In 2020 he became the oldest professional football player at 52. His elder brother Yasutoshi was also a professional footballer.
Football is generally regarded as a short-term, if often lucrative, career. Players sacrifice a lot to make the grade, cash in for 15 years or so if they're lucky and then hang up their boots.
Not Kazuyoshi Miura. The man recognized by Guinness World Records as both the signed a one-year contract extension with Japanese outfit Yokohama FC on Saturday, a deal that will see him extend his career to a 35th season.
READ ALSO: Jordan Ayew now the 2nd highest Ghanaian scorer in Premier League history
The forward, 52, also has a new challenge in the upcoming J-League campaign, with his team having won promotion back to the top flight last season.
“I hope to enjoy playing soccer and remember to be grateful as I make an effort to achieve the club’s goal of staying in the J1. I’ll work hard to contribute to the team’s wins,” Miura said on signing the extension.
King Kazu, as Miura is known in Japan, became a superstar in the country early on, despite not actually beginning his career in his homeland.
READ ALSO: GPL: Fan who was shot is stable; currently receiving treatment in hospital – Kotoko
His decision to travel to Brazil at the age of 15, in 1982, was rewarded with a first pro contract at Brazilian giants Santos, where Pele spent the vast majority of his career. His first appearance came in 1986.