Japanese football great Kazuyoshi Miura is set to continue his astonishing professional career into his 60s, having extended his loan deal with third-tier side Fukushima United until June 2027.
The move will see the veteran forward embark on his 42nd season in the sport.
Miura, affectionately known as “King Kazu” in Japan, joined Fukushima on loan from Yokohama FC at the end of December.
He will remain with the J3 League club following six appearances in a shortened schedule earlier in 2026, as Japan’s professional leagues transition to an autumn-to-spring calendar.
“I have decided to continue my challenge at Fukushima United FC,” Miura stated. “I will continue to burn with passion and do my best in daily training to contribute to the team’s promotion to J2. Let’s share the joy together.”
Miura’s most recent outing earlier this month saw him play at the age of 59 years, three months and 12 days, further extending his own record as the oldest player to appear in a professional league match.
His remarkable career began in 1986 with Santos in Brazil, having travelled there alone at 15 to pursue his dream. He has since played for clubs across Brazil, Italy (Genoa), Croatia (Dinamo Zagreb), Australia (Sydney FC), and Portugal (Oliveirense).
Miura has spent the majority of the 21st century back in his homeland, where he has become a popular figure, and he has decided that he still has more to offer.
He scored 55 goals in 89 appearances for Japan after making his national team debut in 1990, and is the second-highest goalscorer in his nation’s history behind Kunishige Kamamoto.
However, Miura was notably omitted from the squad for Japan’s first World Cup appearance in 1998, and never got to play in football’s biggest global tournament before he retired from international duty in 2000.
