Kazuyoshi Miura, set to turn 59 next month and is the world's oldest professional footballer, has finalized a temporary transfer until June with Japanese third division side Fukushima United.
This move means Miura could play in the J.League - encompassing the highest tiers of football in Japan - for the first time in five years.
The ex-international forward, who started his career with Brazilian side Santos in 1986, failed to score in 69 minutes across seven appearances last season while on loan at fourth-tier club Atletico Suzuka.
"My love for the game remains undimmed, no matter how old I get," he said as he gears up for a forty-first campaign as a pro footballer.
"I am truly thankful to be given this opportunity. I vow I will play with everything I have to make a contribution. Let's make history together!"
Referred to as 'King Kazu' in Japan, this will be Miura's fourth temporary move since 2022 from J2 League side Yokohama FC.
The veteran, who has also featured in Australia, Italy, and Croatia, signed for the club in 2005 but has not played a minute for them since 2020.
He netted 55 goals in 89 games in an career for the national team that ended in 2000, shortly following his notable omission from the squad for Japan's maiden FIFA World Cup campaign.
Miura, who has talked of playing until he is 60, said he was ready to "embrace a fresh test" after being relegated last season to Japan's regional leagues.
Fukushima finished 10th in the 20-team third division last season.
