‘Being a player is my passion’: Keisuke Honda targets Singapore Premier League title with FC Jurong
Honda also said that his long-term goal remains to be the head coach of the Japan national team.
Japanese footballer Keisuke Honda waves to FC Jurong supporters during his unveiling at Jurong East Stadium on Aug 22, 2026. (Photo: CNA/Wallace Woon)
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SINGAPORE: He is a man with many ambitions, but for now former Japan and AC Milan midfielder Keisuke Honda’s goal is for FC Jurong to become the top club in Singapore.
Speaking at a press conference at the Jurong East Stadium on Saturday (Aug 22) where he was officially unveiled as the club’s latest signing, Honda said he wants to lead the team to the Singapore Premier League (SPL) title.
“I wanted to join this club (because) recently FC Jurong could not beat … (Lion City) Sailors, and I think this club should be the number one club in the Singapore league,” he said.
“Being a player is my passion, that’s it … 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.”
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In April, it was announced that the midfielder will play for FC Jurong during the 2026/27 SPL season. Previously known as Albirex Niigata Singapore, the club has won the league six times, and finished third in the SPL last season.
“We did not bring Keisuke here just because of his name,” club chairman Daisuke Korenaga told reporters. “What we want is his experience, his winning mentality, his professionalism, and most importantly, his high standards.”
Korenaga declined to disclose Honda’s contract details when asked by the media.
“We brought Keisuke here because we want to win, and we want him to bring his world-class standards into our club. At the same time, this project is not only about this season,” he said.
“One day Keisuke will leave FC Jurong. But when that day comes, I want something to remain here – his mentality, his standards, his professionalism.”
“I believe that if we build a good culture, which means good professionalism, and high standards … we have a chance, high chance to become the champions this season,” added Honda.
Honda began his career at Japanese side Nagoya Grampus Eight, before stints in the Netherlands (VVV-Venlo) and Russia (CSKA Moscow). After about three years with AC Milan in the Serie A, he went on to feature for clubs in Australia, Brazil and Portugal, among others.
The 39-year-old has 98 appearances and 37 goals for Japan, featuring for the Samurai Blue at three World Cups. Honda also coached Cambodia’s national team from 2018 to 2023.
Honda, who is also co-founder and general partner of investment firm X&KSK, has been spotted in Singapore from time to time.
Late last year, he posted pictures on Instagram of himself training at Tampines Hub and Jurong East Stadium, the latter being the home ground of FC Jurong.
“My main job now is to invest in startups in Japan mainly and also US and other countries too,” said Honda. “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.”
Honda, who has previously stated his interest in becoming head coach of the Japan national team, reiterated this on Saturday.
“All Japanese people know I want to be the head coach of the Japanese national team, but I need to have more experience,” he said.
“I want to just focus on FC Jurong this season and after that I’m welcome to have any opportunities, but I’m especially interested in coaching a national team.”
Source: CNA/mt(mi)
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