July 12 – (Mediaage NG) – Legendary Japanese footballer, Kazuyoshi Miura recently signed a one-year contract extension with Portuguese second-division side, Oliveirense, entailing that he will continue playing professional football at the age of 56.
Miura, the world’s oldest footballer, joined Oliveirense on loan in January from Yokohama and will continue with them on that basis for an undisclosed duration.
The ex-Japan striker has played just 28 minutes of football this year, spread over three substitute appearances.
Yokohama and Oliveirense have the same Japanese owners.
Last season, he made an impression at the club, making his debut in January and his last match that season saw him named man of the match after a 26-minute cameo in a 4-3 win over Leixoes. The opposition manager said the decision was “offensive” and turned it into a “circus”, as reported by the BBC.
Miura, affectionately known as ‘King Kazu’, has played with at least three generations of players, having began his professional career in 1986 with Brazilian side, Santos and has been at Yokohama FC since 2005. Although, he had a loan spell in 2022 at fourth-tier Suzuka Point Getters, who are managed by his older brother Yasutoshi, where he scored twice in 18 games.
He has also played club football in Italy, Croatia and Australia.
The Japanese football former captain scored 55 goals in 89 games in an international career which ended 23 years ago.
He has previously talked of playing until he is 60 and still maintains an ambitious mind.
Looking forward, Kazuyoshi Miura will be eager to feature in Oliveirense’s pre-season friendly against Fafe on July 15 for the upcoming 2023-24 campaign.
Summarily, his commitment to his profession as a footballer, should be an inspiration to many who may feel lost that age has caught up with their ambitions. Passion is all you need to continue doing what you love.