At 59, Japan’s King Kazu extends career for another season

By Adegboyega Adeleye

Japanese football icon Kazuyoshi Miura will continue playing professional football into his 60s after extending his loan spell with Fukushima United until June 2027.

The 59-year-old forward, popularly known as “King Kazu”, will enter his 42nd season as a professional player after the J3 League club confirmed the extension of his stay on Thursday.

Miura joined Fukushima United on loan from Yokohama FC at the end of December and will remain with the third-tier side after making six appearances during the opening months of 2026, according to Reuters.

“I have decided to continue my challenge at Fukushima United FC,” Miura said in a statement.

“I will continue to burn with passion and do my best in daily training to contribute to the team’s promotion to J2. Let’s share the joy together.”

Earlier this month, Miura appeared in a professional league match at the age of 59 years, three months and 12 days, extending his own record as the oldest player to feature in professional football.

Miura’s remarkable career began in 1986 with Brazilian club Santos FC after he moved to Brazil alone at the age of 15 to pursue his football dream.

Over four decades, he has played in Brazil, Italy, Croatia, Australia and Portugal, representing clubs including Genoa CFC, Dinamo Zagreb, Sydney FC and UD Oliveirense.

On the international stage, Miura scored 55 goals in 89 appearances for the Japan national football team after making his debut in 1990. He was notably left out of Japan’s squad for its maiden World Cup appearance in 1998 before retiring from international football in 2000.

With the latest extension, the Japanese great is set to celebrate his 60th birthday while still playing professional football, further cementing one of the longest careers the sport has ever seen.

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