53-Year-Old Former A-League Player Kazuyoshi Miura Signs Contract Extension To Play In 36th Season

Age is just a number.

Isn't that right, Kazuyoshi Miura?

The veteran former Sydney FC striker has extended his contract with Japanese outfit Yokohama FC.

Now, you may be asking why this is such big news and the simple answer is: because the bloke is 53 years of age.

That's right, once the new J-League campaign wraps up at the end of the year Miura's new deal with Yokohama means he'll have competed professionally at the top level for a whopping 36 seasons.

Known by sports fans around the globe as being the oldest ever footballer, many were expecting Miura to finally call time on his career and hang up the boots for good this year.

But how wrong they all were.

"Last season, I was feeling the joy of playing football at a time when the world was facing a tough situation because of the new coronavirus," Miura said.

"Personally it was not a satisfactory season, but my ambition and enthusiasm towards football are increasing.

"I will work hard every day, aiming to contribute to the team's victory this season by playing as many games as possible."

As well as holding the record for being the oldest footballer, Miura also boasts the impressive stat of being the oldest ever professional goalscorer - and even at Cristiano Ronaldo's rate, he's got a long way to go to catch him.

What's even more impressive is that Miura is the only footballer in history to have played across five decades.

Incredibly, he started his career with Brazilian club Santos all the way back in 1986 and is still plugging along to this day in 2021.

Just remember, the fella is 53 years old.

What a hero.