Kazuyoshi Miura — The 59-Year-Old Still Playing Professional Football

Japanese striker Kazuyoshi Miura, widely known as 'King Kazu,' is the oldest active professional outfield player in football history. Playing for J3 League club Fukushima United on loan from Yokohama FC in 2026, Miura made an official appearance against FC Gifu at 59 years, 1 month, and 24 days old. His career began in 1986 with Santos in Brazil, and he has since played across five separate decades, continuing to break records on the pitch. Miura's longevity defies every conventional understanding of athletic aging — sustained by meticulous physical conditioning, disciplined nutrition, and an unbreakable competitive drive. While many players retire in their mid-30s, Miura has redefined what is physically possible in professional football, becoming a symbol of perseverance across Japanese and global football culture.