Kazuyoshi Miura, 59, will play his 42nd professional soccer season after extending his loan with Fukushima United until June 2027, the club announced on June 25, 2026 [1, 2, 3, 4]. Miura joined Fukushima United on loan from Yokohama FC in December 2025 and has already made six appearances during the shortened early 2026 schedule [1, 2, 3, 4].
Earlier in June 2026, Miura set a record as the oldest player to appear in a professional league match at the age of 59 years, 3 months, and 12 days [1, 2, 3, 4]. The veteran forward made his professional debut in 1986 with Santos in Brazil after moving there aged 15 to pursue a soccer career [1, 2, 3, 4]. His club career has included stints in Brazil, Italy with Genoa, Croatia with Dinamo Zagreb, Australia with Sydney FC, and Portugal with Oliveirense [1, 2, 3, 4].
Miura scored 55 goals in 89 appearances for the Japan national team after debuting in 1990 but was left out of the 1998 World Cup squad and retired internationally in 2000 [1, 2, 3, 4]. Japan's pro leagues switched from a spring-autumn calendar to an autumn-spring format starting in 2026, coinciding with Miura's loan spell at Fukushima United [1, 2, 3, 4].
Expressing determination to continue playing, Miura said, "I have decided to continue my challenge at Fukushima United FC. I will continue to burn with passion and do my best in daily training to contribute to the team's promotion to J2. Let’s share the joy together" [1].
Fukushima United aims for promotion to the J2 League with Miura contributing throughout the extended loan period into June 2027 [1, 2, 3, 4].
