At 59, Japan's 'King Kazu' scores first goal in four years for Fukushima United

The goal

Kazuyoshi Miura, the 59-year-old Japanese forward universally known as "King Kazu", scored his first competitive goal in nearly four years on Saturday, helping third-division Fukushima United thrash Iwaki Furukawa 7-0 in an Emperor's Cup qualifier. Miura, starting as captain, met a low cross from Takatora Inaga in the 52nd minute, held off two defenders and steered a first-time shot into the net for the team's fifth goal. It was his first strike since November 2022, ending a drought that included a fruitless loan spell last season at fourth-tier Atletico Suzuka, where he failed to score in eight appearances and the club was relegated to the regional leagues. The Emperor's Cup, Japan's oldest football competition, provided the stage for a moment that resonated far beyond the third division. Teammates mobbed the grey-haired striker near the corner flag, and even some opposition supporters applauded.

A 41-season career

Miura turned professional in 1986 with Brazilian club Santos, an era when goalkeepers could still handle back-passes and Diego Maradona was leading Argentina to the World Cup title. Over the next four decades he played for Genoa in Italy, Dinamo Zagreb in Croatia, Sydney FC in Australia, and clubs in Portugal, before returning to Japan to become the face of the newly launched J.League in 1993. He earned 89 caps for Japan between 1990 and 2000, scoring 55 goals, yet was controversially omitted from the squad for the country's first World Cup appearance in 1998. Now in his 41st professional season, Miura joined Fukushima United on loan in January and said he wanted to repay the club's trust with goals and assists.

Captain's pride

After the match, Miura spoke of the honour of leading the side and the joy of seeing his goal celebrated so wildly.

“I wanted to live up to everyone's expectations, including the coach who gave me the chance to play up to this point. Above all, when I scored the goal — even though we were already well ahead — it made me incredibly happy to see how the players, staff and fans all celebrated this one goal together with such joy. It was a great honour and a source of pride to go onto the pitch with this meaningful captain's armband.”

What's next

Miura's goal drew widespread attention in Japan and abroad, with fans marvelling at the longevity of a player whose career predates the back-pass rule. He has given no indication of retiring, and his loan at Fukushima United runs through the current J3 season. The club, competing in the third tier, will hope his experience and occasional finishing can aid a push for promotion.