File photo: Keisuke Honda (centre) has played professional leagues in 10 countries so far, and Singapore becomes his 11th, with him playing for FC Jurong in the 2026-27 season. | Photo Credit: Getty Images

Former Japan star Keisuke Honda has decided to return to the field after signing for Singaporean top-flight side FC Jurong, the forward announced on social media.

Honda represented Japan in three FIFA World Cups, earning over 90 international caps, and winning the AFC Asian Cup in 2011, where was also the Player of the Tournament. Following Japan’s exit from the 2018 World Cup, he retired from international football.

However, he has continued to play club football around the world, last playing for Bhutan’s premier division side Paro FC in 2024.

Jurong, formerly known as Albirex Niigata Singapore, announced the signing in a statement on Friday.

“This agreement goes beyond the signing of a single player; it aims to create new value for the club together and contribute to the further development of the Singapore football community as a whole,” the club said in a statement.

Singapore will become the 11th professional league that he will be playing in, with the player previously playing in Italy (AC Milan), Mexico (Pachuca) and Brazil (Botafogo).

“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,” Honda said in a release.

“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.”

FC Jurong, a six-time Singapore Premier League winner, is currently third in the standings, behind Lion City Sailors and Tampines Rovers.

Published on Apr 11, 2026