Kaoru Mitoma Ties Record for Most Goals by a Japanese Player in the Premier League
Brighton & Hove Albion’s star winger, Kaoru Mitoma, has etched his name into Premier League history. On January 17, 2025, the 28-year-old Japanese international scored his 14th goal in the English Premier League (EPL), tying the record for most goals by a Japanese player in the competition. The historic moment came during Brighton’s 2-0 victory over Ipswich at portman Road Stadium.
Mitoma’s goal, a clinical side-footed finish in the 59th minute, marked his fourth of the season and his first in over a month. This achievement not only secured Brighton’s win but also placed him alongside former Leicester City forward Shinji Okazaki, who also scored 14 goals during his EPL career. Okazaki, a key figure in Leicester’s miraculous 2015-2016 title-winning campaign, achieved his tally in 114 appearances. Mitoma, on the other hand, has reached the same milestone in significantly fewer games, showcasing his growing influence in the league.
As joining Brighton in 2022, Mitoma has steadily risen to prominence. In his debut season (2022-2023), he netted seven goals, followed by three in the 2023-2024 season despite battling a back injury. His latest goal against Ipswich not only surpassed his previous season’s tally but also highlighted his resilience and determination.
The road to Breaking the Record
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Mitoma is now just one goal away from setting a new benchmark for Japanese players in the Premier League. Known for his blistering pace and technical prowess, the winger has become a fan favorite at Brighton. his ability to create chances and finish them has been instrumental in the team’s success.
Though, the journey to becoming Asia’s top scorer in the EPL is still a long one. Mitoma currently ranks tied for eighth among Asian players in the league’s all-time scoring charts.The record is held by tottenham’s Son Heung-min, who has amassed an remarkable 126 goals in his 10-year EPL career. Son, often referred to as “Captain Son,” became the first Asian player to win the Premier League Golden Boot in the 2019-2020 season.
asian Players in the Premier League: A Comparative Look
The table below highlights the top Asian scorers in Premier League history,showcasing Mitoma’s position among the continent’s elite:
| Rank | Player | Nationality | Goals | Club(s) |
|——|———————-|—————|——-|————————|
| 1 | Son Heung-min | South Korea | 126 | Tottenham |
| 2 | Mark Viduka | Australia | 92 | Leeds,Middlesbrough |
| 3 | Harry Kewell | Australia | 57 | Leeds,Liverpool |
| 4 | Tim Cahill | Australia | 56 | Everton |
| 5 | Hwang Hee-chan | South Korea | 22 | Wolverhampton |
| 6 | Park Ji-sung | South Korea | 19 | Manchester United |
| 7 | Ki Sung-yueng | South Korea | 15 | Swansea,Sunderland |
| 8 | Kaoru Mitoma | Japan | 14 | Brighton |
The Bigger Picture
While Mitoma’s achievement is commendable,the collective goal tally of Japanese players in the Premier League stands at 56—less than half of Son Heung-min’s individual total. This underscores the dominance of South Korean players in the league’s history.
Mitoma’s recent form, however, suggests that he is far from done. After recovering from a hamstring injury, he has been steadily increasing his playing time and making significant contributions. his performance against Ipswich is a testament to his growing confidence and ability to deliver in crucial moments.
what’s Next for Mitoma?
With the record for most goals by a Japanese player within touching distance, all eyes will be on Mitoma in Brighton’s upcoming fixtures. Can he surpass Okazaki and set a new benchmark? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: kaoru Mitoma is a name that will continue to shine in the Premier League.
For more updates on Mitoma’s journey and Brighton’s campaign, stay tuned to the Premier League’s official player stats page.
Kaoru Mitoma Ties Record for Moast Goals by a Japanese Player in the premier League: An Exclusive Interview with Football Analyst Hiroshi Tanaka
Brighton & Hove Albion’s dynamic winger, Kaoru Mitoma, has made headlines by equaling the record for the most goals scored by a Japanese player in the Premier League. With 14 goals to his name, Mitoma now stands shoulder-to-shoulder with Shinji Okazaki, a legend of Japanese football. To delve deeper into this milestone and its significance, we sat down with Hiroshi Tanaka, a renowned football analyst and expert on Asian players in European leagues.
World Today News (WTN): Hiroshi, thank you for joining us. kaoru Mitoma has just tied Shinji Okazaki’s record for the most Premier League goals by a Japanese player.what does this achievement mean for Japanese football?
Hiroshi tanaka (HT): Thank you for having me.This is a monumental moment for Japanese football. Mitoma’s achievement highlights the growing influence of Japanese players in one of the most competitive leagues in the world. Shinji Okazaki’s record stood for years, and for Mitoma to match it in fewer games is a testament to his talent and adaptability. It’s a proud moment for Japan and a sign that more players from the contry can thrive in top-tier European leagues.
WTN: Mitoma reached this milestone in considerably fewer appearances than Okazaki. What does this say about his impact at Brighton?
HT: It’s a clear indicator of his growing influence. Mitoma joined Brighton in 2022 and quickly established himself as a key player. His pace, technical ability, and composure in front of goal have made him a fan favorite.What’s remarkable is how he’s adapted to the physicality and intensity of the Premier league. While Okazaki was more of a workhorse, Mitoma brings flair and creativity, which has been crucial for Brighton’s attacking play.
WTN: Mitoma has faced challenges, including injuries, yet he’s continued to perform. How has he managed to stay consistent?
HT: Resilience is one of Mitoma’s standout qualities. Last season, he battled a back injury but still managed to contribute with crucial goals. This season, despite a hamstring issue, he’s come back stronger. His ability to recover and maintain his form speaks volumes about his professionalism and determination. Brighton’s medical and coaching staff deserve credit too, as they’ve managed his fitness well.
WTN: the record for most goals by an Asian player in the Premier League is held by Son Heung-min, with 126 goals. How does Mitoma’s journey compare to Son’s?
HT: Son Heung-min is a phenomenon. He’s not just the best Asian player in Premier league history; he’s one of the best players,period. Mitoma is still early in his journey, but he’s showing signs of becoming a standout performer. While Son’s goal tally is staggering, Mitoma’s impact goes beyond just scoring. His ability to create chances and his work rate make him a complete player. If he continues on this trajectory, he could carve out a legacy similar to Son’s, albeit in his own unique way.
WTN: Looking at the broader picture, Japanese players have a combined total of 56 Premier League goals, which is less than half of Son’s individual tally.Why do you think South Korean players have been more dominant in the league?
HT: It’s a combination of factors. South Korea has had a longer history of exporting top talent to Europe, and players like Park ji-sung and Son Heung-min have set high standards. Japan, on the other hand, has traditionally focused on developing players for the J-League. however, in recent years, we’ve seen a shift.Players like Mitoma, Takehiro Tomiyasu, and Wataru Endo are making their mark, and I believe this is just the beginning. The gap is narrowing, and Japanese players are proving they can compete at the highest level.
WTN: What’s next for Mitoma? Can he break Okazaki’s record and set a new benchmark?
HT: Absolutely. Mitoma is just one goal away from breaking the record, and given his current form, it’s only a matter of time. What’s exciting is that he’s still improving. At 28, he’s entering his prime, and if he stays fit, he could easily surpass 20 goals in the Premier League. Beyond that, I see him becoming a leader for Brighton and possibly attracting interest from even bigger clubs.
WTN: what message does Mitoma’s success send to young Japanese players aspiring to play in Europe?
HT: it’s a powerful message: Dream big and work hard. Mitoma’s journey from the J-League to the Premier League is an inspiration. he’s shown that with talent, determination, and the right mindset, anything is absolutely possible. young players in Japan should look at him as a role model and believe that they too can achieve greatness on the global stage.
WTN: hiroshi,thank you for yoru insights. It’s clear that Kaoru Mitoma is not just making history but also paving the way for future generations of Japanese footballers.
HT: Thank you.It’s an exciting time for Japanese football, and I’m thrilled to see where Mitoma’s journey takes him next.
For more updates on Kaoru Mitoma’s journey and Brighton’s campaign, stay tuned to the Premier League’s official player stats page.
