Worlds oldest footballer Kazuyoshi Miura has extended his contract for one more year, which will take him to 48 years. The former Japan international is currently plying his trade at Japan’s second division side Yokohama FC.
The 47-year-old, acknowledged as the oldest active professional player has put pen to paper on another year of contract with the second division club. By February he will turn to 48. So far he has made four appearances for the club this season.
After being called as King Kazu in his homeland, he started his professional career by signing for the Brazilian club Santos in 1986. Miura became the first Japanese player to appear in Serie A when he spent the 1994-5 season on loan at Genoa.
He has made 89 appearances for his country, scoring 55 goals before retiring in 2000. He has also played at Sydney FC back in 2005, meaning he has played for clubs on four different continents.
The Tottenham goalkeeper Brad Friedel (43), is the oldest player currently on the books of any professional clubs in England. While John Burridge’s appearance for Manchester City in 1995 at the age of 43 years and 162 days is the Premier League record.
Sir Stanley Matthews’ record, the legendary Stoke City winger managed to play at the top level until he was 50-years-old. If Miura can maintain his fitness, he can play well beyond 50 years.
Image courtesy of ESPN