Oldest professional footballer in the world: At almost 56 – “King Kazu” moves to Portugal

Status: 02/01/2023 5:54 p.m

It is the 20th change in his career – and a quite spectacular one: Kazuyoshi Miura, the oldest professional footballer in the world, is going to Portugal’s second division at the age of almost 56. This was announced by his new club on Wednesday (02/01/2023).

“King Kazu” has been in paid football for almost four decades now. He was 15 when he moved to Brazil from his hometown of Shiuzoka, where he first signed up with Clube Atlético Juventus and at 19 played for FC Santos. Many more posts in different countries followed, including Italy, Croatia, Australia, Japan again – and now Portugal again: The living legend is going on loan to second division club UD Oliveirense.

55 goals in 89 internationals for Japan

“Although this is a new place for me, I will work hard to show everyone the kind of game I’m known for.”says the 1.77 meter tall centre-forward, who was Asia’s footballer of the year in 1993.

The 1990s were by far the most successful decade in a great career: in 89 international matches for Japan, Miura scored an impressive 55 goals, scooped up team trophies and individual awards. He is the J-League’s oldest top scorer, won the 1992 Asian Cup and was even nominated for the 1996 World Players’ Choice.

Still a market value of 100,000 euros

The internet exchange “transfermarkt.de” still lists “King Kazu” with a market value of 100,000 euros, although he last played on loan at a fourth division team: Suzuka Point Getters, who is coached by his brother Yasotoshi. Miura is signed to Yokohama FC, where he broke the J-League age record two and a half years ago when he started at 53 years, six months and 28 days.

Yokohama’s parent company holds a majority stake in his new club Oliveirense. The Portuguese club is quite ambitious and is currently in ninth place with a view to the top. The average age has increased for 32 professionals since Miura’s commitment from 25.2 to 26.2 years, all of his fellow strikers could be his sons.

The last professional goal was “King Kazu” in 2017

“King Kazu” hasn’t been able to enjoy the feeling of celebrating a goal at the highest level for a long time, his last goal as a professional dates back to 2017. In the fourth division, however, he scored twice: on October 30th In 2022 in a 3-1 win over Tiamo Hirakata and two weeks later in a 1-2 win against Osaka FC. Despite his advanced age, he definitely has time for further successes: Miura recently said that he did not want to end his career until he was 60.

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