Hidetoshi Nakata vs Kaoru Mitoma
Japan against Japan. The almanac states its case, the crowd votes, you decide.
Hidetoshi Nakata
Japan · 1997–2006 · CM
- Almanac rating
- 89
- Rank in Japan
- #1 of 33
- Caps
- 77 · 11 goals
- Clubs
- Shonan Bellmare, A.C. Perugia Calcio, Parma Calcio 1913
Perugia trailed Juventus 3-0 at half-time of his Serie A debut on 13 September 1998, and he answered with two goals past Peruzzi in seven minutes before the champions held on to win 4-3. He won the Serie A title with Roma in 2001 and the Coppa Italia with Parma the following year, was Asian Footballer of the Year in 1997 and 1998, and played 77 times for Japan across the 1998, 2002 and 2006 World Cups. Career record: 77 caps and 11 goals for Japan; club career at Shonan Bellmare, A.C. Perugia Calcio, Parma Calcio 1913.
Kaoru Mitoma
Japan · 2018–26 · LM
- Almanac rating
- 86
- Rank in Japan
- #6 of 33
- Clubs
- University of Tsukuba Football Club, Kawasaki Frontale, Brighton & Hove Albion
With the ball apparently gone over the byline in Doha on 2 December 2022, Mitoma stretched and hooked it back a fraction inside, and Ao Tanaka turned in the goal that beat Spain 2-1. He won the J1 League and Emperor's Cup double with Kawasaki Frontale in 2020, was Japanese footballer of the year in 2021, and his solo goal against Chelsea was voted the Premier League's goal of the season in 2024-25. Career record: club career at University of Tsukuba Football Club, Kawasaki Frontale, Brighton & Hove Albion.
The verdict
The almanac puts Hidetoshi Nakata ahead by 3 rating points, 89 against 86.
Fans have not settled this one yet. Cast the first vote in the duels.