Japan great 'King Kazu' Miura sets oldest appearance record at 59

Former Japan international Kazuyoshi Miura became the oldest player to appear in Japan's third-tier league on Saturday when the 59-year-old came off the bench in Fukushima United's 4-1 home win over FC Ryukyu.

Miura, affectionately known as "King Kazu", was introduced in second-half stoppage time at the age of 59 years, 8 months and 12 days, increasing his own J.League record in a career that has entered its 42nd season

The striker's appearance was his first in a league match since 2021, when he played once in Japan's top flight for parent club Yokohama FC

Miura also made six appearances in a shortened special tournament held under the split-season format last season, although those matches were not classified as official league games

The former Japan forward, who has continued playing professionally across five decades, also ended a near four-year wait for a competitive goal when he scored in the Emperor's Cup in July.