A three-time World Cup star officially joins a Southeast Asian team

Former Japanese national team player Keisuke Honda will compete in the Singapore Premier League next season wearing FC Jurong's jersey, according to the club's official announcement on April 10.

In a statement on the club's official website, the team (which will still be named Albirex Niigata Singapore until the end of the season) stated: "This agreement is not merely about recruiting a player; it also aims to jointly create new value for the club and contribute to the overall development of Singapore football."

Honda shared: "I am very happy to have the opportunity to play for FC Jurong. This year I turn 40 and am pursuing some personal challenges, including a Guinness record for scoring in different national leagues. However, my main goal here is to win the championship. There are several very strong opponents, so this will be a big challenge, but I am determined to achieve it."

Honda will turn 40 in June. In his international career, he scored 38 goals in 98 appearances for the Japanese national team, having participated in the 2010, 2014, and 2018 World Cups.

Known as "Keizer Keisuke" (Emperor Keisuke), Honda had an impressive career in Europe. He joined VVV-Venlo in 2008, then moved to CSKA Moscow before signing with AC Milan in 2014.

After leaving Milan in 2017, this left-footed player became a "journeyman," playing for clubs in Mexico, Australia, Brazil, Azerbaijan, Lithuania, and Bhutan. Simultaneously, he also served as the head coach of the Cambodian national team from 2018 to 2023.

In recent years, Honda has also frequently appeared training with Albirex. Club President Daisuke Korenaga believes Honda's presence will help FC Jurong build a solid foundation in its new phase.

He emphasized: "The goals and assists in three consecutive World Cups, along with experience at top clubs worldwide... to build a 'castle,' you need a strong foundation."