The article highlights ten of the best Asian footballers to have played in Europe, detailing their significant contributions to their clubs and the impact they had during their careers. Notable players include Shinji Okazaki, Keisuke Honda, Shinji Kagawa, and others, each categorized with a brief overview of their achievements both at club and international levels. Honorable mentions acknowledge additional influential figures in Asian football.
In the realm of football, Asian players have made significant strides in European leagues, often transcending cultural boundaries and overcoming challenges like racism. Despite the limited profile of Asian football compared to European leagues, several players have left remarkable legacies in European football. The following list highlights ten top Asian footballers who have made impactful contributions during their careers in Europe.
10. Shinji Okazaki
Shinji Okazaki gained prominence in England after joining Leicester City and winning the 2015/16 Premier League in his debut season. He contributed five league goals and played a crucial role in the team’s tactics. With 42 goals in over 150 appearances at VfB Stuttgart and FSV Mainz 05, he became a prolific Japanese forward, later earning 49 international goals for Japan.
9. Keisuke Honda
Keisuke Honda started his European career at VVV Venlo, helping them gain promotion after scoring 16 goals. His successful tenure at CSKA Moscow followed, where he won multiple domestic trophies. Later, at AC Milan, he netted crucial goals, particularly in cup matches and league fixtures. Honda’s significant performances in the 2010 FIFA World Cup helped Japan advance to the knockout stage.
8. Shinji Kagawa
Shinji Kagawa played a pivotal role for Borussia Dortmund under Jürgen Klopp, helping the club secure consecutive Bundesliga titles in 2010/11 and 2011/12. His transition to Manchester United saw him win the EPL but didn’t yield the same success due to playing position changes. Kagawa was instrumental in Japan’s successes in the AFC Asian Cup and the World Cup.
7. Shinji Ono
Young prodigy Shinji Ono was recognized for his brilliance during Japan’s golden generation of football. He earned accolades such as ‘Most Valuable Player’ at the AFC Youth Championship in 1998. Ono’s move to Feyenoord marked the beginning of his successful European career, culminating in a UEFA Cup victory in 2002, the first by a Japanese player.
6. Ali Daei
Ali Daei, the iconic Iranian forward, holds the record for the most goals scored in international matches. He showcased his prowess at clubs like Arminia Bielefeld and Bayern Munich, becoming the first Asian to play in the Champions League. His impressive scoring helped elevate Asian football’s profile during his tenure.
5. Hidetoshi Nakata
Renowned as Asia’s first football icon, Hidetoshi Nakata’s contributions included key goals for Japan in international tournaments. After joining Italian club Perugia, he later moved to AS Roma, winning the Scudetto. His fashion-forward persona and talent earned him the nickname Giollino, symbolizing his significant cultural impact.
4. Shunsuke Nakamura
Shunsuke Nakamura was acclaimed for his dead-ball expertise, especially at Celtic, where he won three league titles. His exceptional performances earned him numerous player of the year awards, marking him as one of the most successful Asian players in Europe. Nakamura also played vital roles in Japan’s successes in the AFC Asian Cup.
3. Cha Bum-Kun
Cha Bum-Kun was the leading scorer for South Korea and a trailblazer in European football. He had a successful career in the Bundesliga, showcasing exceptional goal-scoring abilities, winning UEFA Cups with both Eintracht Frankfurt and Bayer Leverkusen. Cha later contributed significantly to developing football in Korea after returning home.
2. Park Ji-Sung
Park Ji-Sung, one of the most decorated Asian footballers, achieved remarkable success at PSV Eindhoven before transitioning to Manchester United. At United, he made history by winning the Champions League and four Premier League titles. Park’s contributions to South Korea’s national team also included key performances in the World Cups.
1. Paulino Alcántara
Paulino Alcántara is recognized as a legendary figure in Barcelona’s history, becoming the club’s highest goal-scorer for many years. His legacy includes significant contributions to numerous trophies. Alcántara also balanced a career in medicine, reflecting a passion for both football and medical practice, earning acclaim from FIFA as ‘The Best Asian Player of All Time’ in 2007.
Honorable Mentions
Notable players like Mehdi Mahdavikia, Javad Nekounam, Khodadad Azizi, and Zesh Rehman narrowly missed inclusion in this list but have also contributed significantly to the representation of Asian players in European football.
Original Source: www.sportskeeda.com
