Ex-Japan international Keisuke Honda looking to get involved in Singapore football

SINGAPORE – Former Japan star Keisuke Honda is one of Asia’s most recognisable footballing exports, with his career taking him to Europe, South and North America and even Oceania.

And now the 38-year-old’s business ventures – he is the co-founder and general partner of investment firm X&KSK – have brought him to Singapore where he is often spotted these days.

The former AC Milan and CSKA Moscow midfielder wants to be involved with Singapore football, should there be an interesting-enough project, he told The Sunday Times at ITE College Central on March 1 during a media briefing for the 4v4 Singapore Cup, an Under-10 tournament that he has started.

While he did not go into details on how he would want to be involved, Honda said: “Singapore needs a different way in how to get stronger... so if the Football Association of Singapore (FAS) has an interesting (project), I would get involved.

“To be honest, I’m waiting for (FAS) to choose an interesting way for me to be involved at some point.”

Honda, who has been seen at several training sessions with Singapore Premier League side Albirex Niigata at the Jurong East Stadium, also declined to divulge details on his private life, such as whether he has permanently relocated here.

But he added: “I’ve considered to play here, but I am not rushing. If I have a good opportunity, I will think about it.

“I sometimes join the team (Albirex). The chairman (Daisuke Korenaga) is my friend. He always allows me to participate in the training. But unfortunately, it’s a little bit far from my house.

“So maybe once a month, I do train with them. But I am fit. I train six times a week myself, so I am keeping in shape as much as possible.”

Honda also said that he had met Singapore coach and compatriot Tsutomu Ogura, adding: “I want him to succeed as a coach here... he can help to develop the football level. I think Singapore has a bright future (in) football.”

Honda – who scored 37 goals in 98 matches for Japan – has yet to officially announce his retirement as a player. Last August, he signed a one-game contract and captained Bhutan club Paro FC to a 2-1 win over Nepal side Church Boys United in an AFC Challenge League preliminary-stage match.

The three-time World Cup player, who quit international football after Russia 2018, made his only foray into coaching with the Cambodia national team from 2018 to 2023, in what was an unpaid role.

While he was officially designated as their general manager owing to not having the necessary qualification, Honda was often seen giving instructions from the bench and prowling the touchline during international matches.

He left Cambodian football after their Under-22 men’s side failed to progress to the semi-finals of the 2023 SEA Games in Cambodia.

It has not stopped him from having high ambitions.

“I haven’t retired yet... I’m still looking for the opportunity to play, but that’s not the main project,” said Honda.

“If possible, I want to be a coach of a national team somewhere, maybe of a country which might have a chance to play in the World Cup.”

Meanwhile, he has been occupied with off-pitch activities.

According to Bloomberg, a venture capital fund headed by Honda has already raised about 15 billion yen (S$135 million) with at least 20 companies as investors.

Another project he is working on is the 4v4 tournament. This concept will make its debut in Singapore with the 4v4 Singapore Cup for U-10 players on April 26.

Organised in partnership with ITE College Central, this event is expected to attract up to 30 teams, with the champions representing Singapore at the 4v4 Asia Cup in Japan in August.

Honda’s 4v4 concept advocates an attacking style and special rules include a 20-second shot clock and point scoring based on where shots are taken.

To encourage individual development, coaches and parents are also not allowed on the sidelines during matches.