Kazuyoshi Miura, who turns 59 in February and is recognized globally as football's most senior pro, has finalized a loan deal until June with J3 League club Fukushima United.
This move means Miura might feature in the Japanese professional league - encompassing the highest tiers of football in Japan - for the first time in half a decade.
The former Japan striker, who started his career with the Brazilian club Santos in 1986, did not find the net in 69 minutes across seven outings last season while on loan at JFL side Atletico Suzuka.
"My love for the game hasn't changed, regardless of my age," he said as he gears up 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 make a contribution. Let's make history together!"
Known as 'King Kazu' in Japan, this will be Miura's fourth loan since 2022 from J2 League side Yokohama FC.
Miura, who has also played club football in Italy, Croatia and Australia, signed for the club in 2005 but has not played a minute for them since 2020.
He scored 55 goals in 89 games in an international career that ended in 2000, shortly following his notable omission from the squad for Japan's maiden FIFA World Cup campaign.
The footballer, who has talked of continuing his career into his seventh decade, said he was ready to "embrace a fresh test" after being demoted last season to the country's lower regional divisions.
Fukushima United finished 10th in the twenty-club J3 League last season.
