Kazuyoshi Miura, at 59 years old, recently scored in the Emperor's Cup, raising the question: is he the oldest goalscorer in competitive football history? This remarkable feat has sparked debates among football enthusiasts and historians alike, as Miura continues to defy age and expectations. In this article, we delve into the records, compare legendary scorers, and uncover the truth behind the oldest goalscorers in the sport.
Kazuyoshi Miura's Historic Goal
On July 25, 2026, Kazuyoshi Miura scored his first competitive goal in nearly four years during a 7-0 victory for Fukushima United against Iwaki Furukawa in the Emperor's Cup. At 59 years and 149 days, Miura extended his own record as the oldest goalscorer in professional football. This goal not only showcased his enduring skill but also cemented his legacy as a football icon.
Other Notable Oldest Goalscorers
While Miura's record is impressive, he is not alone in achieving scoring feats at an advanced age. Here are some of the oldest goalscorers in competitive football history:
- Innocent Benza (51 years, 5 days) - Scored for Herentals College FC in the Zimbabwe Premier Soccer League in 2023.
- Billy Meredith (49 years, 208 days) - Scored for Manchester City in the FA Cup in 1924.
- Stanley Matthews (49 years, 14 days) - Scored for Stoke City in the FA Cup in 1964.
- Ezzeldin Bahader (74 years, 125 days) - Scored on his debut for 6th of October SC in the Egyptian Third Division in 2020.
Comparison of Oldest Goalscorers
To better understand the significance of Miura's achievement, let's compare the top oldest goalscorers in competitive football:
| Player | Age | Match | Competition | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kazuyoshi Miura | 59y 149d | Fukushima United 7-0 Iwaki Furukawa | Emperor's Cup | 25 July 2026 |
| Ezzeldin Bahader | 74y 125d | 6th of October SC | Egyptian Third Division | March 2020 |
| Innocent Benza | 51y 5d | Herentals College FC 1-2 Hwange Colliery | Zimbabwe Premier Soccer League | 25 May 2023 |
| Billy Meredith | 49y 208d | Brighton 1-5 Manchester City | FA Cup | 23 February 1924 |
| Stanley Matthews | 49y 14d | Stoke City 2-2 Swansea City | FA Cup | 15 February 1964 |
Key Takeaways
- Kazuyoshi Miura is the oldest goalscorer in professional football, with a record set at 59 years old.
- Ezzeldin Bahader holds the all-time record for the oldest goalscorer in any competitive match at 74 years old.
- Innocent Benza is the oldest top-flight goalscorer, achieving his feat at 51 years old.
- Women's football record is held by Formiga, who scored at 41 years old for Brazil.
FAQ
Is Kazuyoshi Miura the oldest goalscorer in football history?
How old was Kazuyoshi Miura when he scored his latest goal?
Who is the oldest goalscorer in women's football?
