King Kazu Miura, 59, scores first goal in four years for Fukushima

Kazuyoshi Miura, the world's oldest professional footballer, scored his first competitive goal in nearly four years on Saturday at age 59, helping Fukushima United advance in the Emperor's Cup with a 7-0 victory over Iwaki Furukawa FC. Playing in the third tier of Japanese football, Miura struck in the 52nd minute, meeting a teammate's cutback with a first-time finish to make it 5-0. The goal sparked celebrations among players and staff before he was substituted three minutes later.

Miura's last competitive goal came in November 2022 when he played for Suzuka PG, now Atletico Suzuka, in the Japan Football League. The legendary forward, known as "King Kazu," joined Fukushima United on loan from Yokohama FC in December 2025 and has now extended his contract until June 2027. He enters his 42nd professional season after making six appearances during the shortened 2026 campaign.

The 59-year-old made his professional debut with Brazilian club Santos in 1986 and became the first Japanese player in Italy's Serie A when he joined Genoa in the 1994–1995 season. He was instrumental in raising the profile of Japanese football when the J-League launched in 1993, playing for Verdy Kawasaki. Miura's international record includes 55 goals in 89 games for Japan, the second-highest total in the country's history behind Kunishige Kamamoto's 75 goals.

Miura has previously stated his intention to continue playing until he turns 60 in February 2027. With Japan's professional leagues switching from a spring-to-autumn to an autumn-to-spring schedule, he will enter his 60s still playing professionally. After the match, Miura reflected on the moment: "I wanted to live up to the expectations of everyone, including the coach who gave me the opportunity to play. Above all, I was so happy that the players, staff, and fans were all able to celebrate that one goal together with such joy."