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.
