World's oldest footballer, 55, jets off to complete FIFTEENTH transfer

12/08/2022

World’s oldest footballer Kazuyoshi Miura, 55, jets off to complete the FIFTEENTH transfer of his 36-year career, after reportedly sealing a move to Portuguese second-tier club Oliveirense

Kazuyoshi Miura is the world’s oldest active professional footballer aged 55
He is said to have completed the 15th transfer of his career by joining Oliveirense
The Japanese forward has spent 36 years as a player and holds various records
Now Miura, aka Kazu, is set to continue his footballing journey out in Portugal

Kazuyoshi Miura, better known as Kazu, is the world’s oldest active professional footballer at the age of 55 – and he’s not done yet.

Just two months shy of his 56th birthday, Kazu has reportedly secured the 15th transfer of his extraordinary career after joining Portuguese second-tier side Oliveirense, according to Nikkan Sport.

The Japanese veteran was spotted boarding a flight to Portugal this week as he gears up for his latest move, which comes over 36 years since he first ran out as a professional for Brazilian club Santos.

Kazuyoshi Miura, the world’s oldest footballer, was seen heading off to seal his 15th transfer

Kazuyoshi Miura, better known as Kazu, is 55 years old and has spent over 36 years as a player

Since making his debut, Kazu has gone on to play for a total of 16 clubs across the world; plying his trade in Brazil, Japan, Italy, Croatia, Australia and now Portugal.

The majority of his unique journey was spent in Brazil, where he played for Palmeiras, Matsubara, CRB, XV de Jau and Coritiba while also enjoying two spells with Santos.

But he shot to prominence during his J-League stint in the early 90s, when he beat England and Grampus Eight star Gary Lineker to the most valuable player award.

The forward bagged 118 goals in 197 games for Verdy Kawasaki, earning him the prize of Asian Footballer of the Year in 1992 ahead of Lineker.

Kazu – who was playing football before Lionel Messi was born – most recently spent time with Suzuka Point Getters back in Japan, where he made history last month despite only being afforded a handful of appearances.

By scoring from the penalty spot in Suzuka’s October clash with Tiamo Hirakata, he became the oldest goalscorer in the Japan Football League at the age of 55 years and 246 days.

Now the Japanese veteran is set to continue his extraordinary career in Portugal’s second tier

Two months shy of his 56th birthday, Kazu clearly has no intention of hanging up his boots

The previous record was set by Hideki Nagai in 2013 at the age of 42 years and 50 days.

Back in 2016, Kazu also surpassed Stanley Matthews as the oldest player to ever appear in a professional match at 50 years and seven days, beating the English football legend by two days.

Now he is gearing up for his latest challenge in Portugal with Oliveirense, whose majority shareholders also own his parent club Yokohama FC.

Oliveirense currently sit 14th in the country’s LigaPro after claiming just two wins from 13 games this season.