In every athlete’s life, there comes a day when they inevitably have to hang up their boots. For Japan’s Kento Momota, that moment has come earlier than most expected.
A two-time world champion and a two-time Asian champion, Momota is, without a speck of doubt, one of the finest Asian badminton players in history. He boasts a career record of 383 wins as opposed to 115 losses. Before even stepping into his 30s, the Japanese’s decision to retire from international badminton has left many fans and experts speechless.
For the player, however, the call to bid farewell to the sport has been on the cards for a while. In 2020, Momota was involved in a fatal car crash in which the driver was killed. While he returned to professional badminton later that year, the Japanese player was never the same.
“Since the accident in January 2020, there was a lot of hardship. I tried so many things but I just couldn’t close the emotional, physical gap between who I used to be and who I am,” Momota said in the press conference where he announced his retirement.
The shuttler opened up about how he found it difficult to move on the court the way he wanted to post the accident. It was also getting difficult for him to maintain the same level of stamina during the matches. Therefore, it was only a matter of time before he needed to draw the curtains on his international career.
For context, the Thomas and Uber Cup Finals in Chengdu, China, which will be played between 27 April and 5 May, is going to be Momota’s last time representing Japan in a tournament.
As congratulatory messages come pouring in from all corners of the globe, we take a moment to pay homage to Kento Momota’s incredible career and look at his net worth, salary, all the luxury assets he owns, the brands he endorses and more.
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An overview of Kento Momota’s illustrious career
Born in Miyoto, Kagawa Prefecture on 1 September 1994, Kento Momota had a penchant for badminton from a very young age. He started playing the sport in the second grade of elementary school. In his sixth grade, Momota won the All Japan Elementary School Championship. A few years later, he won the All Japan Junior High School Championship.
In 2013, Momota entered the world of professional badminton. Soon after, he tasted success at the 2014 Thomas Cup where he won all his matches. His performance was instrumental in Japan winning the title for the first time in the nation’s history.
The following year, Momota scripted history at the Singapore Open by becoming the first Japanese player to win the title. In the process, he also became the first Japanese shuttler to win a Super Series title in the men’s singles category.
Later in 2015, he became the first Japanese player to win a medal in the men’s singles category of the BWF World Championships when he won the bronze medal in this prestigious tournament. He ended the year by winning the BWF World Super Series Finals in Dubai.
Over the next few years, Momota tasted success in several major tournaments. His remarkable achievements include winning the World Championships as well as the Asian Championships in 2018 and 2019, and the All England Open in 2019. As a matter of fact, the All England Open win in 2019 was one of his nine BWF World Tour event wins that year. Momota also reached the summit of the BWF men’s singles rankings on 27 September 2018.
Everything you need to know about Kento Momota’s wealth
How much is Kento Momota’s net worth?
According to multiple reports, Kento Momota, in 2024, enjoys a net worth of USD 3.5 million. He ranks among the richest badminton players in the world. A lion’s share of his net worth can be attributed to his earnings from professional badminton.
A look at Kento Momota’s salary and earnings from badminton
One of the most successful shuttlers of all time, Kento Momota holds the distinction in the Guinness Book of World Records for “The most badminton men’s singles titles in a season” owing to his 11 title wins during the 2019 season. Therefore, it comes as no surprise to learn that the Japanese player has been able to amass quite a fortune throughout his career.
According to reports, Kento Momota has an annual salary of around USD 507,135 per annum. This translates to a monthly paycheck of an estimated USD 42,261. However, the figures are inclusive of his earnings from brand sponsorships.
By virtue of winning several badminton titles in the international sphere, Momota has taken home huge sums in payouts throughout his career. Several sources suggest that the Japanese shuttler has won in excess of USD 506,900 in prize money.
Which brands does Kento Momota endorse?
Success in any sporting discipline translates to widespread attention from multinational brands for endorsement deals. For Kento Momota, it is no different.
The star shuttler has a sponsorship deal in place with Japanese sports equipment manufacturing company Yonex. As a part of the contract, the brand provides Momota with his badminton kit and apparel. Momota has been seen using the Yonex Astrox 99 Sapphire Navy racquet and the Yonex SHB 65 Z Men orange shoes.
In addition, the Japanese badminton player is also a brand ambassador for global multi-level dietary supplements manufacturer Herbalife. Momota signed a deal with the brand in June 2021.
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(Main and Featured Images Credits: Momota Kento/Instagram)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
– What happened to Kento Momota?
Kento Momota was involved in a fatal car crash in 2020.
– What are the achievements of Kento Momota?
A world champion on multiple occasions, Kento Momota holds the Guinness World Record for winning 11 titles in 2019, the most men’s singles titles in a season.
