Kazuyoshi Miura, the evergreen Japanese football player, continues to defy age stereotypes as he signs with a J-League team at the age of 58. Fondly known as "King Kazu," Miura's unwavering passion for the sport has led him to join Fukushima United, a third-division team, on loan from Yokohama FC. This move marks his 41st season as a professional footballer, a career that began in 1986 with Brazilian team Santos.
Miura's journey is nothing short of remarkable. Born on February 26, 1967, in Shizuoka, Japan, he embarked on his professional career at a time when many of today's football stars were not even born. His early career saw him playing for several clubs in Brazil, including Santos, Palmeiras, and Coritiba. In 1990, he returned to Japan and joined Yomiuri, later known as Verdy Kawasaki, contributing significantly to their success in the J-League.
Miura's international career is equally impressive. He played for the Japanese national team from 1990 to 2000, scoring 55 goals in 89 appearances. He was a key member of the team that won the 1992 Asian Cup, where he was also named the Most Valuable Player. Despite his contributions, he was notably left out of the 1998 World Cup squad, a decision that remains a talking point in Japanese football.
Throughout his career, Miura has played in various countries, including Italy, Croatia, Australia, and Portugal. He holds the distinction of being the oldest player to ever play in a J1 League match and the oldest player to score in a professional match. His dedication to the sport is evident in his rigorous fitness routines and unwavering discipline. "The secret is nothing more than hard work and passion," Miura once said, encapsulating his approach to the game.
In recent years, Miura has continued to play in the lower divisions of Japanese football. In 2022, he joined Suzuka Point Getters in the Japan Football League (JFL), and later Atletico Suzuka. His move to Fukushima United represents a new challenge in his illustrious career. At an age when most footballers have long retired, Miura's commitment to the sport is an inspiration to players and fans alike. He embodies the spirit that age is just a number, and his passion for football remains as strong as ever.
