World’s oldest professional footballer, 57, on the move again as he completes loan transfer to 17th club
THE world’s oldest footballer Kazuyoshi Miura has signed for a new club aged 57.
The Japanese striker has joined Atletico Suzuka – 38 years after making his senior football debut for Santos.
Miura has played for 17 clubs across stints in Brazil, Italy, Croatia, Australia and his native Japan.
He also earned 89 caps for his country, the last of which came in 2000 – scoring 55 goals.
The forward joined Yokohama FC in 2005, but has become a bit-part player since hitting his 50s.
In a bid for more first team football he has gone on loan spells at Suzuka Point Getters and Oliveirense in recent years.
The man dubbed “King Kazu” has now gone out on loan again, this time to fourth tier Atletico Suzuka.
Upon making his move, he vowed to keep going for as long as he can.
The legendary striker said: “I don’t see quitting as a choice that I would consider.
“My passion for the game is always high. My passion doesn’t wither away.”
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Miura made nine appearances for Portuguese second tier side Oliveirense last season.
In 2021, he told Fifa: “When I signed my first professional contract in Brazil at the age of 18, I never imagined that I would play until this age.
“I have been able to do this because I have put all my energy into football every single year.”
He later confessed: “I am not thinking about becoming a coach at this stage.
“I don’t think I’ll ever leave football, either. I think I will be involved in football in one way or another.
“I don’t know how long I’ll be playing. It could be tomorrow, it could be two or three years from now.”