Newcastle Jets have re-signed Japanese star Kota Mizunuma for the Isuzu UTE A-League 2025-26 season.
The 35-year-old played 12 games for the Jets last season after signing from historic J1 League outfit Yokohama F. Marinos on a short-term deal.
Japan international winger Mizunuma quickly became a fan favourite at the Jets through the back end of the 2024-25 campaign, scoring two goals and notching four assists in 12 games.
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“I’m happy to be playing for the Jets again this season,” said Mizunuma upon his return to the Jets for 2025-26.
“I’ve really enjoyed my time in Newcastle so far, and I’m already excited for what’s ahead.
“I’ll give it my all for the team and I hope that our fans come along to our games to make it a great season. Up the Jets!”
Mizunuma is the first player to have re-signed with the club since the appointment of new head coach Mark Milligan in May; Dane Ingham, Ryan Scott, Matt Scarcella, Justin Vidic, Wellissol, Callum Timmins, Jacob Dowse, Charles M’Mombwa and Zac Bowling have all departed the club since the conclusion of the 2024-25 campaign in which the Jets finished ninth on the Isuzu UTE A-League table.
Milligan says Mizunuma’s leadership and experience were two key qualities that made the Japanese winger an integral signing for his first season at the helm.
“It was very important to myself and the club that we have a player of Kota’s experience,” Milligan said.
“From the outside looking in, it was evident that in a short space of time Kota not only had a huge impact on the field, but he quickly became a fan favourite.
“Kota will play a major role in what he brings as a player but just as importantly what he brings as a person.
“The leadership qualities he naturally possesses will help shape the future of the young players around him as well.”
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