Kazuyoshi Miura, set to turn 59 next month and is recognized globally as football's most senior pro, has agreed to a loan deal until June with Japanese third division side Fukushima United.
This move means Miura could play in the Japanese professional league - the top three divisions of football in Japan - for the initial occasion in half a decade.
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 passion for football remains undimmed, regardless of my age," he said as he gears up for a 41st season as a pro footballer.
"I'm very grateful to be given this opportunity. I promise I will play with all my heart to help the team. Let's make history together!"
Known as 'King Kazu' in Japan, this will be Miura's fourth loan since 2022 from second division club Yokohama FC.
The veteran, who has also played club football in Italy, Croatia and Australia, joined 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 first World Cup finals appearance.
Miura, who has expressed a desire for playing until he is 60, said he was ready to "take on a new challenge" after being demoted last season to the country's lower regional divisions.
Fukushima ended the season in tenth place in the 20-team third division last season.
