Keisuke Honda's Comeback
Former Japan national team captain Keisuke Honda is set to resume his professional career, joining Singapore Premier League side Albirex Niigata (S) from August 2024. The veteran playmaker, who has not played at the professional level since late 2024, intends to see out the entire 2026/27 season with the club, a move generating significant buzz in Asian football circles. His return brings a player of global profile to a league eager to grow its international audience.
Keisuke Honda, who turns 40 in 2024, most recently played for Bhutan's Paro FC, where he helped the team secure a league title in the latter half of the 2024 season. His extensive career began with Nagoya Grampus Eight in the 2004 season. He moved to Europe in 2008, first playing for Dutch side VVV-Venlo before joining Russian giants CSKA Moscow in 2010.
Career and Achievements
Throughout his storied career, Honda has also played for:
- AC Milan (Italy)
- Pachuca (Mexico)
- Melbourne Victory (Australia)
- Vitesse (Netherlands)
- Botafogo (Brazil)
- Neftchi Baku (Azerbaijan)
- Sūduva (Lithuania)
- Paro FC (Bhutan)
For the Japanese national team, Honda earned 98 caps and scored 38 goals.
The club he is joining, Albirex Niigata (S), was founded in 2004 and competes in the Singapore Premier League. It is a six-time champion of Singapore and operates as a satellite team of Japan's Albirex Niigata. The club has also won the Singapore Cup, Community Shield, and League Cup on three occasions each.
“I am excited for the opportunity to play for Albirex Niigata (S). I turn 40 this year and have set several personal goals, including a Guinness World Record attempt for scoring in the top leagues of the most countries. However, my main objective with this club is to win the championship. There are several very strong opponents, so it won't be easy, but I am determined to achieve it.”
— Keisuke Honda
Honda's return to professional football in Singapore could substantially boost interest in the domestic league. His wealth of experience and achievements, including performances on the world stage, could prove a vital asset in developing young talent at Albirex Niigata (S). This move also opens new avenues for promoting football in the region, given Honda's status as a globally recognized athlete.