Kaoru Mitoma vs Shunsuke Nakamura
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.
Shunsuke Nakamura
Japan · 2000–07 · CAM
- Almanac rating
- 87
- Rank in Japan
- #5 of 33
- Caps
- 98 · 24 goals
- Clubs
- Yokohama F. Marinos, AS Reggina 1914, Celtic
Celtic Park, 21 November 2006: Nakamura bent a free kick from 30 yards past Edwin van der Sar late on, and the 1-0 win over Manchester United sent Celtic into the knockout rounds for the first time. He was Asian Cup champion with Japan in 2000 and 2004, best player of the 2004 tournament, and won three Scottish titles, a Scottish Cup, two League Cups and Scotland's 2007 player of the year award at Celtic. Career record: 98 caps and 24 goals for Japan; club career at Yokohama F. Marinos, AS Reggina 1914, Celtic.
The verdict
The almanac puts Shunsuke Nakamura ahead by 1 rating point, 87 against 86.
Fans have not settled this one yet. Cast the first vote in the duels.