The number 11 is the natural number that is the first repdigit – a number that is composed of repeated instances of the same digit.
It is also the jersey number of Japanese footballer, Kazuyoshi Miura for almost his whole career. A recording-breaking career that stretches across 5 decades from the sunny shores of Brazil for Santos to the industrial city of Genoa, he even trialled at Bournemouth once!
1982 was the year he travelled as a boy with just $700 to Brazil, the spiritual home of Jogo Bonito, alone, with the sole purpose of playing the game he so loves professionally.
You can read about his Brazilian adventure here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kazuyoshi_Miura
(Photo: Sports Graphic Number Web/Link)
King Kazu, as he’s “anointed” by his fans, extended his contract this month with J1 League team, Yokohama FC for another year. In doing so, continues his reign as the oldest active professional footballer in the world at 53.
In his home country, he enjoys a God-like reverence. From having lunch with the Japanese Emperor to having his image emblazoned on billboards and turning up to black-tie events in crimson suits; he continues to put bums on seats and remains relevant in the fickle social-media world today.
In professional sport, players excelling in their 40s at the top level, like Tom Brady and Roger Federer are few and far between. Players in their 50s are as exclusive as Kazu is elusive to the foreign press.
(Photo: Jiji.com/Link)
Tom Brady, 43 credits his famous TB12 regime for his longevity. He focuses on a whole-foods based diet and trains hard on muscle pliability.
Federer, 40 this year, on the other hand, is slightly more liberal with his diet, eating only fresh produce but has cheat days with ice-cream and chocolate.
“I can eat biscuits…have fondue…no problems, desserts 10 days in a row.”
Instead, he trains hard on endurance and repetitive ball work. In his downtime, he enjoys TV sessions with his children and gets plenty of quality sleep.
For men who has pretty much achieved every major honour in his sport, why do they go on? What continues to push them?
GUAM
It is 6 am January, on the tropical island of Guam, pitch dark outside and Kazu emerges from his hotel room and heartily greets a reporter before lacing up for some ball work. The morning light has barely warmed the horizon and he’s already completed core training and warm-ups in his room.
(Photo: Hochi News/Link)
The J1 League typically commences in February; most footballers prefer to take the time off to relax and recharge, Kazu prefers to work on training his body which would be difficult when the season commences.
At his age, he believes it’s about disciplined repetitions and is into the 17th year of his famed “Toranoana” voluntary pre-season training.
A daily strict 11-hour regime that he adheres to with a conditioning trainer in tow, an impish grin is clear for all to see as he goes through his dribbling or shooting drills. Even after 35 years in the game, he has the look of a boy in love with football for the first time.
PASSION
The Singaporean striker Aleksander Duric who retired at the age of 44, himself played across 4 decades with a 22-year career as a professional.
(Photo: Junpiter Futbol)
“A lot of sacrifices have to be made; you’re always being pushed by younger players coming up.”
Duric believes that a strict diet and an elite attitude towards training were the reasons that allowed him to push his limits. He believes that we will see more players challenge the traditional age barrier in professional sport.
“It’s valuable to have older players in your squad; they are leaders and serve as good role models for the younger players”
“Don’t stop because someone told you to or ‘you can’t’, listen to your body and your heart. Don’t regret it later.”
Duric also paid tribute to Kazu: “Kazu is unbelievable; he’s shown that there is no limit as long as you have the passion.”
OLDER PLAYERS
Sports Scientist Etienne Ding from Amp Lab shares Duric’s opinion that we will see the rise in older professional players and he emphasises on quality to maximise output.
“Research has shown that after the age of 30, injury risk increases tremendously.”
“A good physical foundation is crucial and it is important to work with a good conditioning coach to reduce that risk.”
He recommends a holistic approach that includes working with nutritionists on diet, sports scientists for customised training programs to optimise individual performance and even a specialised fitness coach that focuses on core strength and flexibility.”
THE ONLY LIMIT IS YOUR MIND
The Japanese have romanticised the concept of Kaizen – the pursuit of continuous improvement. Traditionally the word would be associated craftsmen or in business, most famously adopted by Toyota. Kazu is the very embodiment of this philosophy.
When asked by reporters about his future, he bursts out in laughter. “I might (retire) someday.”
He composes himself and with a straight face “If possible, I want to die as a player. That is my true feeling.”
“When I die, I want to be known as Kazuyoshi Miura, soccer player. Not a former player.”
“When Ken Takamura died in 2014, I saw him reported as ‘actor Ken Takamura, 83 years old’ I thought that was perfect.”
(Photo: J.League Facebook)
The level of professionalism Kazu continues to display today is at times, beyond comprehension.
His club teammate at Yokohama FC, Calvin Jong-a-Pin described the mentality Kazu has to reporters from The Japan Times:
“I’ve never seen anything like it. I have some passion for the game but this guy, it’s insane.”
“I heard he lives separately from his family because sometimes he needs to focus. They live in the same street but sometimes he needs to focus on the game, so he takes a space so he can do that. Can you imagine that?”
THE WORLD CUP
(Photo: Jiji.com/Link)
Kazu was an integral part of the Japan national squad from the infamous “Agony of Doha” that narrowly lost out in qualification for the U.S.A. 1994 World Cup.
In 1998, he was prolific in his country’s qualification trail for that year’s edition of the world’s premier football tournament but was controversially left out of the squad to France.
Some fans and reporters believe it is that slight, two decades on, in his country’s inaugural World Cup appearance that continues to ignite his flame.
He told Reuters, “It is important to keep dreaming. Playing at the World Cup is still my dream.”
(Photo: Junpiter Futbol)
Today, Kazu stands ever ready, whether it is for his club or country, he’s prepared and eager. His love, dedication and passion for the beautiful game deserve our respect and admiration.
Long live the King.
(Main Photo: Getty Images)
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