Kazuyoshi Miura, who turns 59 in February and is recognized globally as football's most senior pro, has signed a loan deal until June with Japanese third division side Fukushima United.
The transfer means Miura could play in the J.League - encompassing the highest tiers of Japanese football - for the initial occasion in five years.
The ex-international forward, who started his career with Brazilian side Santos in 1986, did not find the net in 69 minutes across seven appearances last season while on loan at JFL side Atletico Suzuka.
"My passion for football remains undimmed, regardless of my age," he said as he gears up for a forty-first campaign as a pro 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 second division club Yokohama FC.
The veteran, who has also featured in Australia, Italy, and Croatia, joined the club in 2005 but has remained absent from the pitch 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 first World Cup finals appearance.
Miura, who has talked of playing until he is 60, said he was ready to "embrace a fresh test" after being demoted last season to Japan's regional leagues.
Fukushima United ended the season in tenth place in the 20-team J3 League last season.
