Soccer-Japan's Miura, 59, becomes oldest scorer in Emperor's Cup history


Japan's soccer player Kazuyoshi Miura, 58, known as 'King Kazu', poses for a photograph during his first news conference after joining Fukushima United in the J-League third division in Tokyo, Japan January 9, 2026, in this photo taken by Kyodo. Mandatory credit Kyodo/via REUTERS

Aug 20 (Reuters) - Former ⁠Japan international Kazuyoshi Miura became the oldest ⁠scorer in Emperor's Cup history on Wednesday when ‌the 59-year-old netted two penalties in Fukushima United's 7-0 victory over amateur side Oyama Soccer Club.

At 59 years, 5 months ​and 24 days, Miura surpassed the ⁠record held by ⁠former Japan midfielder Shinji Ono, who was 41 when ⁠he ‌scored in the competition.

Miura, nicknamed 'King Kazu' and now in his 42nd season as a ⁠professional, had scored his first competitive goal ​in nearly ‌four years in the qualifying rounds of the ⁠tournament last ​month.

The veteran forward opened the scoring from the spot in the 12th minute of Wednesday's first-round match ⁠and added a second penalty 10 ​minutes into the second half before being substituted three minutes later.

"You never know when it might be your ⁠turn," he told reporters. "That's why I practise them all the time. I'm glad it paid off."

Miura began his professional career in Brazil in 1986 and ​has since played in Italy, ⁠Croatia, Australia and Portugal.

The striker scored 55 goals ​in 89 appearances for Japan and ‌joined third-division club Fukushima from ​Yokohama FC earlier this year.

(Reporting by Suramya Kaushik in Bengaluru; Editing by Peter Rutherford)

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