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Kazuyoshi Miura debuted for Japan in 1990 but was famously excluded from the squad for their first World Cup finals in 1998.
Kazuyoshi Miura made his debut in 1986 with Brazilian side Santos. (AFP Photo)
Kazuyoshi Miura, the record-breaking striker, played in Japan’s fourth tier at age 58, marking his 40th season as a professional footballer.
Former international Miura, affectionately called “King Kazu,” is the oldest professional footballer in Japan and likely beyond.
He appeared as an 82nd-minute substitute for Atletico Suzuka Club on Sunday, contributing to their 2-1 victory in the Japan Football League.
Miura, one of Asia’s most renowned footballers in the 1990s, did not score but expressed his satisfaction to reporters, saying he was “glad I was able to contribute” at 58 years and 109 days old.
“Thanks to help from my teammates and trainers, I’ve been able to make it this far. Now I want to raise my game even more,” he said.
Miura returned to Japan last year after spending two seasons with Portuguese second-division team Oliveirense, where he made nine appearances on loan from Yokohama FC.
He made his debut in 1986 with Brazilian side Santos and has also played in Italy, Croatia, and Australia.
The forward helped elevate football’s profile in Japan when the professional J-League was launched in 1993.
He debuted for Japan in 1990 but was famously excluded from the squad for their first World Cup finals in 1998, despite scoring 55 goals in 89 games for the national team.
With AFP Inputs
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A team of reporters, writers and editors brings you live updates, breaking news, opinions and photos from the wide world of sport. Follow @News18Sports
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