Kota Mizunuma

is a Japanese professional footballer who plays for Urawa Red Diamonds

Club career On 1 January 2018, Mizunuma scored the game winning goal in extra-time of the final of the Emperor's Cup, helping secure Cerezo Osaka their fourth national cup trophy.

He was included in the J1 League Best XI during the 2022 season as his club Yokohama F. Marinos won their fifth J1 title and seventh Japanese title overall.

Newcastle Jets

2024-25 Season On 21 January 2025, Mizunuma moved abroad for the first time in his career, signing for A-League Men side Newcastle Jets on an initial six-month deal.

2025-26 Season Mizunuma impressed during the successful 2025 Australia Cup campaign, playing all five games whilst scoring three times and assisting once . An injury ruled Kota out of the first seven rounds of the A-League, making his first appearance of the campaign off the bench in a 3–1 away win over Wellington Phoenix. He scored his first goal of the A-League campaign in his first start in a 2–1 win over Sydney FC .

On 28 May 2026, the club confirmed that Mizunuma would depart the club at the expiration of his contract at the end of the 2025–26 season.

International career In August 2007, Mizunuma was elected Japan U-17 national team for 2007 U-17 World Cup. He served as captain and played all 3 matches as right midfielder.

Mizunuma earned two caps for the Japan national team in 2022, both coming in the EAFF E-1 Football Championship which Japan won for a second time.

Honours Cerezo Osaka Emperor's Cup: 2017

Newcastle Jets Australia Cup: 2025 A-League Premiership: 2025–26

Japan U17 AFC U-17 Championship: 2006

Japan U23 Asian Games: 2010

Japan EAFF Championship: 2022

Individual J.League Best XI: 2022 A-League Men Goal of the Month: March 2026