SINGAPORE: Former Japan and AC Milan midfielder Keisuke Honda will play in the Singapore Premier League (SPL) next season, it was announced on Friday (Apr 10).
In a press release, Albirex Niigata Singapore, which will be known as FC Jurong from the 2026/2027 SPL season, said that Honda will join the club in August.
Honda began his career playing for 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 close to 100 appearances for Japan and featured for the Samurai Blue at three World Cups. Honda also spent a stint coaching Cambodia's national team from 2018 to 2023.
"I am delighted to have the opportunity to play for FC Jurong. As I turn 40 this year, I am pursuing several personal challenges, including a Guinness World Record for scoring in the most countries’ top leagues," said Honda.
"However, my primary goal with this club is to win the league title. There are a couple of very strong rivals, so it will be a tough challenge, but I am determined to achieve it."
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 Albirex.
"To build a great castle, you need a solid cornerstone. Into that cornerstone, we pour world-class experience, vision, and passion," said club chairman Daisuke Korenaga.
"Together with Keisuke Honda, we are determined to build a legacy that will carry this club forward for the next 100 years."
Friday's announcement of Honda’s signing came days after Albirex said the club would be renamed FC Jurong from next season, a deviation from their announcement in late 2025 that they would be renamed Albirex Jurong FC.
“Through extensive discussions with our stakeholders, we have come to the conclusion that the club must put down deeper roots in this region and pursue a greater level of localisation. The name change is one important expression of that commitment,” said Korenaga.
“A club's name is more than just a label - it is a statement of where we stand, who we walk alongside, and which community we are building our future with. The name FC Jurong carries our heartfelt desire to grow with this town, to be needed by this town, and to be a club this town is proud to call its own.”
Albirex, who have won the domestic league six times, currently sit third in the SPL.





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