The news of Keisuke Honda’s signing with Melbourne Victory hasn’t just sparked massive reaction in the Hyundai A-League and his home country Japan – it’s gone right around the globe.
The Japanese legend confirmation of a one-year deal with the Hyundai A-League champions on Monday, with Eurosport labelled the move a ‘coup’ for Victory, while ESPNFC called the capture “arguably the biggest name Victory has signed in the club’s 13-year history.”
The first player to score at three #WorldCup for @jfa_samuraiblue signs for @ALeague champions @gomvfc @kskgroup2017 https://t.co/L1NJnZLQpJ
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) August 6, 2018
MARQUEE SIGNING: Honda to light up Hyundai A-League as Victory land mega marquee
HOW IT UNFOLDED: Relive the announcement from our live ticker
READ MORE: How will Melbourne Victory accommodate their new Japanese superstar?
ADP TO ‘GOD’ HIMSELF: History of Hyundai A-League’s international marquees
WHEN AND WHERE: How and when to watch Honda play this season
#WELCOMEHONDA: How social media reacted to the Honda announcement
It was a similar story back in Japan, where Honda’s move was deemed an excellent gain for both player and club.
Ben Maxwell, host of J-Talk Podcast, said that Honda will arrive at Melbourne highly committed to performing his best in a bid to go to the 2020 Olympics.
“The best part for both Victory and the A-League is that clearly this is not some retirement tour,” Maxwell told Fox Sports.
“Honda’s stated aim of going to the 2020 Olympics as an over-age player means he’ll be motivated each and every time he pulls on the shirt.”
THREAD: #TheHondaDecision
A brave fashion choice for Keisuke Honda as he's going to do this standing on a pier! pic.twitter.com/yLeMQZLiBf
— Dan Orlowitz (@aishiterutokyo) August 2, 2018
Maxwell’s thoughts were echoed by Football Channel chief editor Michio Ueda.
“The A-League is one of the stronger leagues in Asia and it’s a great motivator for him as he tries to compete in 2020,” Ueda said.
“It would have been exciting for the J. League if he’d returned to Japan, but in a sense it would have marked the last phase before his retirement.
“If Honda wants to be involved with the [Olympic] team it’s good that he’s staying overseas.”
Good morning @gomvfc fans.
Excited?? pic.twitter.com/C3nGBSzUw4
— The Asian Game (@TheAsianGame) August 5, 2018
Here’s how other outlets and players reported the news of Honda’s signing.
Keisuke Honda joins Australian titleholders Melbourne Victory on a one-year marquee deal after leaving Mexican side Pachuca.
https://t.co/K1JlMJ7Nb0 pic.twitter.com/cZX3EXFP5z— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSportsUS) August 6, 2018
Keisuke Honda off down under to join Melbourne Victory https://t.co/IkEBMjR6bd #ALeague pic.twitter.com/4N3BVfAhlq
— AS English (@English_AS) August 6, 2018
Football: Japan's Honda signs with Melbourne Victory https://t.co/DM9V5vyA5R pic.twitter.com/E2ZD7Zp9gg
— Channel NewsAsia (@ChannelNewsAsia) August 6, 2018
https://twitter.com/DugoutAsia/status/1026290031118315521
🇯🇵 @kskgroup2017 has signed for @gomvfc! Who's excited to see him in action in the AFC Champions League next year? https://t.co/CPoExCyH4v
— #ACLElite & #ACLTwo (@TheAFCCL) August 6, 2018
https://twitter.com/AFPTokyo/status/1026279720072007680
Keisuke Honda, the only Japanese player to score at three World Cups, sets his sights on the #Tokyo2020 #Olympics@Tokyo2020jp @kskgroup2017 #本田圭佑 #MVFC @gomvfchttps://t.co/p8pdEPyjtu
— Kyodo News | Japan (@kyodo_english) August 2, 2018
He’s quite a player. Our best wishes to @kskgroup2017 on this new adventure in Australia called @gomvfc.
Good luck. 🇦🇺 https://t.co/kEFep0lTvm
— Club Pachuca (@Tuzos) August 6, 2018
Former Caltex Socceroos defender and Western Sydney Wanderers skipper Robbie Cornthwaite believes Honda’s acquisition makes Victory clear favourites for the Hyundai A-League title in 2018/19.
If they weren’t already they are now. @gomvfc this seasons favourites for the @ALeague and can’t wait to see the effect Honda has on their ACL Champaign when they travel to Japan!@kskgroup2017
— Rob Cornthwaite (@robcornthwaite) August 6, 2018
Here’s how other players and Australian media reacted to the announcement.
Welcome @kskgroup2017 !!!! pic.twitter.com/ripiBQOwlB
— Adam Peacock (@adampeacock3) August 6, 2018
Congratulations my friend. Great to see u sign in Australia, this is amazing for the fans. 🙌🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
— Tim Cahill AO (@Tim_Cahill) August 6, 2018
Beyond excited to see this boy in the @gomvfc colours…. 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾#Repost @gomvfc with get_repost
・・・
The wait is over! ついにこの日が来ました。 #mvfc #ourvictory https://t.co/HBVqWr34dt— Archie Thompson (@10Archie) August 6, 2018
Great signing for the @ALeague exciting season ahead for the Neutral and especially Melbourne Victory and their fans 🙌🏼⚽️ 🇦🇺 🇯🇵 https://t.co/AFk9Ofsmt1
— Mitchell Duke (@mitchduke8) August 6, 2018
Keisuke Honda top signing for Melbourne Victory. Up to Honda now to deliver under pressure, & produce magic on the pitch. If not, euphoria & praise disappears very quickly in football
— Ned Zelic (@NedZelic) August 6, 2018
Excited to see Honda join Victory and the A-League. He will have a great impact. Let’s hope there is more to follow.
— Ray Gatt (@Gatty54) August 6, 2018
Can’t wait to see Honda 🚘 running around for @gomvfc . Excellent for the league ⚽️⚽️
— Matt Sim (@mattsim11) August 6, 2018
https://twitter.com/MomentsAU/status/1026274885117472769