Soccer is one of the most popular sports in Asia, and the region has produced some of the best players in the world. From legendary strikers like Park Ji-Sung to midfield maestros like Shinji Kagawa, Asian footballers have made their mark on the global stage.
In this article, we will take a look at some of the best Asian football players from across the continent. We’ll explore their achievements, discuss their impact on Asian soccer, and highlight why they are considered among the greatest players from Asia.
Park Ji-Sung (South Korea)
Park Ji-Sung is a retired South Korean footballer who is widely regarded as one of the best players in the world during his prime years. His natural talent, skill, and work ethic made him famous for his dribbling ability and goalscoring prowess. In addition to scoring over 100 international goals for South Korea, he has also scored over 200 club-level goals in Europe for PSV Eindhoven and Manchester United.
He has won two Premier League titles with Manchester United and was voted as the third top player in Asia by IFF HS in 2011, only behind Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Shinji Okazaki (Japan)
Shinji Okazaki isn’t the most famous name in world football. However, only a few names can match what the Japanese forward has done in his career. He’s the second Japanese international to win the Premier League title. His five goals in 36 appearances may not seem much, but he was a pivotal workhorse to Leicester’s fairytale run to the top of the league in 2016.
He started his career with Shimizu Impulse and spent some time in Germany before winning the league with Leicester. While he’s been out of the English game since 2019, his contribution to one of the most incredible upsets in Premier League history will be remembered forever.
Paulino Alcantara (The Philippines)
The Philippines isn’t known as a hotbed for elite football talent, but the country did produce one of the best football players in the early 20th century.
Paulino Alcantara was born in Iloilo to a Spanish father and Filipino mother, and the family moved to Barcelona when he was three years old. He became the youngest player to play in a first-team game for FC Barcelona.
He had a successful stint in the club, once holding the record for the most career goals scored at 395 goals. The only person to overtake his record was Lionel Messi.
Son Heung-Min (South Korea)
The most exciting player to watch in the Premier League today has to be Son Heung-Min. The South Korean winger is one of the most exciting attackers in the Premier League, and OKBET fans always check if he’s playing before they make their bets.
His frenetic pace, knack for finishing, and infectious smile, endeared him to Tottenham fans and the rest of the league. He has 140 goals in 246 club appearances, and his international form is just as impressive.
Watch Out for More Asian Football Stars
These are only some of the best football players in Asia. Several names may have been omitted for brevity, but they all contributed to the wonderful football culture on the continent. As more amazing players come through, expect this list to look completely different in a decade or so.
