Kazuyoshi Miuraknown worldwide as King Kazuis far from hanging up his boots. At 57 years old and with his 58th birthday just around the corner, the Japanese striker announced that he will continue his professional career in the Fourth Division Japandefending the colors of Suzuka Point Getters. It will be your 40th season as a professional playera milestone that few, if any, have achieved in the history of the sport.
While other football greats like Lionel Messi y Cristiano Ronaldo Already beginning to outline their retirements at 36 and 39 years old, respectively, Miura persists as an icon of longevity and dedication.
“I want to keep playing until my body says enough is enough”he assured in a recent interview with the French media The Teamreaffirming his life commitment to sport that led him to be an inspiration on and off the field.
He Suzuka Point Gettersa modest team of the JFL (Japan Football League), becomes the new setting for the legend. Although some might consider his role in this category as symbolic, Miura takes each match with the same seriousness with which he debuted in 1986. “I am proud to be part of this history and grateful to continue competing in the environment I love”he declared after signing his new contract.
To understand the phenomenon King Kazuit is necessary to travel in time. Miura was born on February 26, 1967 in Shizuoka, Japanin a family deeply influenced by football. His father, passionate about sports, attended the 1970 World Cup in Mexico and captured images of the iconic Skinwhich he then repeatedly showed to his son. “Those images changed my life. “I fell in love with Brazilian football.”Miura recalled in an interview with the BBC.
At age 15, driven by this love and the lack of a professional league in Japan, Miura left home to pursue a risky dream: becoming a soccer player in Brazil. He arrived with just a few words in Portuguese and a lot of determination. He signed his first professional contract three years later, in 1986, with the Santos FCthe club where Pelé shone. His life in Brazil was not easy, but his perseverance led him to play for several teams in the country, establishing himself as an Asian reference abroad.
When Miura returned to Japan in 1990, he was not only a player with international experience, but a bona fide star. The J-Leaguefounded in 1993, found its most iconic face in King Kazu. His talent and charisma led him to be chosen as the Most Valuable Player in the inaugural season, even surpassing international figures such as Gary Lineker.
Its impact crossed borders. He was the first Japanese to play in the Italian Serie A with the Genoa and later took his talent to leagues like Croatia, Australia y Portugal. During the 1990s, he also starred for the Japanese national team, scoring 55 goals in 89 games and leading the team in historic moments.
At 57 years old, Miura remains an enigma. How do you manage to stay active in such a demanding sport? The answer lies in its strict discipline. You start your days at 5 a.m. with a balanced breakfast prepared by your personal nutritionist, which includes a high-protein, low-fat diet. In addition, he dedicates several hours a day to physical training, followed by ice baths and strict monitoring of his weight and body fat percentage.
This routine, more typical of an elite athlete in his youth, is what allows Miura to continue on the field while inspiring younger generations. “The secret is nothing more than hard work and passion”he stated.
Miura’s influence is not limited to statistics. His life and career served as inspiration for Yoichi Takahashianime creator Super champions (Captain Tsubasa). The main character, Oliver Atomreflects the spirit of young Kazuyoshi, who left his homeland to fulfill a dream abroad.
This link between fans and reality further cemented his place in Japanese popular culture, turning Miura into an icon not only of football, but of effort and determination.
Miura’s new contract with Suzuka Point Getters not only expands his legend, but reaffirms the respect and admiration that Japanese football and its culture have towards its veteran figures. Sean Carroll, a journalist specializing in Japanese football, highlighted that Miura “it fulfills an inspiring and cultural function that reflects the Japanese spirit of effort and respect for experience”.
Although some critics suggest his current role is more symbolic than competitive, Miura remains focused on enjoying every moment on the field. “I still enjoy football even more than when I was in Brazil”he said recently, proof that his passion is still intact.
King Kazu He is much more than the oldest footballer in the world. He is a living example that age is no limit when you combine passion, hard work and love for what you do. His story continues to be written in every game, and with 40 seasons under his belt, there is no doubt that he will continue to inspire both on and off the field.
