Kazuyoshi Miura, the world's oldest professional footballer, scored his first goal in nearly four years during a match on Saturday. Playing for Japanese third-tier side Fukushima United, the 59-year-old veteran secured the goal in the 52nd minute to contribute to an eventual 7-0 victory over Iwaki Furukawa in the Emperor's Cup.
This milestone marked Miura’s first competitive goal since he last scored for Suzuka PG (now Atletico Suzuka) against FC Osaka in November 2022. The veteran striker spent the previous season with fourth-tier Atletico Suzuka, where he made eight appearances without scoring before the club was relegated.
A storied career
Known widely as 'King Kazu,' Miura became a defining face of the J League when it launched in 1993. His extensive career began in 1986 with the Brazilian side Santos and included stints in Italy, Croatia, Australia, and Portugal. While he joined Yokohama FC in 2005 (where he has not played since 2020), his journey continues as his current tenure at Fukushima United—joined via a loan signed in January—extends into his 42nd professional season through June 2027.
Miura's long tenure in the sport includes a debut for the Japan national team in 1990, though he was ultimately left out of the 1998 World Cup squad.