Kazuyoshi Miura, the world's oldest professional footballer who celebrates his 59th birthday in February, has completed a loan move to Japanese third division outfit Fukushima United that will run until June.
The deal marks a remarkable 41st season as a professional for the veteran striker, affectionately known as 'King Kazu' in his homeland.
"My passion for football hasn't changed, no matter how old I get," Miura said upon confirming the move.
"I'm very grateful to be given this opportunity. I promise I will play with everything I have to make a contribution. Let's make history together!"
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Miura's extraordinary career began in 1986 when he joined Brazilian giants Santos as a teenager, launching a journey that would span four decades and multiple continents.
Beyond Japan, the forward has plied his trade in Italy, Croatia and Australia, establishing himself as one of the most well-travelled players in football history.
Kazuyoshi Miura, the world's oldest professional footballer who celebrates his 59th birthday in February, has completed a loan move to Japanese third division outfit Fukushima United that will run until June
|GETTY
His parent club remains Yokohama FC, whom he joined back in 2005, though he has not featured for the J2 League side since 2020.
This latest arrangement represents his fourth loan spell away from Yokohama since 2022, as the veteran continues to seek regular playing opportunities elsewhere.
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Five facts about the Premier League | PA/GETTY/REUTERS/GBNEWSDuring the 2024 season, Miura spent time on loan at fourth-tier outfit Atletico Suzuka, where his playing time proved extremely limited.
Across just seven appearances totalling 69 minutes, the veteran failed to find the back of the net, with his side subsequently dropping down to Japan's regional leagues.
The switch to Fukushima United offers Miura the chance to compete in the J.League structure once again, having been absent from the top three tiers of Japanese football for half a decade.
He described the opportunity as a chance to "take on a new challenge" following last season's disappointment.
Kazuyoshi Miura pictured playing for Japan in 1992
|GETTY
Miura's international career saw him net 55 goals across 89 appearances for Japan before his retirement from national duty in 2000.
That departure came two years after he was controversially left out of the squad for Japan's maiden World Cup finals appearance in 1998.
The striker has previously expressed his desire to continue playing professionally until reaching 60 years of age.
Fukushima United, who finished in 10th position among the 20 clubs competing in Japan's third tier last campaign, will hope Miura's vast experience can help improve their fortunes during the first half of the upcoming season.