FC Jurong unveils former Japan international Keisuke Honda at Jurong East Stadium
Former Japan international Keisuke Honda has been officially unveiled by FC Jurong, formerly Albirex Niigata Singapore, at Jurong East Stadium, with the football star donning the club’s No. 4 jersey.
FC Jurong shared images of Honda’s unveiling at Jurong East Stadium on Instagram on 22 Aug.
Source: @fcjurong on Instagram
The unveiling gave supporters their first look at Honda in FC Jurong colours, following the club’s announcement in April that he would join them for the 2026/27 Singapore Premier League (SPL) season.
Footage circulating on social media also captured Honda showing off his skills and greeting supporters at the stadium.
Source: @fcjurong on Instagram
A TikTok post by @ashfutbolita showed Honda juggling a football and addressing the crowd.
Honda also marked the move on his own TikTok account, writing:
New club, same ambition. WIN. Singapore will be the 11th country I have played in professionally.
Honda says primary goal is to win the league
When FC Jurong first announced Honda’s signing, the club said the move was intended to go “beyond the signing of a single player”.
Instead, it hoped Honda’s experience and mindset would help create “new value” for the club, while contributing to the wider development of Singapore football.
Source: @fcjurong on Instagram
The club added that it has ambitions of building on its achievements in Singapore and eventually competing on the Asian stage.
For Honda, however, the immediate target is clear:
I am delighted to have the opportunity to play for FC Jurong. As I turn 40 this year, I am pursuing several personal challenges, including a Guinness World Record for scoring in the most countries’ top leagues.
Despite those personal ambitions, Honda stressed that his main priority is to help FC Jurong win the league title, acknowledging that strong rivals will make it a tough challenge.
Source: @fcjurong on Instagram
FC Jurong chairman Daisuke Korenaga similarly described Honda as an important part of the club’s next chapter as it begins its first season under its new name.
Pointing to Honda’s goals and assists across three consecutive FIFA World Cups, as well as his experience at major clubs around the world, Mr Korenaga said the club hoped to build on his “world-class experience, vision, and passion”.
Most netizens excited, though some are sceptical
Honda’s unveiling drew plenty of attention online, with most netizens excited to see the Japanese star play in Singapore, though some questioned his decision to join the SPL.
One netizen urged Honda to make FC Jurong “great” and help make the SPL more “happening”.
Source: TikTok
Another commenter felt it would still be worth watching Honda play despite him being “not young” anymore.
Source: TikTok
Meanwhile, a TikTok user wondered why Honda had chosen to join a Singapore football club, saying “he’s got better prospects elsewhere”.
Source: TikTok
Another netizen could not quite wrap their head around the idea of “casually seeing him from your HDB” window.
Source: TikTok
Honda’s career has taken him around the world
Honda’s move to Singapore adds yet another country to a career that has already taken him across the globe.
The Osaka-born midfielder began his professional career in Japan before going on to play in the Netherlands, Russia, Italy, Mexico, Australia, Brazil, and several other countries.
He is perhaps best known internationally for his spells with CSKA Moscow and AC Milan, as well as his performances for Japan.
Source: AC Milan
Honda featured at three consecutive FIFA World Cups in 2010, 2014, and 2018, scoring and assisting across all three tournaments.
Away from club football, he also worked with the Cambodian national team from 2018 to 2023.
Across his club career, Honda has amassed more than 500 appearances and over 100 goals.
Also read: Keisuke Honda set to star for FC Jurong in 26/27 SPL season, announcement leaves fans excited
Keisuke Honda set to star for FC Jurong in 26/27 SPL season, announcement leaves fans excited
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Featured image adapted from @fcjurong on Instagram.
