Japanese · Settsu, Osaka · Born 13 June 1986Iconic Japanese attacking midfielder and global ambassador for the sport, whose career took him to AC Milan, CSKA Moscow and LA Galaxy.
Keisuke Honda was born in Settsu, Osaka on 13 June 1986. One of Japan's most celebrated and recognisable footballers, Honda was a technically gifted attacking midfielder with a powerful shot, set-piece delivery and remarkable mental strength. He came through Nagoya Grampus before moving to Dutch football with VVV-Venlo, where his goalscoring alerted top clubs. CSKA Moscow signed him and he impressed in the Champions League, scoring a famous hat-trick. AC Milan signed him in 2014 and he remains the only Japanese player to score in the knockout stages of the Champions League. He later played at Vitesse, Pachuca, Melbourne City, CD Guadalajara, Botafogo, Iniesta's old club Vissel Kobe, and then globally promoting football in Africa and Cambodia. For Japan he earned 98 caps and scored 37 goals, appearing at four World Cups (2006-2018).
Being Japan's standout player across three consecutive World Cups
He scored Japan's first ever penalty at a World Cup, against Denmark in 2010, and became the first Japanese player to score in a World Cup knockout match — a pioneering figure for Asian football.
Did You Know?How They Played
Creative attacking midfielder with exceptional free-kick ability and long-range shooting
Lasting Impact
Most influential Japanese footballer of the 2010s who elevated Japan's profile in European football
Career Honours
- Russian Premier League 2012, 2013 (CSKA)
- Russian Premier League 2012
- Russian Premier League 2013
- Russian Cup 2013
| Club | Period | Apps | Goals | Shirt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nagoya Grampus | 2005–2008 | 35 | 33 | #4 |
| CSKA Moscow | 2010–2014 | 158 | 48 | #4 |
| VVV-Venlo | 2008–2010 | 120 | 31 | #4 |
| AC Milan | 2014–2017 | 82 | 19 | #4 |
| Melbourne Victory | 2018–2019 | 12 | 4 | — |
| Vitesse | 2019–2020 | 7 | 1 | — |
| Botafogo | 2020–2020 | 6 | 1 | — |
| Neftci Baku | 2020–2021 | 14 | 2 | — |
| Pachuca | 2017–2018 | 31 | 10 | — |
 Japan | — | 98 | 37 | — |
Japanese Athletes