Miura announced the move on Tuesday. He will play for Atletico Suzuka of the Japan Football League in Mie Prefecture.
His uniform will bear the familiar number 11.
Miura belonged to Portuguese second-division team Oliveirense until last month. He will move to Atletico Suzuka on a fixed-term contract on July 1 until January 2025. Miura was also on the team in 2022.
When it comes to soccer, quitting is not an option, he told a news conference on Tuesday. After he considered how he could express his passion for the game, he thought Atletico Suzuka would be the best choice, he said.
The legend will mark his 40th season as a professional next year. But he reiterated that age doesn't matter. He wants to be on the pitch in as many matches as possible and play for as long as he can, and his aim at this point is to score in upcoming matches, he said.
Not playing like a 'veteran'
At the news conference, one of Miura's comments in particular got reporters' attention. "I am clearly older than other players, but I don't want to play in the style of a veteran," he told them.
When asked to elaborate, Miura shared what he learned in Portugal.
"I saw players younger than me, but still over 35 years old, boldly doing man-to-man. Regardless of whether they possess or lose the ball, they take up the man-to-man challenge and move toward the goal. That made me realize that this is soccer," he said.
"When players become older, they no longer play like that. I am no exception. But when I could do it in practice, it motivated me and made me want to try it in a match. Attack aggressively, use my dribbling skill to win — I want to pursue that style."
Miura told journalists that his passion will never fade.
"The team's offer, the voices of each supporter, and of course, my passion — all those things boost my motivation to play on the field," he said.
"I don't know how much I can do and how much I can meet your expectations by scoring a goal. But I'm determined to do my best every day toward that goal."
Pioneer
Miura is one of Asia's best known soccer players. He went to Brazil alone when he was 15 and signed a contract with the prestigious Santos FC at 18.
After playing on several teams in Brazil, Miura returned to Japan in 1990. He played for Verdy Kawasaki as a solid and consistent ace, leading the team to the championship in the J-League's inaugural season in 1993. He was selected as its first MVP.
In 1994, he transferred to Genoa on loan, becoming the first Asian to play in Italy's first-division league.
Miura has also played a central role in Japan's national squad since 1990, scoring 55 goals, the second highest on record, in 89 games.
But he has never played in the World Cup. In a controversial decision, he was dropped from the roster when Japan made its first-ever World Cup appearance in 1998, purportedly on grounds that his performance was not up to standard.
Miura joined Yokohama FC in 2005. But from 2016, he spent less and less time on the pitch.
In the 2021 season, he came off the bench just before the end of a game against the Urawa Reds. This renewed his own record: the oldest person to play in the J-League's J1 at 54 years and 12 days old.
He was transferred to the Suzuka Point Getters of the Japan Football League, which changed its name to Atletico Suzuka, in the 2022 season. He scored a goal at the age of 55, breaking a JFL record by a wide margin.
Inspiring others
Miura has been an inspiration for prominent players around the world. That includes Spanish star Andres Iniesta, who played for Japanese club Vissel Kobe for five years.
Last year, when Iniesta was 38, he sat down with Miura at a restaurant for an NHK documentary, and the two discussed the issue of age. Here is their conversation:
Miura: Until when (will you play)?
Iniesta: I don't know.
Miura: Do you want to play forever?
Iniesta: Well, today I want to keep playing. But I think of you, and in a few years, I can't imagine it. I'm sure I won't be able to play at your age.
Miura: I think you could play for as long as you want.
Iniesta: But, you know, it's not just about wanting. It's a mental thing.
Miura: I agree. It depends on your head. You're 38.
Iniesta: Yes.
Miura: Thirty-eight is when I went to Yokohama.
Iniesta: Thirty-eight now, but I can't imagine playing 17 more years.
Miura: I didn't think I would. Until 40 or 41, maybe. But here I am now, still playing.
Iniesta: It's remarkable. And in the end, it's about the desire, the passion, and feeling good playing with teammates.
Iniesta later told NHK: "I told (Miura) I wouldn't be able to play when I'm his age, but that I'd like to keep playing and enjoying soccer, and in the end, find my own way of feeling good."
Fans can't wait
People in Suzuka City were excited to hear the news of Miura's return.
A woman in her 70s said she was looking forward to seeing the "Kazu dance" again, which is Miura's iconic performance after scoring a goal.
A man in his 40s described "King Kazu" as a superstar who has been active for decades, adding he wants to see the player remain active for more years to come.
The superstar never stops inspiring people across the country and beyond.
