Former Japan and AC Milan midfielder Keisuke Honda has been officially unveiled as FC Jurong’s latest signing, with the 40-year-old saying he wants to help the club become the top team in Singapore.
Honda was introduced at a press conference at Jurong East Stadium on Saturday (22 August 2026), where he shared his ambition of winning the Singapore Premier League (SPL) with the club.
“Being a player is my passion, that’s it,” Honda said. “I always want to play (football) and try to win in front of an audience. Plus I want to become champion so this is a great opportunity for me.”
Honda Wants FC Jurong To Be Number One
Honda said one reason he decided to join FC Jurong was because he believed the club could aim higher after recent results against SPL rivals.
He said he wanted to join because FC Jurong had recently been unable to beat Lion City Sailors, and he felt the club should be the number one team in Singapore’s football league.
However, Honda acknowledged that achieving this would not be simple.
“I think this club should be the No. 1 club in the league. This is a challenge. It’s not easy. Sailors will also want to be champions. Tampines and other clubs too,” he said, according to The Straits Times.
FC Jurong was previously known as Albirex Niigata Singapore. The club has won the SPL six times and finished third in the league last season. The 2026-27 SPL season begins in September.
It was announced in April that Honda would play for FC Jurong during the upcoming SPL season.
Club Wants More Than Just Honda’s Name
FC Jurong chairman Daisuke Korenaga said the club did not bring Honda in simply because of his reputation.
Instead, the club wanted to tap on his experience, winning mentality, professionalism and high standards.
“We brought Keisuke here because we want to win, and we want him to bring his world-class standards into our club,” Korenaga said.
He added that the project was not only about the current season, saying the club hoped Honda’s influence would remain even after he eventually leaves.
“Our goal this season is very clear. We want to win the Singapore Premier League. Keisuke and I have shared this goal from the beginning,” Korenaga said.
Saturday’s press conference also marked Takasago Singapore becoming the club’s main partner.
Honda Still Has Japan Coaching Ambition
Besides his playing career, Honda has previously spoken about his ambition to become head coach of the Japan national team.
He reiterated that goal on Saturday, saying Japanese football fans know he wants to take up the role, but he still needs more experience.
For now, Honda said his focus is on FC Jurong this season. After that, he remains open to future opportunities, especially coaching a national team.
Honda has made 98 appearances and scored 37 goals for Japan. He also scored at three World Cups, in 2010, 2014 and 2018, with four World Cup goals in total.
He has also previously trained with the club at Jurong East Stadium as early as 2019. The Straits Times reported earlier that Honda, his wife and three children had set up home in Singapore, with at least one of his sons training at a local academy.
