Kazuyoshi Miura: 7 Interesting facts about the world’s oldest footballer who broke Guinness World Record

The Japanese legend "King Kazu", as he is fondly called is the world's oldest footballer having played for over an incredible 37 seasons.

Kazuyoshi Miura recently made the headlines following confirmation that he will continue playing football professionally at the age 0f 56.

The former Japan international who is the world’s oldest footballer, extended his loan deal with Portuguese second-division outfit Oliveirense. 

On Tuesday, July 11, Oliveirense announced on social media that the forward, who has made three appearances for the club after joining from Japan's Yokohama FC in February, will extend his stay at the club to the 2023/24 season. 

‘Kazuyoshi Miura, thank you for your continued support this season!,’ a tweet from Yokohama FC read.

This article will reveal details about the profile of the world’s oldest footballer football’s oldest player, Kazuyoshi Miura.

Kazuyoshi Miura - 7 Interesting facts about the world’s oldest footballer 

1. Who is Kazayoshi Miura?

Kazuyoshi Miura, often known simply as Kazu and nicknamed "King Kazu", is a Japanese professional footballer who plays as a forward for Liga Portugal 2 club Oliveirense, on loan from J1 League club Yokohama FC.

He is regarded as the oldest professional footballer in history and the oldest player to score in a professional match.

2. How old is Kuzayoshi Miura?

Kuzayoshi Miura was born on February 26, 1967, in Shizuoka, Japan.

As of July 2023, he is 56 years old, making him the oldest footballer in the world.

3. When did Kazuyoshi Miura start playing football?

In 1982, Miura left the Shizuoka Gakuen High School after less than a year, and travelled alone to Brazil at the age of fifteen to become a professional footballer there.

 He signed with the youth squad of São Paulo side Juventus, and in 1986, Miura signed his first professional contract with Santos. 

He played for several other Brazilian clubs, including Palmeiras and Coritiba, until his return to Japan in 1990.

His time in Brazil elevated him to star status and on his return to Japan, he joined the Japan Soccer League (JSL) side Yomiuri SC, which later spun off from its parent company Yomiuri Shinbun and became Verdy Kawasaki with the launch of the J1 League in 1993.

With Yomiuri/Kawasaki, Miura won four consecutive league titles.

4. He was named the first-ever J1 League 'Most Valuable Player'

Yomiuri won the last two JSL titles in 1991 and 1992, and Verdy Kawasaki won the first two J1 League titles in 1993 and 1994.

Following the four consecutive league titles, Kazuyoshi Miura was named the first J.League Most Valuable Player in 1993.

5. How many clubs has Kazuyoshi Miura played for in his career?

In his senior career, King Kazu, has played for more than 15 clubs in over 38 seasons across six countries in the world.

Kazuyoshi Miura has played for six Brazilian clubs, including Santos - the former club of Brazilian great Pele and icon Neymar, Palmeiras, and Coritiba.

'King Kazu' has also made appearances for clubs like Genoa, Dinamo Zagreb, Vissel Kobe, Sydney FC, amongst others.

6. How many goals has Kazuyoshi Miura scored in his career?

As of July 2023, King Kazu has scored 248 goals in at least 718 appearances for club and country.

The world's oldest footballer netted 117 in 192 appearances for Tokyo Verdy in that period, having played for eight years at the Japanese club.

7. Kazuyoshi Miura Guinness World Record

Two weeks after his 50th birthday in 2017, King Kazu became the Oldest professional football (soccer) player to score a competitive league goal,  after leading his team Yokohama F.C. to a 1-0 win against Thespkusatsu Gunma.

The Japanese striker surpassed Englishman Stanley Matthews’ old record and achieved the Guinness World Records title during the match at Nippatsu Mitsuzawa Stadium in Yokohama, Japan.

“I’m glad to contribute to a win,” Miura said on the day.

“I’m always looking to score but I had a good feeling about today’s game.”.

8. Kuzayoshi Miura family

Since 1993, Kuzayoshi Miura has been married to former Japanese actress and model Risako Shitara. They have two children, Ryota Miura  and Kota Miura.

The couple's first child, Ryota, was born on September 5, 1997, and their second child, Kota, was born on May 28, 2002.

9. Kuzayoshi Miura Net Worth 2023

Kazuyoshi Miura‘s source of wealth comes primarily from being a soccer player. 

As of 2023, 'King Kazu', the world's oldest footballer is estimated to have a net worth of $1-5 million, as per Celebs Money.

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