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Japanese football icon Kazuyoshi Miura has extended his remarkable career by signing for a third-division side at the age of 58. Popularly known as “King Kazu,” Miura has joined Fukushima United on loan until June, a move that marks his 41st season in professional football.
The former international, who will turn 59 in February, continues to defy age as he remains active in the Japanese game.
“My passion for football hasn’t changed, no matter how old I get,” the former Japan international said in a statement issued by his new club.
“I’m very grateful to be given the opportunity to play in Fukushima, and I will fight hard as a member of Fukushima United.
“Let’s make history together!”
Miura said he was ready to “take on a new challenge” with Fukushima, who finished 10th in the 20-team third division last season.
“To all the Fukushima United players, coaching staff, fans, sponsors and people in the local area, I promise that I will play with everything I have to make a contribution,” he said.
Miura spent last season with fourth-tier Atletico Suzuka, making seven appearances as the team were relegated to Japan’s regional leagues after finishing second-bottom of the table and losing a playoff.
His move to Fukushima sees him return to the J.League, the top three divisions of Japanese football, for the first time in five years.
Japanese football icon Kazuyoshi Miura began his professional career in 1986 with Brazilian club Santos and went on to play in Italy, Croatia, Australia and Portugal.
Nicknamed “King Kazu,” Miura was instrumental in raising the profile of Japanese football, particularly after the launch of the professional J.League in 1993.
He made his international debut for Japan in 1990 and scored 55 goals in 89 appearances for the national team. However, he was controversially omitted from Japan’s squad for their first-ever World Cup appearance in 1998.
