Berlin, 31 December 2025 (dpa/MIA) - Kazuyoshi Miura is not considering football retirement as he approaches 59 years and has rather moved one tier up in his native Japan by signing on loan for third division Fukushima United.

Fukushima announced the move on Tuesday. King Kazu, as the world's oldest football professional is known at home, previously played at fourth division Atletico Suzuka.

"My passion for football will remain unbroken in older age. I look forward to competing with full commitment as a member of Fukushima United FC. Let's make history together," the forward said in a club statement.

Miura went to Brazil as a 15-year-old and started his career in 1986 which included terms and Santos and Palmeiras.

Back in Japan, he spent eight years at Verdy Kawasaki (now Youminuri NSC), five at Vissel Kobe and is at Yokohama FC since 2005, with several loan spells to other clubs. He has also played in Portugal, Italy, Croatia and Australia.

He won 89 Japan caps, scoring 55 goals, was Asian and Japan's Footballer of the Year in 1993 and won four Japanese national titles.

Photo: X