In January 2020, Japanese legend Keisuke Honda — one of many players who performed better for his national team than for his club teams — signed with Brazilian club Botafogo at the end of his career. But there was something he requested before putting pen to paper. Prior to moving to Brazil, Honda was concerned about his safety and asked for a personal armored car.
Rio de Janeiro is considered one of the most dangerous cities in the world, and Honda was known for his apprehensions about joining a club in this football-obsessed city, which is home to four football clubs: Botafogo, Flamengo, Fluminense, and Vasco da Gama. Amazingly, Botafogo agreed to his demand, but just a few months later, Honda moved to another club in the same year.
This is one of those moments that shows just how unexpected and specific footballers’ demands can be, especially when it comes to their personal safety.