57-year-old soccer star Kazuyoshi Miura eyes more playing minutes at Suzuka [Japan]

Kazuyoshi Miura on his debut for Oliveirense. Photograph: Kyodo News/Getty Images

By Emmanuel Akyereko

The world’s oldest active soccer playing Kazuyoshi Miura has outlined his ambitions as he joins Atletico Suzuka on loan.

Nicknamed ‘King Kazu’ by fans – the 57-year-old has recently completed a loan switch from FC Yokohama to the Mie Prefecture-based Atletico Suzuka and he has aimed to secure J League promotion for the club and also get more playing time.

“I’m happy to be able to compete again this season. I want to prepare well,” he said during an interview at the Yokohama club house.

During his outstanding 40-year  career as a soccer player, King Kazu became Japan’s second all-time highest scorer with 55 goals and has played in 6 different countries including Portugal, Italy, Brazil and Croatia.

Kazu’s latest move has extended his playing career years to 40 and he obviously feels good about it. “It feels like 40 years have already passed (my 40th year as a professional), but every year I go into the season with a renewed attitude, preparing well and hoping to have a good season.”

He has firmly fixed his sights on securing more playing time this season as his loan deal runs until January 2026. “I’ve been playing soccer this far, and now we’re celebrating our 40th anniversary, so I really want to produce good results. I think the club will be fighting to get Suzuka promoted to the J League, so I want to contribute somehow. First of all, I want the team to produce results, and then I’d like to play well and contribute to the victory.”