Football
Football
King Kazu, 59, Continues to Defy Time with Latest Goal in Emperor’s Cup
King Kazu, 59, Continues to Defy Time with Latest Goal in Emperor’s Cup
Kazuyoshi Miura, widely known as ‘King Kazu’ and the oldest professional footballer globally, scored his first competitive goal in nearly four years on Saturday. At 59 years and 149 days old, Miura netted for Fukushima United in their dominant 7-0 Emperor’s Cup victory over Iwaki Furukawa.
The veteran forward struck in the 52nd minute, extending Fukushima’s lead to 5-0. His goal, a first-time finish from a teammate’s cutback after a characteristic run into the box, sparked lively celebrations among his teammates before he was substituted three minutes later. This marks his first goal since November 2022, when he scored for Suzuka PG, now Atletico Suzuka, against FC Osaka.
Miura’s illustrious career began with Brazilian club Santos in 1986, and he has since played in Italy, Croatia, and Australia. He also represented Japan 89 times, scoring 55 goals. His enduring career is set to continue into a remarkable 42nd season, as he extended his loan with third-tier Fukushima United from J2 League side Yokohama FC until June 2027.
Having joined Fukushima in December, Miura will remain with the club after making six appearances in the recent shortened season. With the Japanese professional leagues transitioning to an autumn-to-spring schedule, Miura is poised to continue playing professionally even as he enters his 60s next February, further cementing his legend in the sport.
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