Kazuyoshi Miura is one of the most remarkable figures in Japanese football history. Better known by his nickname “King Kazu,” he became a pioneering Japanese footballer through his career in Brazil, Europe, Australia, Portugal and Japan. His determination, consistency and love for the game have allowed him to continue playing professionally at an age when most footballers have long retired.
Born on February 26, 1967, in Shizuoka, Japan, Miura began his professional career with Santos FC in Brazil in 1986. As of September 2026, he remains an active professional footballer with Fukushima United FC, on loan from Yokohama FC.
Quick Bio
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Kazuyoshi Miura |
| Japanese Name | 三浦 知良 |
| Nickname | King Kazu |
| Date of Birth | February 26, 1967 |
| Age | 59 years |
| Birthplace | Shizuoka, Japan |
| Nationality | Japanese |
| Profession | Professional Footballer |
| Position | Forward |
| Height | 177 cm |
| Weight | 72 kg |
| Current Club | Fukushima United FC |
| Parent Club | Yokohama FC |
| Shirt Number | 11 |
| Professional Career Started | 1986 |
| J.League Debut | May 15, 1993 |
| Japan International Career | 1990–2000 |
| Japan Caps | 91 listed by J.League |
| Major J.League Award | Player of the Year, 1993 |
The current J.League profile confirms his birth date, physical measurements, position, current club and career information.
Early Life and Childhood
Kazuyoshi Miura was born in Shizuoka, a Japanese region with a strong football culture. His early interest in the sport eventually developed into an ambition to become a professional player, but his route was very different from that of many young Japanese footballers.
At only 15 years old, Miura left Japan and went to São Paulo, Brazil, to pursue football. FIFA reports that he left high school in Japan for Brazil in 1982 and spent seven seasons developing in South America. This decision became the foundation of his remarkable international career.
Brazil played an important role in shaping Miura’s football identity. He initially experienced homesickness and difficulties adapting to a new country, but gradually learned Portuguese and adjusted to Brazilian football culture. His years there helped develop both his football ability and his determination.
Education and Football Development
Miura’s conventional education was interrupted when he decided to pursue his football dream in Brazil. Instead of following a traditional academic path, his teenage years became an intensive period of football development.
His football education took place largely through Brazilian clubs and training environments. FIFA records that he developed in São Paulo before making his senior debut for Santos in 1986.
Professional Career Beginnings
Kazuyoshi Miura began his professional career with Santos FC in Brazil in 1986. His route to professional football was unusual because he had moved overseas as a teenager rather than waiting to establish himself in Japan.
His documented Brazilian career included Santos, Palmeiras, Matsubara, CRB, XV de Jaú and Coritiba before he returned to Santos. These experiences gave him an international foundation that later helped him become one of Japan’s most recognizable footballers.
Rise With Yomiuri FC and Verdy Kawasaki
After developing in Brazil, Miura returned to Japan and joined Yomiuri FC, later known as Verdy Kawasaki. This period was crucial to his rise as a national football star.
His career coincided with the development of professional football in Japan. When the J.League began in 1993, Miura was already an established name and became one of the faces of the new professional era.
J.League Success
Miura enjoyed some of the most successful years of his career with Verdy Kawasaki. His achievements included winning the J.League Player of the Year award in 1993.
The J.League also lists him as a Best XI selection in 1993, 1995 and 1996, while he won the league’s Top Scorer award in 1996. He also received the J.League Outstanding Player Award in 2000.
These achievements established Miura as one of the defining players of the early J.League era and helped strengthen his reputation as a pioneer of Japanese professional football.
International Career With Japan
Miura represented the Japan national team during one of the most important developmental periods in Japanese football. He made his international debut in 1990 and became one of the country’s leading attacking players.
J.League currently lists 91 Japan national-team caps on his official profile. Historical reports have also cited different totals depending on statistical criteria, so the official current J.League figure is the safest figure to use.
Miura was involved in Japan’s development toward the country’s first FIFA World Cup appearance. However, despite playing a major role in the qualifying era, he was left out of Japan’s final squad for the 1998 World Cup. He continued representing Japan afterward and ended his international career in 2000.
European Football Career
Miura also took his career to Europe. He joined Genoa in Italy on loan before returning to Verdy Kawasaki.
He later played for Croatia Zagreb, now known as Dinamo Zagreb. These European experiences made him one of the early Japanese footballers to gain exposure to major European football environments.
Kyoto, Vissel Kobe and Yokohama FC
Following his European experience, Miura continued his Japanese career with Kyoto Purple Sanga and Vissel Kobe.
In 2005, he joined Yokohama FC, a club that became a major part of the later stages of his career. His relationship with Yokohama FC continued through multiple loan spells elsewhere, including international opportunities.
Sydney FC and Overseas Adventures
Miura also spent time with Sydney FC in Australia, further extending his international playing experience.
Later in his career, he played for UD Oliveirense in Portugal on loan from Yokohama FC. He also represented Suzuka Point Getters and Atletico Suzuka in Japan. His official Fukushima United profile documents this sequence of clubs.
Fukushima United and His Remarkable Longevity
In 2026, Kazuyoshi Miura continued his professional journey with Fukushima United FC. He joined the club from Yokohama FC on loan and returned to the upper levels of Japanese professional football.
In June 2026, Fukushima United officially announced that his loan had been extended until June 30, 2027. The club listed him as a forward, aged 59, standing 177 cm tall and weighing 72 kg.
The positive side of Miura’s longevity is extraordinary: he continues to compete professionally decades after beginning his career. The challenging side is that maintaining a professional football career at such an advanced age is exceptionally demanding, making every season a significant achievement in itself.
Latest News About Kazuyoshi Miura
One of the biggest developments in 2026 came on August 19, when Miura scored twice from the penalty spot for Fukushima United in a 7–0 Emperor’s Cup victory over Oyama Soccer Club.
At 59 years old, the performance made him the oldest scorer in Emperor’s Cup history. Reuters reported that he was in his 42nd professional season when he achieved the record.
His continuing career is therefore not simply symbolic. Miura is still participating in competitive football, while his extended Fukushima United loan means his professional journey is set to continue into 2027.
Personal Life
Miura is married to Risako Shitara. They have children, including Kota Miura, who has also pursued a professional football career.
Miura generally keeps much of his private family life away from the central focus of his public football career. His professional achievements remain the dominant part of his public biography.
Net Worth and Salary
Miura’s exact net worth and current salary are not publicly confirmed by reliable official sources. Therefore, no specific financial figure should be presented as fact.
His long professional career has included football contracts and commercial opportunities, but the precise value of his earnings has not been reliably disclosed. Avoiding unsupported estimates gives a more accurate picture of his biography.
Business Ventures and Companies
Kazuyoshi Miura is primarily recognized as a professional footballer, not as a business founder or corporate executive.
Reliable official sources documenting his current career do not establish a major company empire or specific business ventures that should be presented as part of his biography. His public identity and professional achievements are overwhelmingly connected with football.
Legacy of King Kazu
Kazuyoshi Miura’s legacy is closely connected with the growth of professional football in Japan. He became a major star during the formative years of the J.League and helped create greater attention around Japanese football.
His international career also makes his story distinctive. His professional journey has included Brazil, Japan, Italy, Croatia, Australia and Portugal, while his career has stretched from 1986 into 2026.
The nickname “King Kazu” has become synonymous with his remarkable longevity. His decision to continue playing at 59 demonstrates an exceptional level of commitment to professional football and has made him an enduring figure in the sport.
Conclusion
Kazuyoshi Miura’s biography is a powerful story of ambition, perseverance and an extraordinary commitment to football. From leaving Japan for Brazil as a teenager to becoming a J.League star and an international footballer, his career has crossed continents and generations.
At 59, Miura remains active with Fukushima United, with his loan extended through June 2027. His 2026 Emperor’s Cup scoring record provides another remarkable chapter in a career that has already lasted more than four decades.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Kazuyoshi Miura?
Kazuyoshi Miura is a Japanese professional footballer widely known as King Kazu. He began his professional career with Santos in Brazil in 1986.
How old is Kazuyoshi Miura?
Kazuyoshi Miura was born on February 26, 1967. He is 59 years old in 2026.
Where was Kazuyoshi Miura born?
He was born in Shizuoka, Japan.
What position does Kazuyoshi Miura play?
Miura is a forward. Fukushima United’s official profile lists him as a forward wearing number 11.
Which club does Kazuyoshi Miura play for?
As of September 2026, Miura plays for Fukushima United FC on loan from Yokohama FC. His loan has been extended until June 30, 2027.
When did Kazuyoshi Miura start his professional career?
He began his professional career with Santos FC in Brazil in 1986.
What is Kazuyoshi Miura’s nickname?
His famous nickname is “King Kazu.”
What is Kazuyoshi Miura’s height and weight?
His official Fukushima United profile lists him at 177 cm and 72 kg.
What is Kazuyoshi Miura’s biggest achievement?
Among his many achievements, his 1993 J.League Player of the Year award and his extraordinary longevity as a professional footballer stand out. In 2026, he also became the oldest scorer in Emperor’s Cup history.
