Japanese football icon Keisuke Honda. (File)

Japanese football icon Keisuke Honda has lost an advertising contract with an American company after publicly expressing his support for Iran`s participation in the 2026 World Cup, amid the US-Israeli military aggression against the Islamic Republic.

The controversy began when it was announced that Iran`s national football team would not take part in the upcoming World Cup to be co-hosted by the United States.

The decision came in response to the hostile stance of the Trump administration and the ongoing American and Israeli military aggression against the Islamic Republic.

Honda, a former midfielder for Japan`s national team and one of Asia`s most celebrated football figures, took to social media to share his thoughts on the issue.

"I know this is a very sensitive issue, but personally, I want them to play in the World Cup," he wrote in a social media post.

The Samurai Blue legend expressed regret that footballers cannot compete on the world`s biggest stage due to wars imposed on their country.

Days after posting his message of support for Iran, Honda revealed that an American sponsor had pulled out of an advertising agreement with him.

In a post on the social media platform X, he said an advertisement from an American company, which was supposed to be finalized in time for the World Cup, had been halted because of this statement.

Honda did not name the company but made clear his disappointment with the decision, slamming companies that ignore the essence of the matter and make wrong decisions.

Honda`s experience highlights the growing pressure on public figures and athletes to align with political positions, as the US-led war on Iran continues to ripple across various sectors, including sports and commerce.

His principled stance has drawn attention to the intersection of politics and athletics, with fans and commentators praising his willingness to speak out despite personal cost.