Kaoru Mitoma’s rise from university football in Japan to Premier League star has boosted both his profile and his bank balance.
This guide explains Kaoru Mitoma’s net worth, his Brighton salary and contract, career earnings, endorsements, and key moments from his career and personal life.
Kaoru Mitoma’s Biography
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kaoru Mitoma |
| Date of Birth | 20 May 1997 |
| Age | 28 years |
| Nationality | Japanese |
| Height | 1.78 m (5 ft 10 in) |
| Weight | 66–71 kg (approx. 67 kg) |
| Position | Left winger / wide midfielder |
| Current Club | Brighton & Hove Albion (Premier League) |
| Turned Professional | 2020 with Kawasaki Frontale in J1 League |
| Net Worth | Estimated ~£10.4 million |
| Current Salary | About £80,000 per week, ~£4.16 million per year at Brighton |
| Contract Expiry | 30 June 2027 with Brighton |
| Relationship Status | Married to long‑time partner Narumi Miura (college sweetheart) |
| Verified Social Profiles | Instagram: @kaoru_mitoma_official (verified) |
Early Life & Career
Kaoru Mitoma was born in Hita, Ōita Prefecture, and grew up in Kawasaki, Kanagawa, where he joined Kawasaki Frontale’s youth system at a young age.
Instead of signing a pro deal straight away, he chose to study at the University of Tsukuba, a decision that helped him develop physically and technically while playing in the competitive Kanto university league.
During his university years he faced top-level opposition in the Emperor’s Cup, where he impressed with his direct dribbling and ability to attack from the left wing.
After consistent performances, Kawasaki Frontale offered him a professional contract, which he accepted ahead of the 2020 J1 League season.
Mitoma adapted quickly and became one of the league’s most exciting attacking players, earning recognition for his 1v1 dribbling and intelligence in the final third.
His success in Japan drew interest from European clubs and paved the way for his move to Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League.
Professional Career
Mitoma signed for Brighton & Hove Albion in August 2021, with the club sending him on loan to Belgian side Union Saint‑Gilloise for the 2021–22 season to gain European experience.
In Belgium he produced strong numbers, scoring 5 league goals in 11 appearances and showing he could adapt to European football’s physical and tactical demands.
He returned to Brighton for the 2022–23 season and soon became a key player in Roberto De Zerbi’s attacking system, playing mainly as a left winger.
Mitoma’s direct style, ability to beat defenders, and important Premier League goals quickly made him one of Brighton’s standout performers and a fan favourite. O
n the international stage he earned caps for Japan’s youth sides before breaking into the senior national team, including appearances at major tournaments.
Across his time with Union Saint‑Gilloise and Brighton, he has built a solid record of goals and assists in league and cup competitions, while his market value has risen above €50 million according to leading databases such as Transfermarkt.
Kaoru Mitoma’s Net Worth Details
As of 2026, Kaoru Mitoma’s has an estimated net worth of around £10–11 million, driven mainly by his Brighton & Hove Albion contract and national-team profile. His current Brighton deal runs until June 2027 and places him among the club’s best-paid players on about £80,000 per week.
Contract
Mitoma originally joined Brighton in 2021 on a contract reported to run until 2025.
In October 2023, Brighton rewarded his impact with a new long‑term deal that extended his stay to June 30, 2027, and significantly increased his wages.
According to leading wage databases such as Capology and Soccer‑Okane, the new contract carries an estimated total gross salary of about £12.48 million over three seasons from 2024–25 to 2026–27.
This deal also protects Brighton’s position in any future transfer negotiations, given that Transfermarkt lists him among the most valuable players in the club’s squad.
Salary
Multiple reputable outlets report that Mitoma now earns around £80,000 per week at Brighton, which equals an annual base salary of about £4.16 million before bonuses and tax.
One detailed breakdown from Goal notes that his new salary makes him one of the highest‑paid players at the club.
Before signing the improved deal, Mitoma reportedly earned around £10,000 per week (£520,000 per year), which underlines how sharply his value has risen since his early Premier League days.
A combination of performance-related bonuses, appearance fees, and national-team income adds further upside to his yearly earnings, although exact bonus figures remain private.
Career Earnings By Year
| Season | Club | Estimated Annual Salary (Gross) |
|---|---|---|
| 2020–21 | Kawasaki Frontale (J1 League) | N/A |
| 2021–22 | Union Saint‑Gilloise (loan from Brighton) | N/A |
| 2021–22 (Brighton contract baseline) | Brighton & Hove Albion | ~£520,000 |
| 2022–23 | Brighton & Hove Albion | ~£4.16 million |
| 2023–24 | Brighton & Hove Albion | ~£4.16 million |
| 2024–25 | Brighton & Hove Albion | ~£4.16 million |
| 2025–26 (current season) | Brighton & Hove Albion | ~£4.16 million (contracted) |
Career Statistics
| Club | Period | Competition (main) | Appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kawasaki Frontale | 2020–2021 | J1 League & cups | 51 | 21 |
| Union Saint‑Gilloise (loan) | 2021–2022 | Belgian First Division A & cups | 11 | 5 |
| Brighton & Hove Albion | 2021–2026 | All competitions | 94 (approx., incl. subs) | 23 |
FAQs
What is Kaoru Mitoma’s net worth?
Most recent financial estimates place Kaoru Mitoma’s net worth at about £10.4 million, based mainly on his Brighton salary and previous contracts plus endorsements.
How much does Kaoru Mitoma earn per week at Brighton?
Reports from leading wage trackers and football media state that he earns around £80,000 per week, making him one of Brighton’s top earners after signing his 2023 contract extension.
When does Kaoru Mitoma’s Brighton contract end?
Mitoma’s current contract with Brighton & Hove Albion runs until 30 June 2027, giving the club several more seasons of control over his future and potential transfers.
Who is Kaoru Mitoma’s wife?
Kaoru Mitoma is married to his long‑time girlfriend Narumi Miura, whom he met during his university days in Japan and later married in a private ceremony shared briefly on social media.
How many goals has Kaoru Mitoma scored for Brighton?
Depending on the database, Mitoma has scored just over 20 goals in all competitions for Brighton, with Soccerbase listing 21 league and cup goals.
