Age is just a number for Japanese football icon Kazuyoshi Miura. The legendary striker, who turned 58 in February, just made his first appearance of his 40th professional season. He came on as a late sub in Atletico Suzuka's 2-1 win over YSCC Yokohama in Japan's fourth tier.
Known affectionately as 'King Kazu,' Miura hadn't played yet this season due to a leg injury from January. He joined Suzuka on an 18-month loan deal last summer, showing his commitment to continue his remarkable journey.
"I hope to play again showing my character," Miura told reporters after the match. "I managed to play thanks to the support from everyone. I'm looking to stepping up a gear from here."
From Brazilian Beaches to Japanese Legend
Miura's story is the stuff of football fairy tales. He left Japan at just 15 years old to chase his football dreams in Brazil. His first pro appearances came with Santos in 1986, where a certain Pelé once played.
When he returned to Japan, he became a superstar. Miura helped Verdy Kawasaki win the first two J.League titles in 1993 and 1994. His international career was equally impressive, scoring 55 goals in 89 games for Japan.
His club career has taken him around the world. He's played in Italy, Croatia, Australia, and Portugal before settling back in the Japanese league system.
No Retirement Plans in Sight
While most players his age are coaching or enjoying retirement, Miura keeps pushing forward. He still has some way to go to match Egyptian Ezzeldin Bahader, who played professionally at 74, but you wouldn't bet against him trying.
"When I was around 35 or 40, I did start saying to myself, 'I can't keep playing this way'," he revealed in a recent interview. "Rather than giving any thought to quitting, it was more about pushing myself to give more."
For betting enthusiasts, Miura's presence creates interesting markets. While fourth-tier Japanese football isn't widely available on betting platforms, special bets on milestones in his career often appear when he breaks age records.
His longevity makes him a fan favorite and potential boost for Suzuka's attendance figures. Teams with Miura on their roster often see increased ticket sales and merchandise revenue, making his signing as much a business decision as a sporting one.
As the season progresses, watch for Miura to gradually increase his playing time. While he's unlikely to play full 90-minute matches regularly, his experience and technical ability still make him valuable in short spells, particularly when Suzuka is protecting a lead.
