Japan’s Kazuyoshi Miura is the oldest professional football player in the world.
The 56-year-old has extended his contract with Portuguese side Oliveirense.
Subscribe to Switch TV for more exciting content
The striker joined Oliveirense on loan in January from Yokohama and it appears the Portuguese second-tier side wants him to stay.
Miura was named man of the match on the final day of the Portuguese season after a 26-minute cameo in a 4-3 win over Leixoes.
Kazuyoshi alias ‘King Kazu’ began his career in 1986 with the Brazilian club Santos.
His career kicked off in Brazil since Japan had no professional league at the time.
Read also: Woman Dies: Being Struck During a Brawl of Football Fans
In four years, Miura played for six Brazilian clubs and later returned to Japan where he became the face of the new J League.
He became the first Japanese player in Serie A when he joined Geona in 1994.
Subscribe to Switch TV for more exciting content
Miura also featured in the A-League when it was introduced and played for Sydney FC in 2005.
He finished his international career in 2000 with 55 goals and 89 appearances.
In November 2022 he became the oldest active professional goal scorer in history and is on record saying he wants to play until he’s 60.
Kazuyoshi Miura, often known simply as Kazu, is a Japanese professional footballer who plays as a forward for Liga Portugal 2 club Oliveirense, on loan from J1 League club Yokohama FC.
Subscribe to Switch TV for more exciting content
He is regarded as the oldest professional footballer in history and the oldest player to score in a professional match.
“When I speak to them about the games I used to play against Milan and who were on those teams, everyone is so surprised it makes me laugh,” Miura said, referring to his Serie A days at Genoa. “Everyone’s been great to me. They’ve really accepted me here.
“I’m really glad I came. It’s a completely different culture to Japan. The way people think, lead their lives. And obviously the way football is played here. So amid all that, it goes without saying it’s a real challenge for me to get a game here.
“But the club has really embraced me, everyone’s been so kind. I want to help the team to victories.”
