<strong>Together, let's forge history'</strong> - Kazuyoshi Miura, fifty-eight, moves to new team.

The legendary Japanese striker, who turns 59 in February and is recognized globally as football's most senior pro, has agreed to a temporary transfer until June with J3 League club Fukushima United.

The transfer means Miura could play in the J.League - encompassing the highest tiers of Japanese football - for the first time in half a decade.

The former Japan striker, who started his career with the Brazilian club Santos in 1986, failed to score in just over an hour across seven appearances last season while on loan at fourth-tier club Atletico Suzuka.

"My passion for football hasn't changed, no matter how old I get," he said as he gears up for a 41st season as a pro footballer.
"I'm very grateful to be presented with this chance. I promise I will play with everything I have to make a contribution. Together, we can create a legacy!"

Known as 'King Kazu' in Japan, this will be Miura's fourth loan since 2022 from second division club Yokohama FC.

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

He netted 55 goals in 89 games in an international career that concluded in 2000, two years after his surprising exclusion from the squad for Japan's first World Cup finals appearance.

Miura, who has talked of continuing his career into his seventh decade, said he was ready to "take on a new challenge" after being relegated last season to Japan's regional leagues.

Fukushima United ended the season in tenth place in the 20-team third division last season.

Amber Kelley
Amber Kelley

A seasoned travel writer with over a decade of experience exploring luxury destinations worldwide.