Keisuke Honda’s Surprising Comeback and the Right-Hand Man He Discussed in Nishiazabu

Former Japanese national team player Keisuke Honda (38) has decided to return to active play, drawing significant attention.

 

On July 29, Honda suddenly announced that he would join Bhutan’s football team, Paro FC, for a single match. This will be Honda’s return to playing after about three years, since November 2021. The match is scheduled to take place on August 13, Japan time, and it will be a crucial game for Paro FC, as it will determine their participation in the AFC Challenge League, which could lead to the Asian Champions League. 

 

When Honda moved to the prestigious Italian club AC Milan in 2014, he revealed that his decision was guided by the “Little Honda” within him. However, it seems that for this crucial comeback, he consulted a different person.

 

At the end of July, Honda was seen in Nishiazabu, Minato Ward, Tokyo. Just before 11:30 p.m., he was spotted entering a certain mixed-use building with a man who appeared to be his assistant. The only place open in the building was a stylish bar. About two hours later, Honda emerged from the building accompanied by two men, one of whom appeared to be his assistant.

 

“Honda was meeting with Kohei Yamamoto, his right-hand man. Yamamoto plays a crucial role in the investment fund ‘X&KSK’ that Honda established. Honda and Yamamoto met in Singapore, shared a common vision for investment direction and strategy, and founded the company together. Although their field is quite different, it’s likely that Honda sought Yamamoto’s opinion on his return to playing.” (said a soccer magazine reporter)

 

The three men disbanded at that point. Honda then took a taxi, leaving the two men behind as he departed.

On July 31, during a special program “Keisuke Honda and Hiroyuki’s Abema Prime” (AbemaTV), Honda passionately discussed the true intention behind his return.

“A few months ago, when I visited Bhutan privately, I received a fervent offer from the local football team. Since this one match is very important for Paro FC, I decided to accept the offer. After researching the opponents, I realized there was a noticeable gap in strength, so I thought that if I joined, I might be able to change the flow of the game.”

However, public opinion on Honda is harsh. Criticisms include, “Returning to professional soccer after nearly three years is reckless” and “He now seems more like a businessman than a soccer player.”

During the special program, Hiroyuki (47) sharply asked, “Isn’t saying you’ll play just one match like a joke, as in ‘I’ll play if I can’?” In response to these comments, Honda emphasized:

“That’s completely wrong! It was an ideal offer. It feels like a fighter taking on just one match. I’m nervous. If I mismanage my preparation, there’s a risk of injuring myself and not being able to play. Therefore, I need to be very careful with my preparation.”

He continues to emphasize that this is a serious challenge.

 

Whether Honda will shine again as a soccer player or if the match in Bhutan will be his final stage as a professional remains to be seen. The fate of this extraordinary talent hangs in the balance.