Yokohama FC are finally back in the top-tier of Japanese football.After over 10 years in the J2 League, the team founded in 1999 earned promotion from the second-tier in 2019 and are now back competing in the J1 League.The last time Yokohama FC were in the top-flight was back in 2006 where they were relegated after just one season.After seven games back in the big time, the team are currently 14th in the 18-team league, winning just once and losing four games.They will no doubt be fighting to avoid relegation, but they will at least be a playable team on FIFA 21 given that EA Sports will all but certainly licence the J1 League once again
Why is Yokohama FC's presence on the game important you ask? Oh nothing much, just the fact that gamers will now be able to play with the older professional football in the world.That's right, 53-year-old striker Kazuyoshi Miura is still on Yokohama FC's books - his 35th consecutive season as professional - and that means he'll be available on FIFA 21, absolute scenes!
He's the only player from FIFA 96 to still be playing professionally and wait, it gets better. That's because fellow Japanese cult hero Shunsuke Nakamura, 42, is also part Yokohama FC's current team.
Two iconic figures in one squad? The Japanese side are going to be one of the go-to teams on FIFA 21.
Miura, nicknamed King Kazu, was one of the first superstars of Japanese football when the J- League launched back in 1993 and he joined Yokohama FC in 2005 after four years with Vissel Kobe.
The striker's professional debut came way back in 1986 with Brazilian side Santos and he was the first player from Japan to win the coveted Asian Footballer of the Year prize in 1992.
King Kazu is also the oldest player to score a goal in Japanese football at the age of 50. He found the back of the net in a J2 League game against Thespa Kusatsu in March 2017, per BBC.
For reference, the oldest goal scorer in Premier League history is Teddy Sheringham for West Ham at the age of 40.
King Kazu's last start for Yokohama FC came back in April 2019 against Avispa Fukuoka at the age of 52 and to have the fitness and drive to continue playing after nearly 35 years is a remarkable achievement in itself.