Japanese football legend ‘King Kazu’, 59, scores first goal in four years
Kazuyoshi Miura, 59, the world's oldest professional footballer, scored his first competitive goal in nearly four years for Fukushima United in a 7-0 Emperor's Cup victory. The Japanese icon, known as 'King Kazu', is preparing for his 42nd professional season and has extended his contract until June 2027.
Japanese football legend Kazuyoshi Miura demonstrated continued competitive ability by scoring for Fukushima United in the Emperor's Cup on Saturday. The 59-year-old striker netted in the 52nd minute as his third-tier J-League side defeated Iwaki Furukawa 7-0 to advance in the tournament. The goal marked Miura's first competitive strike since November 2022, when he played for Suzuka PG in a Japan Football League match.
Miura, widely recognized as the world's oldest active professional footballer, joined Fukushima United on loan from Yokohama FC in December. He has since made six appearances and extended his contract with the club through June 2027, positioning himself to enter his 60s while still playing professionally. The veteran forward was substituted three minutes after scoring, drawing celebrations from teammates on the pitch and bench.
The Japanese football icon has previously stated his intention to continue playing until reaching age 60. His career spans four decades of professional football, and he remains a significant draw for supporters in Japan and internationally. With Japan's professional leagues transitioning from a spring-autumn to autumn-spring schedule, Miura's extended tenure will add another chapter to one of football's most remarkable longevity stories.
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