Kazuyoshi Miura, known as "King Kazu," scored a competitive goal on July 25, 2026, for Fukushima United in a 7-0 Emperor's Cup victory against Iwaki Furukawa, marking his first goal since November 2022 [1, 2, 3]. The 59-year-old forward found the net in the 52nd minute, making the score 5-0 with a trademark run and clinical finish at the age of 59 years and 149 days [1, 3, 4]. He was substituted three minutes after scoring [1, 3, 4].

Miura currently plays on loan at Fukushima United from Yokohama FC until June 2027 as he prepares for his 42nd professional season [1, 2, 3]. Fukushima United competes in Japan's third-tier J3 League [2, 5]. Before joining Fukushima in December 2025, Miura had not scored a competitive goal since November 2022, when he played for Suzuka PG (now Atletico Suzuka) [1, 2, 3]. He made six appearances for Fukushima United during the shortened 2026 season before this goal [1, 3, 4].

Starting his professional career in 1986 with Brazil's Santos, Miura has played in Italy, Croatia, Australia, and Portugal during an extensive career [2, 5, 6]. He was the face of Japan's J.League when it launched in 1993 and helped popularize pro football in the country [2, 7]. Miura scored 55 goals in 89 appearances for Japan's national team before retiring from international duty in 2000 [2, 5].

Miura said after scoring, "It was a bit of a scramble, but what matters is that we were in the right spots, so I think we positioned ourselves well. I wanted to live up to the expectations of everyone, including the coach who gave me the opportunity to play until that point... it made me incredibly happy to see the players, staff, and supporters all celebrating that single goal together with such joy" [6, 8]. He also stated, "I have decided to continue my challenge at Fukushima United FC. I will continue to burn with passion and do my best in daily training to contribute to the team's promotion to J2" [8].

Japan's professional football leagues will switch from a spring-to-autumn schedule to an autumn-to-spring calendar starting next season, a move expected to allow Miura to continue playing professionally into his 60s [1, 3, 9]. Miura remains a major draw for fans in Japan and abroad and plans to play at least until age 60 [2, 10, 8].

Miura's loan contract with Fukushima United will expire in June 2027 [1, 2].