- 25 Jul 2023
The world's oldest pro footballer has found at new club at 58 years old
Martin Macdonald
- 30 Dec 2025 06:45 CST
- 5 min read
Nieuws
Kazuyoshi Miura, allegedly the world's oldest professional footballer, has found a new club at the age of 58.
The Japanese legend will turn 59 in February and with a new club under his belt, it is likely he'll still be playing professional football when he is 60 years old.
He's signed for Japanese third division side Fukushima United which is part of the professional J-League which means he returns to that level for the first time in six years.
Last season, Miura made seven appearances for fourth-tier club Atletico Suzuka.
Throughout his career he's played for...take a breath...Santos, Palmeiras, Matsubara, CRB, XV de Jau, Coritiba, Verdy Kawasaki, Dinamo Zagreb, Kyoto Purple Sanga, Vissel Kobe, Yokohama FC, Sydney FC, Suzuka Point Getters, Oliveirense and Atletico Suzuka.
His last five moves, including to Fukushima United, have all been loans away from Yokohama.
Miura, known as 'King Kazu' had a distinguished international career and scored 55 goals in 89 games for Japan.
"My passion for football hasn't changed, no matter how old I get," he said after signing for his new club.
"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!"
Miura to play at 60?
While at Oliveirense, Miura stated a desire to play until he's at least 60.
"If I didn't get help from the players and the coach, I wouldn't be here. I am very grateful to the team and all the people who are around the team," he told Sport TV
"I intend to play until I'm 60."
While outlets like the BBC describe Miura as the oldest professional player in the world, there are some that would dispute that label.
Mykola Lykhovydov is still playing for Real Pharma in Ukraine's Second League at 59 and is set to turn 60 in January.
He credits the spring water from an artesian well at the club's training ground as the secret of his eternal youth and he initially wanted to continue playing until 50. But with his 60th birthday now fast approaching, he simply wants to keep going for as long as he can.
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