Japanese football icon Kazuyoshi Miura added another unforgettable milestone to his extraordinary career by scoring his first competitive goal in almost four years at the age of 59.
The veteran striker, widely known as “King Kazu,” found the net in the 52nd minute as third-division side Fukushima United cruised to a 7-0 victory over Iwaki Furukawa in the Emperor’s Cup. His strike made the score 5-0 before he was substituted just three minutes later to warm applause from teammates and supporters.
It was Miura’s first competitive goal since November 2022, when he scored for Suzuka PG, now known as Atletico Suzuka, in the Japan Football League.
One of Japan’s greatest football legends, Miura began his professional career with Brazilian giants Santos in 1986 before enjoying spells in Italy, Croatia, Portugal and Australia. He became the face of Japanese football during the launch of the J.League in 1993 and remains the world’s oldest active professional footballer.
Miura joined Fukushima United on loan from Yokohama FC in December and recently extended his stay until June 2027, ensuring he will continue playing into his 60s. The upcoming switch of Japan’s professional leagues from a spring-to-autumn schedule to an autumn-to-spring calendar means the former international is set to embark on what will be his 42nd professional season.
Across his international career, Miura scored 55 goals in 89 appearances for Japan and remains one of the country’s most celebrated sporting figures. His latest goal serves as another reminder of the longevity and dedication that have made him one of football’s most enduring icons.