The Greatest Asian Female Football Players: A Historical Overview

Posted On: February 14, 2025
Posted By: Elena Martinez
Comments: 0

This article reviews the greatest Asian female football players, highlighting their achievements and contributions to the sport. Key players include Zhu Yu, Saki Kumagai, Ji So-yun, Wang Shuang, Mana Iwabuchi, Huynh Nhu, Wang Shanshan, Sun Wen, Aya Miyama, and Homare Sawa. Each player has made significant impacts on their teams and the women’s game, particularly during major tournaments like the FIFA Women’s World Cup and AFC Women’s Asian Cup.

In recent decades, women’s football has gained remarkable popularity, with FIFA organizing the Women’s World Cup since 1991. This prestigious event showcases top players from around the world, including several outstanding athletes from Asia, a region not traditionally known for its men’s football prowess. Notably, Japan won the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2011, highlighting the continent’s presence in women’s football.

With the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 ongoing, let’s explore the best Asian female football players throughout history.

1. Zhu Yu – The towering Chinese goalkeeper stands 6 feet tall and has been pivotal for the national team. Although new to the FIFA World Cup stage in 2023, Yu excelled in the 2022 AFC Women’s Asian Cup, earning the Best Goalkeeper award and helping China secure their ninth title.

2. Saki Kumagai – At 32, this Japanese midfielder boasts an impressive career with numerous titles, including the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup and the 2018 AFC Women’s Asian Cup. As captain of the national team, fans hope she leads Japan to glory in the 2023 World Cup.

3. Ji So-yun – South Korea’s exceptional midfielder has scored 67 goals in over 140 matches for her country. Renowned for her successful tenure with Chelsea, where she helped the team secure multiple trophies, Ji aims for a standout performance in the 2023 World Cup.

4. Wang Shuang – This versatile Chinese player has excelled as both a midfielder and forward, scoring 43 goals in over 120 appearances. Wang’s influence was pivotal in China’s 2022 Asian Cup win, and in 2018, she was recognized as the AFC Women’s Footballer of the Year.

5. Mana Iwabuchi – A key part of Japan’s 2011 World Cup-winning team, Iwabuchi has had an impactful career with championships in both Japan and Germany. Nicknamed ‘Manadona’ for her playing style, she continues to represent her country at a high level.

6. Huynh Nhu – The all-time leading scorer for Vietnam’s national team, Nhu has achieved significant personal accolades, including five Vietnamese Women’s Golden Balls. In 2022, she made history as the first Vietnamese woman to play professionally in Europe.

7. Wang Shanshan – This adaptable Chinese player has scored 55 goals while making 146 appearances for her national team. Notably, she achieved a record by scoring nine goals in a single match against Tajikistan, showcasing her significant talent.

8. Sun Wen – Regarded as a Chinese football icon, Wen scored 106 goals in 163 international matches. Her accolades include the Golden Boot and Golden Ball in the 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup, and she was named FIFA Female Player of the Century in 2000.

9. Aya Miyama – A celebrated midfielder, Miyama captained Japan, leading them to a silver medal in the 2012 Olympics and a World Cup final appearance in 2015. Her influence in 162 international matches solidifies her legacy as one of Asia’s finest.

10. Homare Sawa – Known as the best Asian female player in history, Sawa led Japan to their 2011 World Cup victory. With 205 caps and 83 goals, she holds multiple records and has been inducted into the Asian Football Hall of Fame, cementing her unparalleled legacy in the sport.