Kazuyoshi Miura, the world's oldest professional footballer, scored his first competitive goal in nearly four years on Saturday at the age of 59, capping a trademark run into the box with a first-time finish to put Fukushima United 5-0 ahead against Iwaki Furukawa in the Emperor's Cup.
The goal, which came in the 52nd minute, sparked celebrations among teammates on the pitch and the bench before Miura was substituted three minutes later. Fukushima went on to win 7-0 and advance in the competition.
“Kazuyoshi Miura, 59, scored his first competitive goal in nearly four years for Fukushima United in a 7-0 Emperor's Cup win.”
Miura, affectionately known in Japan as "King Kazu," last scored competitively in November 2022 for Suzuka PG, now Atletico Suzuka, against FC Osaka. His latest strike at 59 years and 149 days adds another chapter to one of football's most enduring careers.
The former Japan international, who scored 55 goals in 89 games for his country, started his career with Brazilian side Santos in 1986 and has also played club football in Italy, Croatia and Australia. He was the face of the J League when it launched in 1993 and remains one of the country's most loved sportsmen.
Miura is now preparing for a remarkable 42nd season as a professional after extending his loan spell with third-tier Fukushima United from Yokohama FC until June 2027. He joined Fukushima in December and made six appearances during a shortened 2026 campaign. He has not played a minute for Yokohama, whom he signed for in 2005, since 2020.
With Japan's professional leagues set to switch from a spring-to-autumn schedule to an autumn-to-spring calendar, Miura will enter his 60s next February still playing professionally. He has previously talked about playing into his 60s, and his latest goal suggests he is far from finished.