Kazuyoshi Miura, often referred to as “King Kazu,” has set an extraordinary goal of continuing his professional football career until he reaches the age of 80. Photo: UGC
In Summary:
- Kazuyoshi Miura, 57, has set a bold target to continue playing professional football until he turns 80.
- The Japanese football icon currently plays for Atletico Suzuka after a long career spanning multiple countries.
Kazuyoshi Miura, often referred to as “King Kazu,” has set an extraordinary goal of continuing his professional football career until he reaches the age of 80.
The 57-year-old Japanese football legend, who made his debut with Brazil’s Santos in 1986, has enjoyed a storied career that has spanned over three decades.
Currently playing for Atletico Suzuka, a fourth-tier Japanese club, Miura remains committed to the sport. He joined the club on loan from Yokohama FC, following a two-season stint in Portugal with Oliveirense, where he made nine appearances.
Throughout his career, Miura has played for various clubs worldwide, including Palmeiras, Coritiba, Dinamo Zagreb, and Vissel Kobe.
Despite approaching his 60th birthday, Miura has expressed his determination to keep playing, though he acknowledges that his body will ultimately decide his football future.
“I’m going to be 60 in three years. When I see that I can’t do it anymore, I’ll stop. But I admit, I would love to continue until I’m 80,” Miura stated, as quoted by Football Tweet.
Renowned as one of Asia’s most influential football figures in the 1990s, Miura played a crucial role in popularizing the sport in Japan, particularly with the launch of the J. League in 1993.
Although he earned 89 caps and scored 55 goals for Japan, he was controversially excluded from the squad for the nation’s first World Cup appearance in 1998.
Despite this setback, Miura’s impact and legacy in Japanese football remain unmatched.