Kazuyoshi Miura, the 57-year-old Japanese footballer known as the world's oldest active player, will play for Atlético Sakura, a team in Japan's fourth division, on loan, as announced by the team itself on Tuesday.

"King Kazu," as he is known in Japan, played last season at Oliveirense, a team in Portugal's second division where he arrived in February 2023 on an initial loan from Yokohama FC of J2, the second tier in Japan. He appeared in eight matches but did not score any goals.

The 57-year-old Japanese forward is the second highest goalscorer in the history of the Japanese national team. He aims to repeat his record for the oldest appearance in an official match and scoring a goal in a Japanese professional league, a record he set by scoring two goals for Sukuza in 2022 after playing 18 matches that season.

Yokohama, his club since 2005, is owned by the Onodera Group, which acquired the majority of shares in the SAD of Oliveirense at the end of 2022. The Portuguese club's fans welcomed the Japanese striker as an idol, especially in sports like basketball and ice hockey.

Miura told Portuguese television last May that he plans to continue playing until he turns 60, expressing gratitude for the support he received from Portuguese fans and his experience in Portuguese football.

Born in Shizuoka Prefecture, Miura left Japan at the age of 15 to go to Brazil, where he made his professional debut with Santos in 1986. Upon returning to Japan in 1990, Miura won the MVP award in the inaugural season of the J-League in 1993 while playing for what was then Tokyo Verdy, formerly Verdy Kawasaki.

The Japanese forward was the first Asian to play in Serie A during the 1994-95 season with Genoa C.F.C. He also had stints with Dinamo Zagreb, Kyoto Sanga, Vissel Kobe, and Sydney FC, a career that cemented his status as one of Japan's most respected footballers, known for his dribbling skills and competitive spirit.