Only a number: Japan legend Kazuyoshi Miura makes Oliveirense debut at 56

The former Japan striker Kazuyoshi Miura added yet another achievement to his age-defying career on Saturday, making his debut for the Portuguese second-tier club Oliveirense at the age of 56.

Miura, who joined Oliveirense on loan from Yokohama FC this year, came on in the 90th minute of a 4-1 win at Académico de Viseu. According to a report on the league’s website, Miura’s appearance made him the oldest footballer to play in Portuguese football at 56 years, one month and 24 days.

Miura, who is in his 38th season as a professional, has played for a string of clubs across the world including Palmeiras, Genoa, Dinamo Zagreb and Vissel Kobe. Portugal is the sixth country in which he has played during a career that began in Brazil, with Santos, in 1986.

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The striker, dubbed “King Kazu” by fans, has played 89 times for Japan, winning the Asian Cup in 1992, and is the country’s second-highest all-time scorer with 55 goals. His last international appearance was in 2000.