Kimito Nono

Kimito Nono (濃野 公人) is a Japanese professional footballer who plays as a right back for club Kashima Antlers.

Early life
Nono was born in Ibaraki, Osaka and his father would often take him to watch Gamba Osaka matches. Whilst at elementary school, he moved to Chikushino, Fukuoka and joined Sagan Tosu U-15.

Youth career
Despite playing for Sagan Tosu's U-15 side, Nono decided to attend Otsu High School to continue his footballing journey rather than move up to Tosu's U-18s. At this time, his position was as a forward. In 2019, he scored six goals in 17 appearances in the Prince Takamado Trophy JFA U-18 Football League.

Nono received an offer from Kwansei Gakuin University, which he accepted. In his first year, he moved first to right-midfield, before settling in the right-back position at the start of his second year. From then on, Nono was a regular player for the university team. The team finished as winners of the JUFA Kansai League in both 2021 and 2022. At the end of his time at the university, he had 64 appearances and scored 10 goals.

Club career
Nono received two offers from J1 League clubs. In June 2023, it was announced that he would be joining J1 League team Kashima Antlers for the 2024 J1 League season. Nono made his debut for the club on the opening game of the season in a 3–0 league victory over Nagoya Grampus. He became the first college graduate rookie since 1993 to be named in the starting lineup of the opening game for a Kashima side. In April 2024, he scored his first goal for the club, an 85th-minute winner in a 1–0 league win over Kyoto Sanga. In his first appearance in the J.League Cup, Nono was sent off in extra time in a 2–1 victory over Vanraure Hachinohe.