At 59, Japanese forward Kazuyoshi Miura continues to defy age, netting a goal in the Emperor’s Cup that stretches his own record as the oldest scorer in professional football.
Veterans still writing history
Miura is not alone on the list of late‑blooming marksmen. Innocent Benza, who once found the net for Herentals College FC at 51, is cited as one of the oldest top‑flight goal‑getters, while Egypt’s Ezzeldin Bahader struck a penalty at 74 for 6th of October SC in the Third Division.
Brazilian midfielder Formiga added another chapter to her storied career by scoring for the national team at 41, capping a 26‑year international spell before retirement.
The fascination with age‑defying athletes extends beyond the pitch. In the United Kingdom, a long‑standing tradition links prime ministers to specific clubs, a quirk that has never seen a single party leader back more than one team.
Politics and the beautiful game
From Harold Wilson’s allegiance to Liverpool to Tony Blair’s support for Arsenal, each leader’s club loyalty has been as personal as it is public. The list reads like a who’s‑who of British political history, featuring names such as David Cameron, Gordon Brown, Rishi Sunak and Liz Truss alongside their favourite sides.
The article also revisits moments when entire towns were reshaped by mergers, recalling the histories of Scunthorpe United, Hereford United, Torquay United and others, and invites readers to share memories of those transitions.
Your questions, our answers
Whether you’re curious about penalty shoot‑out records, the colour clashes of referees, or the obscure clubs that have vanished from the league, the floor is open for your inquiries. Drop your questions in the comments and become part of the ongoing conversation.