How a Japanese badminton prodigy named after Superman dominated the global court

Countries & Cities · Published 15 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Named for Clark Kent by parents who hoped he would become the world's strongest person, Kento Momota redefined men's singles badminton. From a homemade practice court in Kagawa to a record-breaking 11-title season in 2019, Momota became the first Japanese man to reach world number one, blending patience with defensive mastery.

Born in 1994, Momota began playing at age seven. His father, Nobuhiro, actively supported his development by constructing a practice court at home. Momota's rise was rapid; by 2012, he became the first Japanese male player to win a world junior title. His transition to the professional circuit was marked by historic milestones, including a pivotal role in Japan's first Thomas Cup victory in 2014 and becoming the first Japanese player to win a BWF Superseries title in 2015.

Momota's career faced significant turbulence. In 2016, he was banned from competition until late 2017 after admitting to visiting an illegal casino in Tokyo, where he had gambled away 0.5 million yen. Following his return, he experienced a spectacular resurgence, winning back-to-back World Championship titles in 2018 and 2019. In 2019, he secured a Guinness World Record for the most men's singles titles in a single season, claiming 11 victories.

The athlete's trajectory shifted again in 2020 following a severe highway accident while traveling to an airport. Although he initially appeared to suffer only facial injuries, he struggled to regain his pre-injury form in subsequent years. After retiring from the national team in 2024, Momota transitioned into coaching and promotional roles, including serving as an ambassador for the 2026 Asian Games. His legacy remains defined by his 121-week tenure as the world's top-ranked player and his status as one of the sport's all-time greats.

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