Japan legend Miura, 59, scores first goal since 2022

Miura scored 55 goals for Japan, winning his last cap in 2000

• Published1 hour ago

Kazuyoshi Miura, the world's oldest professional footballer, scored his first goal in nearly four years at the age of 59 for Japanese third-tier side Fukushima United.

Miura found the net in the 52nd minute to make it 5-0 to Fukushima in an eventual 7-0 win over Iwaki Furukawa in the Emperor's Cup on Saturday.

It is his first competitive goal since netting for Suzuka PG, now Atletico Suzuka, against FC Osaka in November 2022.

Dubbed 'King Kazu' in Japan, he is one of the country's most loved sportsmen and was the face of the J League when it launched in 1993.

He started his career with Brazilian side Santos in 1986 and has also played club football in Italy, Croatia and Australia.

The forward's long career will enter a 42nd season after extending his loan at Fukushima from J2 League side Yokohama FC until June 2027.

Miura signed for Yokohama in 2005 but has not played a minute for them since 2020.

He scored 55 goals in 89 games for Japan and has previously talked about playing into his 60s.

Related topics

• Football

More on this story

• Follow your club with BBC Sport

  • Published8 June
  

• Listen to the latest Football Daily podcast

• Get football news sent straight to your phone

  • Published8 June