He’s the only active professional footballer to still be playing and feature on FIFA
Everybody dreams of a long-lasting illustrious footballing career, but nobody expects it to go on for just as long as Kazuyoshi Miura’s has. His career has lasted so long that he is the only active professional footballer who featured on FIFA ’96 to still be playing, and feature on this year’s edition of the popular game.
Given that the average age of retirement for a professional footballer is 35, it is some achievement that at the grand age of 54, Miura is still embracing the footballer’s lifestyle.
His achievements include a Guinness World Record for being the oldest professional goalscorer all the way back when he was 50. He has also gone on to also set the record for oldest professional footballer.
Currently plying his trade in the Japanese top flight for Yokohama FC, Miura – or ‘King Kazu’ as he’s known among locals – is more of a squad player than a first team regular these days. But he is still seen training hard and is always reliable when called upon.
The 54-year-old was the first major superstar in Japanese football, and his rise to fame coincided with launch of Japan’s J League in 1993 after he began career in 1990.
Scoring 55 goals in 89 appearances for his country, Miura is right up there among Japan’s greatest players.
Back on FIFA ’96, Miura was a playable member of the Japan squad with a rating of 80, which is fairly respectable for a man of his goalscoring talents.
But nowadays if you were to use him on the recently released FIFA 22, the experienced pro now only ranks as a 59-rated player.
It’s harsh, but understandable given that it’s likely Miura has lost a few yards of pace over the years.
Up until 2017, Miura was joined by Francesco Totti as the only professionals to still actively be playing that featured on FIFA ’96, however after the Roma legend retired, Miura now carries the flag on his own.
Related links:
- FIFA 22 is an exercise in fine tweaks, not a major overhaul
- What’s new in FIFA 22?
- Cristiano Ronaldo only third best player on FIFA 22, new ratings reveal
