World’s oldest footballer who was playing before Messi was born EXTENDS career with new deal and names retirement date
THE world’s oldest football has extended his career by signing a new deal and has even named his retirement date.
Kazuyoshi Miura began his record-breaking career before Lionel Messi was born.
The 56-year-old has extended his contract with Portuguese side UD Oliveirense after joining the club in January.
“King Kazu” remains on loan from parent club Yokohama, but will now stay at Oliveirense until next summer.
He played 26 minutes for the club across three substitute appearances last season.
His move to the Portuguese second division came after a previous loan spell with Suzuka Point Getters, managed by his brother Yasutoshi.
The new deal means that Miura will now complete a 38th season of professional football.
It won’t be his last either, having previously said he plans to retire at 60-years-old.
That means Miura has at least four more seasons left before his 60th birthday in February 2027.
Miura began his senior career with Santos in Brazil back in 1986, a year before Messi was born in June 1987.
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In the decades since, he has had spells in Italy, Croatia and Australia.
Prior to his move to Portugal, he had spent 18 years playing in his native Japan, for whom he scored 55 goals in 89 caps.
He also won the Asian Cup in 1992, with his final appearance for his country coming over 23 years ago in 2000.