Kazuyoshi Miura

Kazuyoshi Miura, affectionately known as King Kazu, was born on February 26, 1967. He is a distinguished Japanese professional footballer who currently plays as a forward for Fukushima United in the J3 League, on loan from Yokohama FC in the J2 League. Miura has made history as the world's oldest professional player, showcasing his remarkable longevity in the sport.

His illustrious career includes representing the Japan national team from 1990 to 2000, during which he became the first Japanese player to receive the prestigious IFFHS Asia's Footballer of the Year award. With an impressive tally of fifty-five goals in eighty-nine caps, Miura ranks as the second most prolific goalscorer in the history of the national team, trailing only Kunishige Kamamoto.

Miura's record-breaking achievements extend beyond his goal-scoring prowess. He holds the title of the oldest goalscorer in J-League history, having scored at the age of fifty. Furthermore, he is recognized for having the longest professional career in football, and as of 2026, he will be celebrated as the oldest professional footballer in the world at fifty-nine years old. Notably, Miura has played professional football across five decades, from the 1980s to the 2020s.

In addition to his own accomplishments, Miura comes from a footballing family; his elder brother, Yasutoshi, is also a former professional footballer. Together, they have contributed to the rich tapestry of Japanese football.