World's oldest footballer scores first goal for four years

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FT Desk

Kazuyoshi Miura, the world's oldest footballer, has found the back of the net for the first time in four years.

At the age of 59, he found the net seven minutes after the break to make it 5-0 to Fukushima in an eventual 7-0 win over Iwaki Furukawa in the Emperor's Cup on Saturday.

It was Miura's first competitive goal since scoring for Suzuka PG, now Atletico Suzuka, against FC Osaka in November of 2022.

In December, he signed for Fukushima United, who are part of the professional J-League, which meant he returned to that level for the first time in six years.

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, Atletico Suzuka and now Fukushima.

Miura, known as 'King Kazu' had a distinguished international career and scored 55 goals in 89 games for Japan.

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 and he turned 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.