<strong>'Let's make history'</strong> - Miura, fifty-eight, signs with a fresh club.

Kazuyoshi Miura, who turns 59 in February and is the world's oldest professional footballer, has finalized a loan deal until June with Japanese third division side Fukushima United.

The transfer means Miura might feature in the Japanese professional league - the top three divisions of Japanese football - for the first time in half a decade.

The former Japan striker, who began his professional journey with the Brazilian club Santos in 1986, failed to score in 69 minutes across seven outings last season while on loan at fourth-tier club Atletico Suzuka.

"My passion for football remains undimmed, regardless of my age," he said as he prepares for a 41st season as a professional footballer.
"I am truly thankful to be presented with this chance. I promise I will play with all my heart to help the team. Let's make history together!"

Known as 'King Kazu' in Japan, this will be Miura's fourth loan since 2022 from J2 League side Yokohama FC.

Miura, who has also featured in Italy, Croatia and Australia, signed for the club in 2005 but has remained absent from the pitch for them since 2020.

He scored 55 goals in 89 games in an career for the national team that concluded in 2000, shortly following his notable omission from the squad for Japan's maiden FIFA World Cup campaign.

Miura, who has expressed a desire for playing until he is 60, said he was ready to "embrace a fresh test" after being relegated last season to the country's lower regional divisions.

Fukushima United finished 10th in the twenty-club third division last season.

Anna Austin
Anna Austin

A tech enthusiast and digital strategist with over a decade of experience in analyzing emerging technologies and their impact on society.