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D.C. United acquire versatile Kimito Nono of Japan

By Thomson Reuters Jul 29, 2026 | 11:53 AM

D.C. United announced the acquisition of Japanese defender/midfielder Kimito Nono on Wednesday.

Nono, 24, arrives from ​the Kashima Antlers of ‌Japan’s top-flight J1 League and is signed through 2028-29 with an option for 2029-30. He will occupy an international roster ‌slot.

“Kimito ​has been an ⁠outstanding player for Kashima ⁠Antlers the past couple of seasons and has established himself as one of the best right-sided ​players in the J League,” said Dr. Erkut Sogut, D.C. ⁠United’s managing director of ⁠soccer operations.

“He plays both ​right back and right midfield, and that ​versatility is something we value ‌highly. He combines defensive reliability with exceptional attacking instincts. We are excited to welcome him to our ⁠club and look forward to seeing the impact he will make on the field.”

Nono ⁠recorded ‌13 goals and three ⁠assists in 87 appearances across ​all ‌competitions over the past ​three seasons ⁠with the Kashima Antlers. He made the league’s Best XI in 2024 and helped the team win the J1 League title in 2025.

–Field ​Level Media