Kazuyoshi Miura, who turns 59 in February and is the world’s oldest professional footballer, has signed a loan deal until June with Japanese third division side Fukushima United.<\/p>\n
The move means Miura could play in the J.League – the top three divisions of Japanese football – for the first time in five years.<\/p>\n
The former Japan striker, who started his career with Brazilian side Santos in 1986, failed to score in 69 minutes across seven appearances last season on loan at fourth-tier club Atletico Suzuka.<\/p>\n
“My passion for football hasn’t changed, no matter how old I get,” he said as he prepares for a 41st season as a professional footballer.<\/p>\n
“I’m very grateful to be given this opportunity. I promise I will play with everything I have to make a contribution. Let’s make history together!”<\/p>\n
Known as ‘King Kazu’ in Japan, this will be Miura’s fourth loan since 2022 from J2 League side Yokohama FC. <\/p>\n
Miura, who has also played club football in Italy, Croatia and Australia, signed for the club in 2005 but has not played a minute for them since 2020.<\/p>\n
He scored 55 goals in 89 games in an international career that ended in 2000, two years after his notable omission from the squad for Japan’s first World Cup finals appearance.<\/p>\n