Japan legend Miura, 59, finds the net for first time since 2022

Kazuyoshi Miura, the oldest professional footballer on the planet, scored his first competitive goal in nearly four years on Saturday, doing so at the age of 59 for Japanese third-tier outfit Fukushima United. Miura struck in the 52nd minute to stretch Fukushima's lead to 5-0 in what became a 7-0 demolition of Iwaki Furukawa in the Emperor's Cup. The goal marked his first in official action since November 2022, when he scored for Suzuka PG - now known as Atletico Suzuka - against FC Osaka. Widely adored in Japan under the nickname 'King Kazu', Miura became the face of the J.League when it launched in 1993 and remains one of the country's most iconic sports figures. He began his career with Brazilian side Santos in 1986 and has also played in Italy, Croatia and Australia. The veteran forward will enter his 42nd senior season after extending his loan at Fukushima from J2 side Yokohama FC through June 2027. Though he has been with Yokohama since 2005, he has not played a single minute for them since 2020. Miura has 55 goals in 89 appearances for Japan and has previously stated his ambition to keep playing into his 60s.