Kazu Miura signs new deal with Yokohama FC aged almost 54

Veteran Japanese striker Kazuyoshi Miura renewed his contract with J-League club Yokohama FC on Monday, thereby extending his record as the world’s oldest professional footballer.

He will be 54 in February.

Yokohama FC of the Japanese top flight announced the new deal on Monday and King Kazu will be playing in his 36th season as a professional footballer this year.

“Last season, I was feeling the joy of playing football at a time when the world was facing a tough situation because of the new coronavirus,” Miura said in an official statement.

“Personally it was not a satisfactory season, but my ambition and enthusiasm towards football are increasing.

“I will work hard every day, aiming to contribute to the team’s victory this season by playing as many games as possible.”

The former Japan international played four times for the club last year, becoming the oldest J-League player in history at 53 years and nine months old.

Miura has been at Yokohama FC since 2005 and has set several age records, including becoming the oldest player to score in a professional match in 2017 aged 50.

He made his professional debut in 1986 with Brazilian club Santos aged 19, and became the first Japanese player in Serie A in 1994 when he joined Genoa.

He retired from international football in 2000, having featured 89 times and scored 55 goals for his country.

He has said he will not retire until he turns 60.