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Friday, October 16, 2026
Fresh Insight

<strong>'Let's make a legacy'</strong> - Kazuyoshi Miura, 58, joins new team.

The legendary Japanese striker, who turns 59 in February and is the world's oldest professional footballer, has finalized a loan deal until June with J3 League club Fukushima United.

The transfer means Miura might feature in the Japanese professional league - encompassing the highest tiers of Japanese football - for the first time in half a decade.

The ex-international forward, who started his career with Brazilian side Santos in 1986, did not find the net in just over an hour across seven appearances last season while on loan at JFL side Atletico Suzuka.

"My love for the game hasn't changed, regardless of my age," he said as he gears up for a 41st season as a professional footballer.
"I am truly thankful to be given this opportunity. I promise I will play with everything I have to make a contribution. Let's make history together!"

Referred to as 'King Kazu' in Japan, this will be Miura's fourth loan since 2022 from second division club Yokohama FC.

Miura, who has also featured in Italy, Croatia and Australia, joined the club in 2005 but has remained absent from the pitch for them since 2020.

He scored 55 goals in 89 games in an international career that ended in 2000, shortly following his surprising exclusion from the squad for Japan's maiden FIFA World Cup campaign.

The footballer, who has talked of continuing his career into his seventh decade, said he was ready to "embrace a fresh test" after being relegated last season to Japan's regional leagues.

Fukushima United ended the season in tenth place in the 20-team J3 League last season.

About the author

Kathryn Terrell

A Rome-based cultural enthusiast and travel writer with a passion for Italian festivals and history.

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