Miura sets Emperor’s Cup record at 59 in Fukushima’s 7-0 win

Kazuyoshi Miura scored twice as Fukushima United defeated Oyama Soccer Club 7-0 in the Emperor’s Cup on August 19. The goals made him the oldest scorer in the competition’s history at 59 years, five months and 24 days.

Miura opened the scoring with a 12th-minute penalty after starting the match. He converted another spot kick in the 55th minute, then left the field three minutes later as Fukushima completed a one-sided first-round victory.

The record had belonged to Shinji Ono, who scored in the Emperor’s Cup at the age of 41. Miura’s achievement came against Oyama, an amateur club representing Yamagata, while Fukushima compete in Japan’s third tier. The difference between the teams was reflected in the final score.

Both of Miura’s goals came from penalties, but the veteran forward still had to take and convert them during a competitive match. His first kick gave Fukushima the lead, while the second increased an advantage that had already put the professional side in control.

The goals also came soon after Miura ended a near four-year wait for a competitive goal in Fukushima’s prefectural qualifying competition in July. His strikes against Oyama carried greater significance because they were scored in the national tournament and established the new age record.

Miura is playing his 42nd professional season. His senior career began in Brazil in 1986 and has included spells in Japan, Italy, Croatia, Australia and Portugal. He also scored 55 times in 89 appearances for Japan and was already an established international when the J.League began in 1993.

Fukushima’s victory sends the club into the next round, while Miura’s latest milestone adds to a career that has continued across several generations of Japanese football. He remains involved in competitive matches decades after making his professional debut.