 2014 World Cup
– FIFA World Cup All-Star Team (2014)
– UEFA European Championship Team of the Tournament (2012, 2016)
– IFFHS World’s Best Goalkeeper (2013, 2014, 2015, 2016)
– UEFA Best Goalkeeper in Europe (2014, 2015, 2020)

Manuel Neuer International Stats: Records and Milestones

Neuer has achieved several records and milestones throughout his international career, including:

– Most appearances by a German goalkeeper (124 caps)
– Most clean sheets in German national team history.
– First German goalkeeper to win the Golden Glove award
– First goalkeeper to win the Golden Glove award and the World Cup in the same tournament (2014)

Final thoughts

Manuel Neuer International retirement and time with the German National team remains one of his legacies.

He would be remembered for his brilliant ball-playing skills, sweeper-keeper abilities, and his dedication to the German National team. He remains the best sweeper-keeper of our time.

However, as he passes the torch to Marc-Andre Ter Stegen, the big question undoubtedly remains;

“Can he fill Manuel Neuer’s shoes and maintain his legacy”?

Do you think he can? Let me know in the comment section.

Harry Kane’s Early Life

Harry Edward Kane MBE was born July 28 1993, in England, United Kingdom. Kane, who plays as a striker for Premier League team Tottenham Hotspur, is an English professional football player who also stands as the captain of the England National Team.

Kane is recognized as one of the top strikers in the world. He scores goals consistently and connects well with his teammates. He is the all-time leading goal scorer for Tottenham. He is also tied for the top scorer in English history, as well as the third all-time goal scorer in the Premier League.

Up to his graduation in 2004, Kane attended Larkswood Academy in the English town of Chingford. He continued his study at Chingford Foundation School after he graduated from Larkswood Academy.

He has always been more enthusiastic about extracurricular activities than academics, as he used to participate in football competitions for his school and college teams when he was much younger. 

Harry Kane’s Family And Parents

Pat Kane is Harry Kane’s father, and he works as a football coach. His mum, whose name is Kim Kane, used to work as a housewife. Kane has an elder sibling – by the name of Charlie Kane.

Harry Kane’s Career 

Kane’s early career got off to a really slow start. At the age of eight, he played for the Arsenal Academy after spending some time with the local team – Ridgeway Rovers. But after a single season, the Academy had let him go. Kane was dropped due to his weight and lack of athleticism. After he was disappointed at Arsenal, he decided to opt for the Tottenham Hotspur F.C. youth academy but was rejected. Kane was then obliged to go back to Ridgeway Rovers.

Kane moved to Watford Academy at the age of 11, receiving a six-week trial there. Kane was accepted back into the Spurs academy after impressing Tottenham scouts during one of those six weeks’ matches played against Spurs.

In July 2009, Kane signed his first professional deal with the Spurs, a year after initially signing a scholarship agreement with them. Kane got transferred on loan to various clubs after receiving his first professional contract. Some of the clubs he got loaned to include:

• Leyton Orient – 2011

• Mill Wall – 2012

• Norwich City FC – 2012/2013

• Leceister City – 2013

After a series of getting loaned to other clubs, Harry Kane returned to Tottenham. He made his first Premier League start for Tottenham against Sunderland in April 2014.  Kane signed a five-year, one-half contract with the Spurs a month after winning the Premier League Player of the Month award for January 2015. Additionally, he later took home the Premier League Player of the Month award for February 2015.

Harry Kane’s  Net Worth And Earnings

Harry Kane has a $40 million total net worth as of 2023. Kane is Tottenham Hotspurs’ highest-paid player with a weekly wage of $24424.70. Harry Kane makes $17.6 million in salary and bonuses annually.

Harry Kane’sendorsement contracts with companies like Nike, Beats by Dre, Hugo Boss, and Lucozade Sports have increased his net worth.

Harry Kane’s Relationship

Harry Kane has been in a relationship with Katie Goodland since 2016. Harry Kane and Katie Goodland’s affair began long ago. They lived in the same area and even attended the same school. Since that time, their friendship got even more intimate and they even later got married. On his Twitter page, Kane broke his engagement with Katie Goodland on July 1, 2017, and he later revealed that the two had married in June 2019. 

On January 8, 2017, the adorable couple welcomed a beautiful child into the world. The child’ T child’s name is Ivy Jane Kane. She even had the opportunity to go to her parent’s wedding.

The pair also have a second kid, a girl, who was born on August 8, 2018. Vivienne Jane Kane is the name of their second child. Louis Harry Kane, Harry Kane’s and Katie Goodland’s first son, and third child was born on December 29, 2020.

Harry Kane’s Religion

Harry Kane practices the  Christian religion. Kane was born and raised in a Christian middle-class household in Walthamstow, England, in the United Kingdom.

Harry Kane’s Style Of Play

Harry Kane is known for being one of the best strikers in the world today, as well as for his prolific goal-scoring record and play-making prowess. Harry Kane, a tall and powerful attacker, has been compared to former Tottenham attacker Jürgen Klinsmann in terms of style of play, a comparison Kane deemed complimentary in February 2015.

Kane is prepared to both go short and run in behind defenders. He consistently seizes chances when they present themselves. It’s encouraging to watch him move quickly to take his shot.

Harry Kane’s Football Stats As Of This Writing

Harry Kane’s Attacking Play

• Goals – 200

• Goals per match – 0.66 %

• Headed goals – 37

• Goals with the right foot – 121

• Goals with the left foot – 40

• Penalties scored – 30

• Freekicks scored – 1

• Shots – 1,132

• Shots on target – 500

• Shooting accuracy – 44%

• Hit woodwork – 36

• Big chances missed – 124

Harry Kane’s Team Play

• Assists – 44

• Passes – 6,631

• Passes per match – 21.81%

• Big Chances Created – 75

• Crosses – 281

Harry Kane’s Defensive Play

• Tackles – 182

• Blocked shots – 276

• Interceptions – 74

• Clearances – 232

• Headed Clearance – 183

Harry Kane’s Discipline

• Yellow cards – 36

• Red cards – 0

• Fouls – 294

• Offsides – 196

Harry Kane’s Play At International Level

Harry Kane was selected to represent England’s under-17 team in the Algarve Tournament in Portugal in January 2010. Later, he was promoted to the under-19s, and on October 8, 2010, he scored twice in a 6-1 victory over Albania. Kane made a total of 14 appearances for the England U-19 team, scoring 6 goals in that time.

On March 19, 2015, manager Roy Hodgson selected Harry Kane for the England squad to play Lithuania in the qualifying UEFA Euro 2016 match.  Kane had been in good form with Tottenham and was the third-highest scorer in the Premier League. He had 16 goals. Harry Kane made his international debut by replacing Wayne Rooney when he came in as a sub in the second half of the match against Lithuania at Wembley Stadium

Harry Kane has 34 goals in 54 appearances for the England National Team as of this writing. 

Harry Kane played a role in England’s victorious UEFA Euro 2016 qualifying campaign, where he scored, and represented his nation.

Harry Kane’s Honours And Awards

• Football League/EFL Cup runner-up – 2014/15,  2020/21

• UEFA Champions League runner-up for England –  2018/19 season

• UEFA European Championship runner-up –  2020

• UEFA Nations League third place – 2018/19

Individual Awards

• Millwall Young Player of the Year – 2011/12

• PFA Young Player of the Year – 2014/15

• Tottenham Hotspur Player of the Year –  2014/15, 2020/21

• Premier League Golden Boot – 2015/16, 2016/17, 2020/21

• Premier League Playmaker of the Season – 2020/22

• PFA Fans’ Player of the Year – 2016/17

• Football Supporters’ Federation Player of the Year –  2017

• England Player of the Year Award –  2017, 2018

• FIFA World Cup Golden Boot – 2018

• IFFHS World’s Best Top Goal Scorer – 2017

• London Football Awards Premier League Player of the Year – 2018, 2021

Player of the Month Award

As of this writing, Harry Kane has won Player of the Month 7 times.

• January 2015

• February 2015

• March 2016

• February 2017

• September 2017

• December 2017

• March 2022

Harry Kane’s Height And Weight

Harry Kane has a height of 6’2″. He weighs 82Kg.