Kazuyoshi Miura, the famous Japanese forward known as ‘King Kazu’, celebrated his 58th birthday on Wednesday. As football fans look forward, Miura is getting ready to start his 40th season in professional soccer, maintaining his record as the oldest player in the Japanese Football League.
An International Career Across Multiple Countries
Currently playing for fourth-division club Suzuka on loan from second-division team Yokohama, Miura is getting ready for the new season, which starts next month. Suzuka has started its training this week, and Miura is leading the way in preparations.
At a news conference late last year, Miura said, “Retiring isn’t an option. I want to play as many minutes as I can in games,” showing his dedication to the sport he loves.
Kazuyoshi Miura’s Impact on Japanese Football and the National Team
Miura’s incredible career started in Brazil, where he made his debut in 1986 with Santos, a club made famous by Brazilian legend Pelé. Over the years, Miura has played professionally in Brazil, Italy, Croatia, Australia, and Portugal. He started his career in 1986 with Santos in Brazil, a club made famous by Brazilian legend Pelé, proving his skill on the field.
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In 2017, at the age of 50, he became the oldest player to score in a professional match, breaking the record previously held by England legend Stanley Matthews.
Miura was one of the first major stars in Japanese football. He scored 55 goals in 89 appearances and was a key player for Japan’s national team in the 1990s.
Discipline and Dedication: Kazuyoshi Miura’s Secret to Longevity
Miura attributes his impressive stamina to a disciplined lifestyle. He wakes up at 5 a.m. and enjoys a balanced breakfast prepared by his personal nutritionist, following a high-protein, low-fat diet.
“The secret is nothing more than hard work and passion,” Miura said to French outlet L’Equipe. “I want to keep playing until my body says enough,” he said after sealing the deal with Atletico Suzuka. “I am proud to be part of this story and grateful to continue competing in the environment I love.”
King Kazu has been getting regular playing time at Suzuka, although he is still looking for his first goal since November 2022. Miura made his first league start in over two years on October 26, having played around 30 minutes in the club’s previous 10 league matches.
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