Kaoru Mitoma vs Shinji Kagawa
Japan against Japan. The almanac states its case, the crowd votes, you decide.
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.
Shinji Kagawa
Japan · 2011–17 · CAM
- Almanac rating
- 88
- Rank in Japan
- #2 of 33
- Caps
- 97 · 31 goals
- Clubs
- Cerezo Osaka, Borussia Dortmund, Manchester United
Rooney set up all three on 2 March 2013 and he finished each one without fuss, a 4-0 win over Norwich that made him the first Asian player to score a Premier League hat-trick. Two Bundesliga titles at Dortmund in 2011 and 2012 came with the 2012 German cup, followed by the 2012-13 Premier League with Manchester United, the 2011 Asian Cup with Japan, and a second DFB-Pokal back in Dortmund in 2017. Career record: 97 caps and 31 goals for Japan; club career at Cerezo Osaka, Borussia Dortmund, Manchester United.
The verdict
The almanac puts Shinji Kagawa ahead by 2 rating points, 88 against 86.
Fans have not settled this one yet. Cast the first vote in the duels.