7 Prominent Asian Footballers to Follow in Europe for 2021

Posted On: February 22, 2025
Posted By: Amara Khan
Comments: 0

This article highlights seven influential Asian footballers to watch during the 2021-2022 European season. It covers their positions, nationalities, current clubs, and notable achievements. These players, including Son Heung-min, Takehiro Tomiyasu, and others, are making significant impacts both on and off the pitch.

As the excitement of the sports season unfolds, it’s time to highlight Asian footballers poised to make a remarkable impact in Europe for the 2021-2022 season. These players bring exceptional skills, lucrative endorsements, and significant social media influence, enhancing the global appeal of football. Let’s explore seven of the most influential Asian stars to track in Europe this season.

1. Son Heung-min
Position: Forward
Date of Birth: July 8, 1992
Nationality: South Korean
Current Club: Tottenham Hotspur, UK
Son Heung-min has been a consistent presence at Tottenham Hotspur since joining in 2015 for GBP £22 million, the highest fee for an Asian player. With 72 goals in 200 appearances for Spurs, he is also a vital player for South Korea, having played in two World Cups and won the 2018 Asian Cup. In 2021, Son signed with Creative Artists Agency, enhancing his off-pitch presence as a brand ambassador.

2. Takehiro Tomiyasu
Position: Centre Back or Right Back
Date of Birth: November 5, 1998
Nationality: Japanese
Current Club: Arsenal, UK
Arsenal secured Japanese defender Takehiro Tomiyasu just before the summer transfer window closed for £16 million. At 22, Tomiyasu aims to reinforce Arsenal’s defense following a challenging start to the Premier League season. He has earned 23 caps for Japan since his senior debut in 2018.

3. Takefusa Kubo
Position: Right Winger
Date of Birth: June 4, 2001
Nationality: Japanese
Current Club: RDC Mallorca, Spain (on loan from Real Madrid)
Takefusa Kubo is a rising talent in La Liga, playing on loan at RDC Mallorca. After a loan stint at Getafe CF and representing Japan at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, Kubo has made a name for himself. He debuted internationally at 14, becoming a key player for Japan’s senior squad in 2019.

4. Lee Kang-in
Position: Attacking Midfielder
Date of Birth: February 19, 2001
Nationality: South Korean
Current Club: RDC Mallorca, Spain
Lee Kang-in transferred to RDC Mallorca after a successful youth career at Valencia, where he made 51 appearances. He moved from South Korea to Spain at the age of ten, showcasing his talent at the youth level and establishing his place in South Korea’s Olympic squad for the 2020 Games.

5. Takumi Minamino
Position: Attacking Midfielder
Date of Birth: January 16, 1995
Nationality: Japanese
Current Club: Liverpool FC, UK
Takumi Minamino joined Liverpool from FC Red Bull Salzburg and received a league winners medal in his first season. As Japan’s first-ever player for Liverpool, he credits Brazilian star Ronaldo as his inspiration. Minamino remains a significant contributor to the national team, scoring in the 2019 Asian Cup.

6. Maya Yoshida
Position: Centre Back
Date of Birth: August 24, 1988
Nationality: Japanese
Current Club: Sampdoria, Italy
After eight successful years with Southampton, where he became a fan favorite, Maya Yoshida relocated to Sampdoria in Italy. With over 100 international caps, he captained Japan in the 2018 FIFA World Cup and the 2019 Asian Cup, continuing to influence the defensive strategy of his new club.

7. Hwang Hee-chan
Position: Forward
Date of Birth: January 26, 1996
Nationality: South Korean
Current Club: Wolverhampton Wanderers, UK (on loan from RB Leipzig)
Hwang Hee-chan, known for his dynamic style of play, began his career in Austria before moving to RB Leipzig. Currently on loan at Wolverhampton, he has played for the South Korean national team in significant tournaments, including the 2018 World Cup, showcasing his skills on the global stage.