×
Japan legend Keisuke Honda returns to club football at 39 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 #Japan #legend #Keisuke #Honda #returns #club #football

Japan legend Keisuke Honda returns to club football at 39

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

#Japan #legend #Keisuke #Honda #returns #club #football

Sports news

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

Source link
#Japan #legend #Keisuke #Honda #returns #club #football

Related Posts

India Under-17 men’s national team head coach Bibiano Fernandes, on Friday, announced the 23-member squad for the AFC U-17 Asian Cup 2026 to be held in Saudi Arabia.

India has been drawn in Group D, alongside Australia and Uzbekistan. The fourth team in the group, the Republic of Korea, has withdrawn from the tournament, making it a three-team group.

ALSO READ | How can India qualify for FIFA U-17 World Cup after North Korea withdrew from Asian Cup?

The top two teams from the group will progress to the quarterfinals, which also ensures qualification for the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2026.

FULL SQUAD

Goalkeepers: Alok Nishad, Manashjyoti Baruah, Rajrup Sarkar.

Defenders: Abhishek Kumar Mondal, Indra Rana Magar, Korou Meitei Konthoujam, Lawmsangzuala, Lesvin Rebelo, Md Aimaan Bin, Shubham Poonia.

Midfielders: Dallalmuon Gangte, Denny Singh Wangkhem, Diamond Singh Thokchom, Moosa Ashiq Sofi, Nitishkumar Meitei Yengkhom.

Forwards: Adil Aman A, Azlaan Shah Kh, Gunleiba Wangkheirakpam, Heeranganba Seram, Rahan Ahmed, Raj Singh Wahengbam, Washington Singh Ngangom, Yuvraj Kadam.

SCHEDULE

May 6: India vs Australia – 9:30 p.m. IST

May 10: India vs Uzbekistan – 10:30 p.m. IST

Published on May 01, 2026

#India #squad #announced #Under17 #AFC #Asian #Cup">India squad announced for Under-17 AFC Asian Cup 2026 India Under-17 men’s national team head coach Bibiano Fernandes, on Friday, announced the 23-member squad for the AFC U-17 Asian Cup 2026 to be held in Saudi Arabia.India has been drawn in Group D, alongside Australia and Uzbekistan. The fourth team in the group, the Republic of Korea, has withdrawn from the tournament, making it a three-team group.ALSO READ | How can India qualify for FIFA U-17 World Cup after North Korea withdrew from Asian Cup?The top two teams from the group will progress to the quarterfinals, which also ensures qualification for the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2026.FULL SQUADGoalkeepers: Alok Nishad, Manashjyoti Baruah, Rajrup Sarkar.Defenders: Abhishek Kumar Mondal, Indra Rana Magar, Korou Meitei Konthoujam, Lawmsangzuala, Lesvin Rebelo, Md Aimaan Bin, Shubham Poonia.Midfielders: Dallalmuon Gangte, Denny Singh Wangkhem, Diamond Singh Thokchom, Moosa Ashiq Sofi, Nitishkumar Meitei Yengkhom.Forwards: Adil Aman A, Azlaan Shah Kh, Gunleiba Wangkheirakpam, Heeranganba Seram, Rahan Ahmed, Raj Singh Wahengbam, Washington Singh Ngangom, Yuvraj Kadam.SCHEDULEMay 6: India vs Australia – 9:30 p.m. ISTMay 10: India vs Uzbekistan – 10:30 p.m. ISTPublished on May 01, 2026 #India #squad #announced #Under17 #AFC #Asian #Cup

How can India qualify for FIFA U-17 World Cup after North Korea withdrew from Asian Cup?

The top two teams from the group will progress to the quarterfinals, which also ensures qualification for the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2026.

FULL SQUAD

Goalkeepers: Alok Nishad, Manashjyoti Baruah, Rajrup Sarkar.

Defenders: Abhishek Kumar Mondal, Indra Rana Magar, Korou Meitei Konthoujam, Lawmsangzuala, Lesvin Rebelo, Md Aimaan Bin, Shubham Poonia.

Midfielders: Dallalmuon Gangte, Denny Singh Wangkhem, Diamond Singh Thokchom, Moosa Ashiq Sofi, Nitishkumar Meitei Yengkhom.

Forwards: Adil Aman A, Azlaan Shah Kh, Gunleiba Wangkheirakpam, Heeranganba Seram, Rahan Ahmed, Raj Singh Wahengbam, Washington Singh Ngangom, Yuvraj Kadam.

SCHEDULE

May 6: India vs Australia – 9:30 p.m. IST

May 10: India vs Uzbekistan – 10:30 p.m. IST

Published on May 01, 2026

#India #squad #announced #Under17 #AFC #Asian #Cup">India squad announced for Under-17 AFC Asian Cup 2026

India Under-17 men’s national team head coach Bibiano Fernandes, on Friday, announced the 23-member squad for the AFC U-17 Asian Cup 2026 to be held in Saudi Arabia.

India has been drawn in Group D, alongside Australia and Uzbekistan. The fourth team in the group, the Republic of Korea, has withdrawn from the tournament, making it a three-team group.

ALSO READ | How can India qualify for FIFA U-17 World Cup after North Korea withdrew from Asian Cup?

The top two teams from the group will progress to the quarterfinals, which also ensures qualification for the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2026.

FULL SQUAD

Goalkeepers: Alok Nishad, Manashjyoti Baruah, Rajrup Sarkar.

Defenders: Abhishek Kumar Mondal, Indra Rana Magar, Korou Meitei Konthoujam, Lawmsangzuala, Lesvin Rebelo, Md Aimaan Bin, Shubham Poonia.

Midfielders: Dallalmuon Gangte, Denny Singh Wangkhem, Diamond Singh Thokchom, Moosa Ashiq Sofi, Nitishkumar Meitei Yengkhom.

Forwards: Adil Aman A, Azlaan Shah Kh, Gunleiba Wangkheirakpam, Heeranganba Seram, Rahan Ahmed, Raj Singh Wahengbam, Washington Singh Ngangom, Yuvraj Kadam.

SCHEDULE

May 6: India vs Australia – 9:30 p.m. IST

May 10: India vs Uzbekistan – 10:30 p.m. IST

Published on May 01, 2026

#India #squad #announced #Under17 #AFC #Asian #Cup
Deadspin | Magic rule out Franz Wagner (calf) for pivotal Game 6 vs. Pistons Apr 29, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner (22) walks off the court after the game against the Detroit Pistons during game five of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images Magic standout forward Franz Wagner will miss his second straight game when Orlando attempts to close out its first-round series against the visiting Detroit Pistons on Friday night. Wagner is bothered by a right calf strain that also caused him to miss Game 5 of the Eastern Conference series on Wednesday. Orlando ruled out Wagner for Game 6 on Thursday afternoon. Wagner was injured in the second half of Game 4 when the Magic won 94-88 to take a 3-1 series lead. Detroit bounced back for a 116-109 home win in Game 5. “It impacts quite a bit,” Orlando coach Jamahl Mosley said after Game 5 on the loss of Wagner. “You obviously know how he has been playing and what he has been doing for us. More than anything, you just hate to see him out, with him being able to come back (from the ankle injury) and then bounce back out. For us, it changes things in a big way, but obviously, we always talk about next-man-up mentality.” Wagner played just 34 regular-season games due to the left ankle injury he sustained on Dec. 7. He briefly returned for two games in January and again for two games in February before the latter setback kept him sidelined until April 1. The 24-year-old German averaged 20.6 points per game. Wagner has averaged 16.8 points, 5.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 2.8 steals over the first four games of the series against Detroit. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Magic #rule #Franz #Wagner #calf #pivotal #Game #PistonsApr 29, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner (22) walks off the court after the game against the Detroit Pistons during game five of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

Magic standout forward Franz Wagner will miss his second straight game when Orlando attempts to close out its first-round series against the visiting Detroit Pistons on Friday night.

Wagner is bothered by a right calf strain that also caused him to miss Game 5 of the Eastern Conference series on Wednesday. Orlando ruled out Wagner for Game 6 on Thursday afternoon.

Wagner was injured in the second half of Game 4 when the Magic won 94-88 to take a 3-1 series lead. Detroit bounced back for a 116-109 home win in Game 5.


“It impacts quite a bit,” Orlando coach Jamahl Mosley said after Game 5 on the loss of Wagner. “You obviously know how he has been playing and what he has been doing for us. More than anything, you just hate to see him out, with him being able to come back (from the ankle injury) and then bounce back out. For us, it changes things in a big way, but obviously, we always talk about next-man-up mentality.”

Wagner played just 34 regular-season games due to the left ankle injury he sustained on Dec. 7. He briefly returned for two games in January and again for two games in February before the latter setback kept him sidelined until April 1. The 24-year-old German averaged 20.6 points per game.

Wagner has averaged 16.8 points, 5.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 2.8 steals over the first four games of the series against Detroit.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Magic #rule #Franz #Wagner #calf #pivotal #Game #Pistons">Deadspin | Magic rule out Franz Wagner (calf) for pivotal Game 6 vs. Pistons Apr 29, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner (22) walks off the court after the game against the Detroit Pistons during game five of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images Magic standout forward Franz Wagner will miss his second straight game when Orlando attempts to close out its first-round series against the visiting Detroit Pistons on Friday night. Wagner is bothered by a right calf strain that also caused him to miss Game 5 of the Eastern Conference series on Wednesday. Orlando ruled out Wagner for Game 6 on Thursday afternoon. Wagner was injured in the second half of Game 4 when the Magic won 94-88 to take a 3-1 series lead. Detroit bounced back for a 116-109 home win in Game 5. “It impacts quite a bit,” Orlando coach Jamahl Mosley said after Game 5 on the loss of Wagner. “You obviously know how he has been playing and what he has been doing for us. More than anything, you just hate to see him out, with him being able to come back (from the ankle injury) and then bounce back out. For us, it changes things in a big way, but obviously, we always talk about next-man-up mentality.” Wagner played just 34 regular-season games due to the left ankle injury he sustained on Dec. 7. He briefly returned for two games in January and again for two games in February before the latter setback kept him sidelined until April 1. The 24-year-old German averaged 20.6 points per game. Wagner has averaged 16.8 points, 5.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 2.8 steals over the first four games of the series against Detroit. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Magic #rule #Franz #Wagner #calf #pivotal #Game #Pistons

On the eve of Chennai Super Kings’ IPL 2026 clash against Mumbai Indians at the M. A. Chidambaram Stadium on May 2, batting coach Michael Hussey once again offered a measured update on M.S. Dhoni’s recovery from a calf injury.

Dhoni, who has been sidelined for three weeks, has travelled with the squad to Hyderabad and Mumbai after clearing a fitness test, though he is yet to feature in a match.

“M.S. is going really well. Hopefully, he’ll be back as soon as possible. I’m not sure if that will be tomorrow or the match after, but he’s progressing well,” Hussey said.

READ | Dhoni’s return delayed after calf injury worsened, reveals Fleming

The primary concern, Hussey explained, has been Dhoni’s ability to sustain running intensity. “He’s been working on his running speeds, which was probably the main concern. From a skill perspective, we’re very confident in his batting and wicketkeeping. It was more about ensuring he can maintain good running power, especially towards the back end of an innings where quick singles and twos are crucial.”

Hussey added that the final call rests with Dhoni. “Once he feels confident in his calf, I’m sure he’ll give the signal that he’s ready to go. At the moment, we’re guided by him. We’re waiting. I think all of Chennai is waiting.”

Interestingly, Dhoni has stayed away from the venues during CSK’s match days. “He felt that if he attended, it might become a distraction… he didn’t want that to take attention away from the team,” Hussey said, while noting that the former captain remains actively involved in training and team discussions.

Published on May 01, 2026

#IPL #Dhoni #CSK #batting #coach #Hussey">IPL 2026: MS Dhoni will be back soon, CSK batting coach Hussey On the eve of Chennai Super Kings’ IPL 2026 clash against Mumbai Indians at the M. A. Chidambaram Stadium on May 2, batting coach Michael Hussey once again offered a measured update on M.S. Dhoni’s recovery from a calf injury.Dhoni, who has been sidelined for three weeks, has travelled with the squad to Hyderabad and Mumbai after clearing a fitness test, though he is yet to feature in a match.“M.S. is going really well. Hopefully, he’ll be back as soon as possible. I’m not sure if that will be tomorrow or the match after, but he’s progressing well,” Hussey said.READ | Dhoni’s return delayed after calf injury worsened, reveals FlemingThe primary concern, Hussey explained, has been Dhoni’s ability to sustain running intensity. “He’s been working on his running speeds, which was probably the main concern. From a skill perspective, we’re very confident in his batting and wicketkeeping. It was more about ensuring he can maintain good running power, especially towards the back end of an innings where quick singles and twos are crucial.”Hussey added that the final call rests with Dhoni. “Once he feels confident in his calf, I’m sure he’ll give the signal that he’s ready to go. At the moment, we’re guided by him. We’re waiting. I think all of Chennai is waiting.”Interestingly, Dhoni has stayed away from the venues during CSK’s match days. “He felt that if he attended, it might become a distraction… he didn’t want that to take attention away from the team,” Hussey said, while noting that the former captain remains actively involved in training and team discussions.Published on May 01, 2026 #IPL #Dhoni #CSK #batting #coach #Hussey

Dhoni’s return delayed after calf injury worsened, reveals Fleming

The primary concern, Hussey explained, has been Dhoni’s ability to sustain running intensity. “He’s been working on his running speeds, which was probably the main concern. From a skill perspective, we’re very confident in his batting and wicketkeeping. It was more about ensuring he can maintain good running power, especially towards the back end of an innings where quick singles and twos are crucial.”

Hussey added that the final call rests with Dhoni. “Once he feels confident in his calf, I’m sure he’ll give the signal that he’s ready to go. At the moment, we’re guided by him. We’re waiting. I think all of Chennai is waiting.”

Interestingly, Dhoni has stayed away from the venues during CSK’s match days. “He felt that if he attended, it might become a distraction… he didn’t want that to take attention away from the team,” Hussey said, while noting that the former captain remains actively involved in training and team discussions.

Published on May 01, 2026

#IPL #Dhoni #CSK #batting #coach #Hussey">IPL 2026: MS Dhoni will be back soon, CSK batting coach Hussey

On the eve of Chennai Super Kings’ IPL 2026 clash against Mumbai Indians at the M. A. Chidambaram Stadium on May 2, batting coach Michael Hussey once again offered a measured update on M.S. Dhoni’s recovery from a calf injury.

Dhoni, who has been sidelined for three weeks, has travelled with the squad to Hyderabad and Mumbai after clearing a fitness test, though he is yet to feature in a match.

“M.S. is going really well. Hopefully, he’ll be back as soon as possible. I’m not sure if that will be tomorrow or the match after, but he’s progressing well,” Hussey said.

READ | Dhoni’s return delayed after calf injury worsened, reveals Fleming

The primary concern, Hussey explained, has been Dhoni’s ability to sustain running intensity. “He’s been working on his running speeds, which was probably the main concern. From a skill perspective, we’re very confident in his batting and wicketkeeping. It was more about ensuring he can maintain good running power, especially towards the back end of an innings where quick singles and twos are crucial.”

Hussey added that the final call rests with Dhoni. “Once he feels confident in his calf, I’m sure he’ll give the signal that he’s ready to go. At the moment, we’re guided by him. We’re waiting. I think all of Chennai is waiting.”

Interestingly, Dhoni has stayed away from the venues during CSK’s match days. “He felt that if he attended, it might become a distraction… he didn’t want that to take attention away from the team,” Hussey said, while noting that the former captain remains actively involved in training and team discussions.

Published on May 01, 2026

#IPL #Dhoni #CSK #batting #coach #Hussey

Post Comment