SINGAPORE — Under the sweltering 32-degree afternoon heat on Saturday (22 August), Jurong East Stadium was transformed into a carnival of vibrant orange and blue. Traffic slowed to a crawl outside the arena as over 400 eager fans packed the stands, smartphones raised, awaiting one of the most high-profile marquee signings in Singapore Premier League (SPL) history: Keisuke Honda.
The 40-year-old Japanese football icon emerged onto the pitch donning his brand-new No. 4 FC Jurong jersey. Reminiscent of a European summer gala presentation, Honda treated the roaring crowd to a display of his trademark left-footed ball control before delivering an impassioned address to the faithful.
Photo: Grandstand SGP / Javier Peh
"Let's Win the League Together": Honda Demands High Standards
Having accumulated 98 caps and 37 international goals for Samurai Blue — including four goals across three FIFA World Cups (2010, 2014, 2018) — Honda brings an unmatched pedigree to local football.
Addressing the supporters who chanted his name throughout the afternoon, Honda made his objectives crystal clear:
"This year, I feel I have a super passion and so, let’s aim to become champions. My job is not just to play but to contribute my experience to young players. I want to build a culture. That is the most important thing."
"So, I need your cooperation. I don’t like you just to come here today. Please come to all the matches and let’s win the league together."
The signing represents a significant statement of intent from FC Jurong, who rebranded from Albirex Niigata Singapore earlier in 2026. The six-time domestic league champions last lifted the title in 2023, watching Lion City Sailors capture consecutive championships in recent campaigns.
The Title Race: Challenging the Lion City Sailors
Speaking at the pre-unveiling press conference alongside newly announced main club partner Takasago Singapore, Honda acknowledged the uphill battle ahead in the eight-team competition.
"I wanted to join this club because recently FC Jurong could not beat the Lion City Sailors," Honda explained. "I think this club should be the No. 1 club in the Singapore league. This is a challenge. It’s not easy. Sailors will also want to be champions. Tampines [Rovers] and other clubs too.
"But I believe that if we build a good culture, which means good professionalism and high standards... we have a high chance to be champions this season. We have to show this mentality and passion to all our fans."
Photo: Grandstand SGP / Javier Peh
Club chairman Daisuke Korenaga echoed Honda's sentiments, emphasising that the signing was driven purely by competitive drive rather than commercial novelty."We are happy to have Keisuke with us. Why Keisuke? Of course he is a great player… but we did not bring him here just because of his name. What we want is his experience, winning mentality, professionalism and high standards. Our goal this season is very clear: We want to win the Singapore Premier League."
Global Journeyman, Tactician, and Entrepreneur
Honda’s illustrious career has spanned the globe. He was named the 2011 AFC Asian Cup Most Valuable Player and secured major domestic silverware with CSKA Moscow in Russia and AC Milan in Italy, alongside stints across Mexico (Pachuca), Australia (Melbourne Victory), Brazil (Botafogo), Azerbaijan (Neftchi PFK), Lithuania (Sūduva), and most recently Bhutan's Paro FC in 2024.
Remarkably, Honda has found the back of the net in 10 different countries throughout his globetrotting career. Off the pitch, he managed the Cambodia national team from 2018 to 2023 and launched his venture capital firm, X&KSK, raising ¥15 billion (approx. S$119.8 million) from institutional investors.
Addressing how he balances his entrepreneurial commitments with on-pitch duties, Honda noted:"My main job now is to invest in start-ups in Japan mainly, and also the US and other countries too. So I have to move back and forth between Japan and Singapore quite often. But I stay here more than half a year in a year. I would try to join the training and game as much as possible. I will try to manage my time as well as possible."
Photo: Grandstand SGP / Javier Peh
FC Jurong’s Road Ahead in the 2026-27 Season
FC Jurong finished third in the standings last season and enter this campaign with tactical continuity and fresh leadership. Former assistant coach Jaswinder Singh has taken over as head coach, while reigning SPL Coach of the Year Keiji Shigetomi moves into the technical director role.
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