Japanese football legend ‘King Kazu’, 59, scores first goal in four years

Japanese football icon Kazuyoshi Miura proved that age is just a number as the 59-year-old scored his first competitive goal in nearly four years.

>The world’s oldest professional footballer, affectionately known as “King Kazu”, struck in the 52nd minute for Fukushima United on Saturday, as the J-League third division side thrashed Iwaki Furukawa 7-0 to advance in the Emperor’s Cup.

>The goal prompted celebrations among teammates on the pitch and the bench before the veteran forward was substituted three minutes later.

>It was Miura’s first competitive goal since November 2022, when he scored for Suzuka PG, now Atletico Suzuka, in a Japan Football League defeat by FC Osaka.

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Enormous draw for fansThe former Japan international is preparing for a remarkable 42nd season as a professional after extending his loan spell with third-tier Fukushima United until June 2027.

>Miura joined the club from Yokohama FC in December and will remain with Fukushima after making six appearances during a shortened 2026 campaign.

>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 still playing professionally, adding another chapter to one of football’s most enduring careers.

>Miura has previously insisted that he will not hang up his boots until he turns 60, and he continues to be an enormous draw for fans in Japan and abroad.