World's oldest professional football player signs for one more season

Japanese striker Kazuyoshi Miura, the world's oldest professional footballer, will extend his career into a 41st season after signing with third-division side Fukushima United.

Miura, who turns 59 in February, joined the J-League club on loan from Yokohama FC until June, Fukushima United announced Tuesday.

"My passion for football hasn't changed, no matter how old I get," Miura said in a statement. "I'm very grateful to be given the opportunity to play in Fukushima, and I will fight hard as a member of Fukushima United."

Known as "King Kazu" in Japan, Miura spent last season with fourth-tier Atletico Suzuka, making seven appearances without scoring as the club was relegated to regional leagues.

The forward made his professional debut in 1986 with Santos in Brazil after travelling there on his own at the age of 15 to become a footballer.

His career has taken him across five continents, with stints at Genoa in Italy, Dinamo Zagreb in Croatia, Sydney FC in Australia and Oliveirense in Portugal.

In March 2017 at age 50 years and seven days, Miura became the oldest player to appear in a professional match, surpassing the record held by England international Stanley Matthews, who played for Stoke City in 1965 at 50 years and five days.

Miura scored 55 goals in 89 appearances for Japan's national team during the 1990s, helping the country win the 1992 Asian Cup. He was named the tournament's most valuable player.

The striker became one of Japanese football's first major stars when the professional J-League launched in 1993. He won the inaugural J-League MVP award that year while playing for Verdy Kawasaki.

Miura's move to Fukushima marks his return to the J-League after five years in lower divisions. The club finished 10th in the 20-team third division last season.

"To all the Fukushima United players, coaching staff, fans, sponsors and people in the local area, I promise that I will play with everything I have to make a contribution," Miura said.

He famously missed selection for Japan's 1998 World Cup squad despite his goalscoring record, one of the most controversial omissions in the nation's football history.

Miura has been with Yokohama FC since 2005 but has spent recent seasons on loan to various clubs.

Among elite-level players, Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon played until 45, appearing in Serie A for Parma in 2023, while Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimović competed for AC Milan in Serie A until age 41 in 2023.

Italian goalkeeper Marco Ballotta became the oldest Champions League player when he appeared for Lazio against Real Madrid at 43 in 2007.

In the Premier League, John Burridge holds the record as oldest player, appearing for Manchester City at 43 years and 162 days in 1995.