Kazuyoshi Miura, the Japanese forward endearingly known as "King Kazu," continues to defy age and expectations as he plays professional football at 58. As of June 2025, Miura is in his 40th season, currently playing for Atletico Suzuka Club in the Japan Football League (JFL), which is the fourth tier of Japanese football. He is on loan from Yokohama FC, a second-division club.
Miura's remarkable longevity and passion for the game were recently on display when he came on as an 82nd-minute substitute for Atletico Suzuka Club in a match on Sunday. His contribution helped his team secure a 2-1 victory, further cementing his status as a living legend. At 58 years and 109 days old, Miura is not only the oldest active professional footballer in Japan but also very likely the oldest in the world.
"I'm glad I was able to contribute," Miura said after the game. "Thanks to help from my teammates and trainers, I've been able to make it this far. Now I want to raise my game even more." This statement encapsulates his unwavering commitment and drive to continue playing the sport he loves.
Born on February 26, 1967, Miura began his professional career in 1986 with Santos in Brazil, a club synonymous with the legendary Pelé. Since then, his career has spanned across the globe, including stints in Italy, Croatia, Australia, and Portugal. In 2017, at the age of 50, Miura broke the record for the oldest player to score in a professional match, surpassing the previous record held by England's Stanley Matthews.
Miura's influence extends beyond his personal achievements. He played a crucial role in popularizing football in Japan, particularly with the launch of the J-League in 1993. Despite scoring 55 goals in 89 appearances for the Japanese national team, he was controversially left out of the 1998 World Cup squad, a decision that remains a point of contention among fans.
Throughout his illustrious career, Miura has collected 18 trophies, including four Japanese league titles with Tokyo Verdy and a Croatian top-division title with Dinamo Zagreb. His dedication to the sport is unwavering. "Retiring isn't an option," Miura stated at a press conference, emphasizing his desire to play as many minutes as possible.
Currently, Miura is focused on contributing to Atletico Suzuka's success in the JFL. His presence not only boosts the team's morale but also draws significant attention to the league. As he continues to defy the limitations of age, Kazuyoshi Miura remains an inspiration to footballers and sports enthusiasts worldwide.
