Kazuyoshi Miura scores at 59 as ‘King Kazu’ extends remarkable career with Emperor’s Cup goal

Kazuyoshi Miura underlined his extraordinary longevity by scoring a memorable goal at the age of 59, as the Japanese legend continued one of the most remarkable careers football has seen.

The veteran forward, universally known as “King Kazu”, found the net in Fukushima United’s 7-0 thrashing of Iwaki Furukawa in the Emperor’s Cup, writing his name into the record books once again with a competitive goal at 59 years and 149 days.

Miura struck in the 52nd minute, meeting a precise pass inside the penalty area and finishing first time to extend Fukushima United’s lead to 5-0. The goal prompted jubilant celebrations from his team-mates on the pitch and from the substitutes’ bench.

The former Japan international was substituted three minutes later, leaving the field to loud applause from both the crowd and the coaching staff in recognition of his enduring impact.

First official goal since 2022

The strike was Miura’s first in an official match since November 2022, when he scored for Suzuka PG – now known as Atletico Suzuka – in a league fixture that ended in defeat against FC Osaka in Japanese competition.

Despite the passing years, Miura has maintained his commitment to professional football, repeatedly extending a career that began in the early 1980s and has spanned multiple eras, clubs and countries.

His ongoing ability to compete and score in official matches at such an advanced sporting age has reinforced his status as a unique figure in the modern game.

Record-breaking 42nd professional season

Miura is preparing for what will be his 42nd professional season, a run described as a world record in terms of career length at the elite level.

He recently extended his loan with Fukushima United through to June 2027, ensuring his presence in Japanese football for at least three more years and giving him the opportunity to add further milestones.

The striker joined Fukushima United from Yokohama in December of last year and featured in six matches during the shortened 2026 season before finally ending his latest goal drought with this Emperor’s Cup strike.

With Japan’s professional leagues set to switch to an autumn–spring calendar, Miura is on course to celebrate his 60th birthday while still registered as a professional player.

That prospect would add another chapter to a career widely regarded as one of the longest and most distinguished in football history, with Miura continuing to demonstrate that, in his case, passion and perseverance can keep defying conventional limits of age in sport.