<strong>Together, let's make a legacy'</strong> - Kazuyoshi Miura, fifty-eight, moves to a fresh football side.

Kazuyoshi Miura, set to turn 59 next month and is the world's oldest professional footballer, has signed a temporary transfer until June with Japanese third division side Fukushima United.

This move means Miura could play in the J.League - encompassing the highest tiers of football in Japan - for the first time in half a decade.

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 while on loan at fourth-tier club Atletico Suzuka.

"My love for the game hasn't changed, no matter how old I get," he said as he gears up for a 41st season as a pro footballer.
"I am truly thankful to be presented with this chance. I vow I will play with all my heart to help the team. 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 played club football in Italy, Croatia and Australia, signed for the club in 2005 but has remained absent from the pitch for them since 2020.

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

Miura, who has talked of continuing his career into his seventh decade, said he was ready to "take on a new challenge" after being relegated last season to Japan's regional leagues.

Fukushima finished 10th in the twenty-club J3 League last season.

Cynthia Camacho
Cynthia Camacho

A passionate Italian chef and food writer, sharing decades of experience in traditional Ligurian cooking and modern twists.