Kazuyoshi Miura, set to turn 59 next month and is recognized globally as football's most senior pro, has finalized a temporary transfer until June with Japanese third division side Fukushima United.
This move means Miura might feature in the Japanese professional league - the top three divisions of Japanese football - for the first time in five years.
The ex-international forward, who began his professional journey with the Brazilian club Santos in 1986, did not find the net in 69 minutes across seven outings last season while on loan at fourth-tier club Atletico Suzuka.
"My passion for football remains undimmed, no matter how old I get," he said as he prepares for a forty-first campaign as a professional footballer.
"I'm very grateful to be given this opportunity. I vow I will play with all my heart to help the team. Together, we can create a legacy!"
Referred to as 'King Kazu' in Japan, this will be Miura's fourth temporary move since 2022 from second division club Yokohama FC.
The veteran, who has also played club football in Australia, Italy, and Croatia, signed for the club in 2005 but has remained absent from the pitch for them since 2020.
He netted 55 goals in 89 games in an international career that ended in 2000, shortly following his notable omission from the squad for Japan's first World Cup finals appearance.
Miura, who has expressed a desire for playing until he is 60, said he was ready to "embrace a fresh test" after being demoted last season to the country's lower regional divisions.
Fukushima United ended the season in tenth place in the twenty-club J3 League last season.
