Veteran Miura, 59, finds the net as Fukushima United trounces Furukawa 7-0

Kazuyoshi Miura, at the remarkable age of 59, continues to defy time, having scored a goal while playing for Japanese third-tier side Fukushima United, further cementing his enduring legacy in professional football.

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As reported by BBC Sport on Sunday, Miura's latest goal came in the 52nd minute of Fukushima United's 7-0 Emperor’s Cup victory over Iwaki Furukawa on Saturday, marking his first competitive goal in nearly four years, with his last goal dating back to November 2022.

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That previous goal was scored while playing for Suzuka PG, now known as Atletico Suzuka, in a match against FC Osaka, and Miura's recent strike has added yet another notable achievement to his illustrious career spanning over four decades.

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Miura, affectionately known as “King Kazu” in Japan, is revered as one of the country's most iconic sports figures, having been a central figure in the early days of Japanese professional football and a key face of the J League when it launched in 1993.

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His professional career, which began with Brazilian club Santos in 1986, has taken him to several countries, including Italy, Croatia, and Australia, with Miura continuing to compete at the professional level despite reaching an age when most players have retired.

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With his loan spell at Fukushima United from J2 League club Yokohama FC extended until June 2027, Miura's career is now set to enter a 42nd season, a testament to his enduring passion for the game.

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Although he signed with Yokohama FC in 2005, Miura has not featured for the club since 2020, instead focusing on his loan spell with Fukushima United.

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At the international level, Miura has scored 55 goals in 89 appearances for Japan, solidifying his position as one of the nation's most celebrated footballers.

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Having previously expressed his desire to continue playing into his 60s, Miura's latest goal demonstrates that his passion for football remains unwavering, with no signs of slowing down in sight.