Kaoru Mitoma Honored With Lifetime Achievement Award for His Contributions to Brighton & Hove Albion After Receiving the Captain’s Armband
Brighton, England – June 20, 2025
In a stirring celebration of loyalty, skill, and leadership, Brighton & Hove Albion honored Japanese international Kaoru Mitoma with a Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing his incredible contributions to the club both on and off the pitch. The ceremony, held at the Amex Stadium, followed an emotional moment earlier this season when Mitoma was named club captain—a crowning achievement for a player whose journey has been as dazzling as his footwork on the wing.
From University Scholar to Premier League Star
Mitoma’s rise to prominence is anything but ordinary. The Kanagawa-born star made headlines in Japan for delaying his professional debut to complete a degree in sports science, famously studying dribbling patterns using video analysis. When he eventually joined Brighton in 2021 via a loan at Union SG, many saw potential—but few predicted the profound impact he would have.
By the 2022–23 season, Mitoma had become one of the Premier League’s breakout stars. With his explosive pace, mesmerizing dribbling, and intelligent movement, he tormented defenders and delighted fans. His solo goals and elegant assists quickly made him a fan favorite and one of the most feared wide players in the league.
Over the next few years, Mitoma would become synonymous with Brighton’s rise in English football, playing an integral role as the club competed in European competitions and solidified its place among the league’s elite.
A True Leader On and Off the Pitch
After several seasons of consistent brilliance and professional excellence, Mitoma was named captain of Brighton & Hove Albion at the start of the 2024–25 season. The decision, praised by fans and pundits alike, marked a historic moment—Mitoma became the club’s first Asian captain in its 123-year history.
Manager Roberto De Zerbi described the appointment as “a natural evolution.”
“Kaoru leads not with volume, but with values—discipline, respect, commitment. He’s everything this club stands for,” De Zerbi said.
Since taking the armband, Mitoma has led with grace, continuing to deliver exceptional performances while mentoring young talent and serving as a bridge between cultures in the diverse Brighton locker room.
Honoring a Club Legend
The Lifetime Achievement Award ceremony took place following Brighton’s final home game of the season, where they secured European qualification for a third consecutive year. In a sold-out Amex Stadium, supporters rose as one to applaud Mitoma as he was presented with the club’s highest individual honor by chairman Tony Bloom.
A tribute video played on the big screen, showcasing Mitoma’s greatest moments—from his first Premier League goal to his stunning Europa League winner, and the emotional moment he donned the captain’s armband for the first time. Fans waved Japanese flags and banners reading “Mitoma: Forever One of Us” filled the South Stand.
“Kaoru represents the very best of Brighton & Hove Albion,” said Bloom. “He’s not just one of our greatest players—he’s a symbol of what hard work, humility, and talent can achieve.”
Mitoma, visibly emotional, addressed the crowd in both English and Japanese:
“When I came to Brighton, I didn’t know what to expect. But from day one, this city, this club, and you—the fans—made me feel at home. This award means more than words can say. It belongs to everyone who believed in me.”
A Cultural Ambassador
Beyond his achievements on the pitch, Mitoma has been an ambassador for Japanese football and for cultural diversity in the Premier League. His calm demeanor, humility, and professionalism have drawn praise not just from Brighton supporters, but from fans across the globe.
He played a crucial role in growing Brighton’s international fanbase, particularly in Asia, where his popularity rivals that of global superstars. The club’s preseason tours in Japan and South Korea, which sold out stadiums, were credited largely to Mitoma’s influence.
He has also supported community programs in Brighton and in Japan, advocating for youth development and cultural education. In 2024, he launched the “Mitoma Football Fellowship,” providing scholarships for young Japanese players to train in Europe.
The Road Ahead
Though only 28, Mitoma’s contributions to Brighton are already legendary. He has repeatedly stated his loyalty to the Seagulls and has hinted at remaining involved with the club in a mentoring or ambassadorial role beyond his playing career.
For now, though, he continues to wear the captain’s armband with pride and remains one of the Premier League’s top performers. Whether dazzling fans with a weaving run down the left flank or lifting spirits with his signature humble smile, Kaoru Mitoma’s impact is etched into Brighton’s history.
A Moment to Remember
As fireworks lit up the night sky over the Amex and the crowd chanted his name in unison, Mitoma held his award high—a symbol of everything he had achieved and everything he represents. Not just a winger, not just a captain, but a legend.
For Brighton & Hove Albion, Kaoru Mitoma isn’t just part of the story. He is the story.
