From AC Milan To FC Jurong: Why This World Cup Star Is Looking To Make History in Singapore

Singapore football rarely attracts genuine superstar signings. The last bonafide global name that ended up on our shores, seeking a late-career stint, was former Liverpool and Arsenal winger Jermaine Pennant, who joined Tampines Rovers. And that was already a decade ago.

But that changed this past weekend. Keisuke Honda turning up at Jurong East Stadium in an FC Jurong jersey felt like one of those surreal, pinch-me moments, especially if you’re a long-suffering local football fan.

I’ve followed football in Singapore for years, and fresh off the Singapore National Team’s incredible run to the ASEAN Hyundai Cup semi-finals, I felt that we needed another big moment to sustain fan interest in the sport and get them to support local football again in between international tournaments.

Enter the 40-year-old Japanese legend. For those who are not familiar, the midfield general’s claim to fame is playing for the likes of Italy’s AC Milan and Russia’s CSKA Moscow. Throughout his glittering career, he has also played in teams across Brazil, Australia, and Portugal, among others. He also represented Japan across 3 World Cup tournaments, last playing in the 2018 edition. And now, he is in Singapore to play in the Singapore Premier League.

More specifically, he is here to “help FC Jurong try to become the best club in the country”, as he stated at the press conference to announce his unveiling.

A surprisingly big welcome in Jurong

Back in April, it was announced that the Honda will play for FC Jurong during the 2026/27 SPL season. Previously known as Albirex Niigata Singapore, the western club is one of Singapore’s top teams, having won the title six times. However, they only finished third behind eventual champions Lion City Sailors last time out. It’s clear the club is looking to make a statement ahead of a brand new season to coincide with their rebranding.

That ambition became pretty clear when I arrived at Jurong East Stadium. The first thing that struck me was the atmosphere. It was hot. Really hot. Like in the literal sense.

But despite the sweltering conditions, fans were already filling the stands, with families and children among the crowd. Many were wearing FC Jurong colours of blue and orange stripes, while some had already sported Honda's new No. 4 jersey that just went on sale.

It was reported that there were nearly 400 fans that attended the official presentation, with the stands buzzing with anticipation well before Honda even appeared.

Mind you, I’ve never been to this particular stadium, being an East Sider. But what struck me the most was how big a fanbase the club had. They enjoy clear support from their core Japanese fans. But from where I was standing, I noticed a huge contingent of local supporters, mostly families and kids. Jurong residents are clearly proud to support this team.

I saw young FC Jurong youth team players training on the pitch; fans were waving flags, and a group of young cheerleaders were getting ready for the presentation. It felt like a school sports day all over again.

Honda’s arrival obviously brings an international star into the Singapore Premier League. But seeing the crowd that had gathered around him made me wonder whether his impact could extend beyond the football pitch and empower an entire community.


IMAGE: FC JURONG

More than just a marquee signing

During the press conference earlier in the day, Keisuke Honda made it clear he isn't at FC Jurong simply to make up the numbers. He made it clear that he is gunning for the title and to knock off reigning champions LCS off their perch.

FC Jurong chairman Daisuke Korenaga (pictured above) explained Honda’s experience, winning mentality, professionalism and high standards will be key to the club’s success this season.

Honda reiterated as much, believing FC Jurong should be the No. 1 club in Singapore. He doesn't seem particularly interested in treating this as a novelty.

When asked why he chose to continue playing rather than take up a coaching role, his answer was simple: playing football is still his passion. He wants to compete, win and become a champion. And that makes this project much more intriguing.


IMAGE: FC JURONG

The moment Honda finally walked out to the pitch

After all the build-up and hype, the moment everyone was waiting for finally arrived.

Honda emerged from the stadium and walked towards the pitch surrounded by media to the roar of the crowd. The fans immediately came alive.

He was wearing his new FC Jurong kit (a really sweet-looking jersey, by the way), complete with the No. 4 on his back, and once he reached the pitch, he gave the fans a glimpse of the footballer they had come to see.

The Japanese star juggled the ball effortlessly, showing off that world-class control, and at one point, he even kicked a ball into the stands to the delight of the spectators. He then proceeded to pose for photographs with sponsors as the supporters started chanting his name.

It was the kind of theatrical introduction you might expect at a major European club rather than a Singapore Premier League unveiling.

And yet, there we were. In Jurong. Watching Keisuke Honda. I can’t emphasise how crazy this sounds. There I was, witnessing a world-class player standing in front of the FC Jurong logo wall, in a relatively modest stadium, surrounded by HDB flats. Think about it. It’s wild!


IMAGE: FC JURONG

Honda's bigger challenge

Keisuke Honda’s speech to the fans during the official presentation was especially poignant.

“My job is not just to play; it’s to contribute my experience to young players,” he said.

He then talked about wanting to build a culture and emphasised the importance of professionalism and high standards. That, to me, felt like his true intention in why he wanted to play in Singapore.

Sure, there was talk of how Honda wanted to break a Guiness world record for scoring in the most number of top leagues in the world. While it would be unrealistic to expect him to single-handedly transform a league and capture a nation’s attention overnight, his experience is something the club cannot manufacture.

Honda has played at World Cups. He has won trophies in Europe and Asia. He has played in some of the world's biggest leagues and even became a national-team coach for Cambodia.

Can he make history here?

The question remains: can Honda raise the standards around the club and reignite interest in local football? Can his presence get more people interested in watching the SPL? And perhaps most importantly, can he create a legacy and renewed culture that leaves an impact long after he’s gone?

I couldn't help but think that Singapore football has just been handed a pretty fascinating experiment. A global football name has come to Jurong. Now we get to see what happens next.

The first match of FC Jurong’s new 2026/27 Singapore Premier League season will be away against the Young Lions at Jalan Besar Stadium on Sept 13.

For now, Honda has made his introduction. The No. 4 jersey is on. The challenge has been issued. Game on!

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