Kazuyoshi Miura Becomes Oldest Player in Japan’s Third Tier at 59

Kazuyoshi Miura Plays Professional Football at Age 59

Kazuyoshi Miura extended his professional career into its 42nd season by stepping onto the pitch for Fukushima United on Saturday, November 7, detikHealth reported.

The forward, widely known as “King Kazu,” entered the match as a substitute during second-half stoppage time, helping his side secure a 4-1 home victory over FC Ryukyu.

Record Age in J.League Division 3

When Miura crossed the touchline at 59 years, eight months, and 12 days old, he officially became the oldest player ever to feature in Japan’s third tier. The milestone marks his return to regular league competition for the first time since 2021, when he last played in the top flight for Yokohama FC while on loan.

Miura Follows a Disciplined Daily Schedule and Routine

Maintaining a professional athletic career across five different decades requires extraordinary discipline. According to local media reports cited by detikHealth, Miura maintains a strict daily schedule that begins with waking up at 6:00 a.m. and eating breakfast at 6:30 a.m. before heading to training. He dedicates three to three and a half hours every afternoon between 3:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. to physical therapy and body care.

Before going to bed, I always take a contrast bath, alternating between warm and cold water, and I sleep between 9:00 and 10:00 p.m., Miura said regarding his evening habits. He relies on four personal chefs and a nutritionist to manage his caloric intake, utilizing organic rice and pesticide-free vegetables.

Because there is a limit to how much he can eat, the power of fermented foods is essential to provide plenty of nutrients without burdening his body, chef Masayuki Nakajima explained.

Miura Substitutes Sugar with Koji Honey to Manage Diet

While Miura maintains rigorous nutritional standards, he adjusted his approach to sweets after learning that refined sugar harms muscle recovery. He now satisfies his preferences for treats like dorayaki and mochi by substituting sugar with koji honey. Compared to when I was younger, I became less obsessed with stiffness and able to see things from a broader perspective, Miura stated.

I still pay attention to the important parts of my diet, but without being too rigid. There is no point if I end up accumulating stress instead, he added. Goal reported that Miura ended a nearly four-year wait for a competitive goal by scoring in the Emperor's Cup in July, showing he remains useful to Fukushima United as the season progresses.

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