‘Being a player is my passion’: Keisuke Honda targets Singapore Premier League title with FC Jurong

Keisuke Honda, the former Japan and AC Milan midfielder, has set his sights on leading FC Jurong to victory in the Singapore Premier League (SPL) during the 2026/27 season. Speaking at his official unveiling at Jurong East Stadium on August 22, 2026, Honda emphasized his commitment to helping the club achieve its highest possible standing in the league. “Being a player is my passion,” he said, adding that he aims to guide FC Jurong to the top of the SPL. The 39-year-old veteran, who has played for teams across Asia and Europe, expressed confidence in the club’s potential, stating that building a professional culture would give them a strong chance of success. Honda joined FC Jurong in April 2026, marking his return to Singapore after previous visits for training sessions at Tampines Hub and Jurong East Stadium. His arrival follows the club’s announcement earlier in the year that he would play for them during the upcoming season. FC Jurong, formerly known as Albirex Niigata Singapore, has a rich history in the league, having claimed the championship six times. However, they finished third in the 2025/26 season. Club chairman Daisuke Korenaga stressed that Honda’s recruitment was based on his expertise, winning mentality, and professionalism rather than his celebrity status. “We brought Keisuke here because we want to win,” Korenaga said. “This project is not only about this season.” Korenaga highlighted that Honda’s presence at FC Jurong is intended to leave a lasting legacy. “One day Keisuke will leave FC Jurong. But when that day comes, I want something to remain here, his mentality, his standards, his professionalism,” he explained. This sentiment aligns with Honda’s own aspirations. During the press conference, he reiterated his long-term goal of becoming the head coach of the Japan national team. “All Japanese people know I want to be the head coach of the Japanese national team,” he said. “But I need to have more experience.” For now, his focus remains on FC Jurong, where he hopes to contribute both on and off the pitch. Honda’s journey through football has taken him from his early days at Nagoya Grampus Eight in Japan to stints in the Netherlands, Russia, and beyond. After a successful three-year spell with AC Milan, he continued his career in diverse leagues, including Australia, Brazil, and Portugal. With 98 appearances and 37 goals for Japan, Honda has represented the Samurai Blue in three FIFA World Cup tournaments. Beyond playing, he has also made his mark as a coach, guiding Cambodia’s national team from 2018 to 2023. In addition to his footballing pursuits, Honda is also a co-founder and general partner of the investment firm X&KSK, which focuses on startup ventures in Japan, the United States, and other regions. His frequent trips between Japan and Singapore reflect the dual nature of his life. While his primary role involves investing in emerging businesses, he continues to engage with football, particularly through his involvement with FC Jurong. “My main job now is to invest in startups in Japan mainly and also in the US and other countries too,” he said. “I have to travel back and forth between Japan and Singapore quite often, but I stay here more than half a year in a year.” This balance underscores his dedication to both his professional and personal passions. As the 2026/27 SPL season approaches, all eyes will be on FC Jurong and their new star player. Honda’s presence adds a layer of international prestige to the club, while his ambition to win and his future coaching aspirations hint at a broader vision for Japanese football. Whether he succeeds in leading FC Jurong to the title or lays the groundwork for future achievements, his impact on the Singapore league is already evident.