Kazuyoshi Miura underlined his status as one of football’s most enduring figures by scoring a memorable goal for Fukushima United in the Emperor’s Cup at the age of 59.
The veteran forward, universally known as “King Kazu”, struck in a 7-0 victory over Iwaki Furukawa, writing his name into the record books once more with a rare competitive goal nearly four decades into his professional career.
Miura found the net in the 52nd minute, timing his run to meet a precise pass inside the penalty area before finishing first time to make the score 5-0. He was 59 years and 149 days old at the time of the goal.
The strike triggered jubilant celebrations from his team-mates both on the pitch and on the bench, underlining the significance of the moment for club and player alike. The applause continued when Miura was substituted three minutes later, with supporters and coaching staff rising to acclaim the Japan legend as he left the field.
The win sends Fukushima United through to the next round of the Emperor’s Cup, with Miura’s goal providing the standout moment of a dominant display.
First competitive goal since 2022
The finish was Miura’s first in an official match since November 2022, when he scored for Suzuka PG – now renamed Atletico Suzuka – in a league defeat against FC Osaka in the Japanese football pyramid.
In the years since his professional debut, Miura has become synonymous with longevity in the sport, and his latest milestone further reinforces his reputation as a player who continues to defy conventional limits of age and career span.
Despite his advancing years, the Japanese striker has maintained his enthusiasm for the game and his determination to stay on the pitch at professional level.
World-record career set to hit 42nd season
Miura is preparing to enter what is described as his 42nd professional season – regarded as a world record – after extending his loan at Fukushima United until June 2027.
The forward initially joined the club from Yokohama in December last year. During the shortened 2026 campaign he made six appearances before finally ending his goal drought with this latest strike in the cup.
With Japan’s professional leagues set to switch to an autumn-to-spring calendar, Miura is on course to celebrate his 60th birthday while still registered as a professional player.
That prospect adds another chapter to one of the longest and most celebrated careers in football, with “King Kazu” continuing to show that passion and perseverance can push back the boundaries of what is considered possible in the modern game.
