Kazuyoshi Miura: World's oldest professional footballer, 59, scores first goal in years
Kazuyoshi Miura, 59, has scored his first competitive goal in nearly four years while playing for Japanese side Fukushima United.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0 / Author: kanegen
Kazuyoshi Miura, the world's oldest professional footballer, has marked a remarkable milestone by scoring his first goal in nearly four years. The 59-year-old Japanese icon found the net for third-tier side Fukushima United during their 7-0 Emperor's Cup victory over Iwaki Furukawa.
Known affectionately as 'King Kazu', Miura struck in the 52nd minute of Saturday's match. This goal marks his first competitive effort since he scored for Atletico Suzuka against FC Osaka in November 2022.
His career is nothing short of legendary, spanning 42 seasons. Since beginning his professional journey with the Brazilian club Santos in 1986, Miura has played in Italy, Croatia, Australia, and across Japan. He was the face of the J League when it launched in 1993 and remains a beloved figure in the country.
Currently, the veteran forward is on loan at Fukushima from Yokohama FC until June 2027. Although he has not played for his parent club since 2020, Miura remains determined to continue his playing career, having previously expressed his ambition to compete into his 60s.