King Kazu's record strike lifts Fukushima United in Emperor's Cup

Kazuyoshi Miura, known as King Kazu, scored in the 59th minute to give Fukushima United a 7‑0 Emperor’s Cup win over Iwaki Furukawa, setting a new record as the world’s oldest professional scorer and ending his 34‑match goalless run and his first goal in almost four years.

The Emperor’s Cup tie pitted third‑division Fukushima United against Iwaki Furukawa. Veteran forward Kazuyoshi Miura, the former Japan international, started the match hoping to end a long scoring drought.

Miura’s last goal had come in November 2022 while playing for Atlético Suzuka, and he had gone goalless across 34 matches since. He is affectionately known as “King Kazu.”

The breakthrough arrived in the 59th minute when Miura struck the ball into the net, giving Fukushima United the lead. The goal set a new record as the world’s oldest professional footballer to score.

The strike also ended Miura’s 34‑match goalless run and marked his first goal in almost four years. The goal came as part of a dominant performance that saw Fukushima United eventually cruise to a 7‑0 victory.

Iwaki Furukawa were unable to respond, and the final whistle confirmed the emphatic win for Fukushima United. After the match Miura said, “Seeing the players, the coaching staff and the fans celebrate that goal together made me incredibly happy.”

Miura, who has previously played for clubs such as Santos, Genoa and Dinamo Zagreb, confirmed he will continue his playing career at least until June 2027. His record‑breaking strike further cements his status as a footballing icon in Japan, highlighting a 42‑year professional journey.