Kazuyoshi Miura, aka 'King Kazu,' the world's oldest professional soccer player at 58, has signed a loan deal with third-division J.League club Fukushima United FC from Yokohama FC. Following an initial club statement, he confirmed the move at a January 10 Tokyo press conference ahead of turning 59, expressing growing passion for the sport.
The announcement, first shared via a club statement in late December 2025, was formalized at a Tokyo news conference on January 10, 2026. Miura, entering his 41st professional season, said, "My passion only grows the more I pursue it. Even though I’m getting older — I’ll be 59 this year — I feel my passion is actually increasing. I’m embarking on a new challenge. My enthusiasm for football hasn’t changed at all."
Last season, he played seven matches without scoring for fourth-division Atletico Suzuka Club, which was relegated to the regional Tokai Soccer League. Previously, he featured for Uniao Desportiva Oliveirense in Portugal's Liga Portugal 2, with his last J.League appearance in 2021 for J1 side Yokohama FC.
Miura debuted professionally in 1986 with Santos in Brazil — Pelé's famed club — and has played in Brazil, Italy, Croatia, Australia, Portugal, and Japan. In 2017, at age 50, he became the oldest player to score in a professional match. For Japan, he scored 55 goals in 89 appearances, the second-highest tally.
Determined to contribute, Miura added: "I have a strong desire to play in matches and perform well... Strikers can score goals in bunches... I’d like to write a new history with the club’s supporters." He aims to deliver goals, assists, and crosses from the left wing, vowing, "I just want to be on the pitch, even for just one minute or one second longer."
This signing highlights Miura's enduring commitment after five years away from the J.League.
