Kazuyoshi Miura, known as “King Kazu,” is a Japanese footballer renowned as one of the oldest professional players in history. Miura is a 58-year-old Japanese football legend set to join Fukushima United on a one-year loan, marking his 41st professional season starting in 2026.
Career Move Details
Miura left Atletico Suzuka, a team in Japan’s fourth division. He played just seven games for them last season before they got relegated. His move to a new team is still waiting for official word, it’s expected to be announced at 11:11 a.m. on January 11, as a nod to his famous jersey number. He’ll turn 59 in February, proving his amazing staying power since starting his pro career back in 1986.
Record-Breaking Longevity
Miura has the record for the longest career in professional football. He keeps playing instead of retiring like most players do. He’s now in Japan’s third-division J.League with Fukushima United, still competing in his late 50s. His determination inspires fans, mixing old memories with current action.
Career Highlights
Miura started his pro soccer career at 15 in Brazil, playing for teams like Santos and Palmeiras. He returned to Japan in 1990 and shone for Verdy Kawasaki, earning the first J.League MVP award. Later, he played in Italy for Genoa, in Croatia for Dinamo Zagreb, and for several Japanese clubs like Yokohama FC.
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International Achievements
Miura played 89 times for Japan, scoring 55 goals. That’s the second-highest goal tally in Japan’s history, behind only Kunishige Kamamoto. He starred as MVP in Japan’s 1992 Asian Cup victory and helped qualify the team for their first-ever World Cup in 1998. However, he was controversially left out of the final squad.
Legends don’t fade, they just get better.
