Ranking the 10 Greatest Asian Football Players in History

Posted On: February 19, 2025
Posted By: Jamal Robinson
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Asia boasts a rich footballing heritage featuring legendary players like Son Heung-min, Shinji Kagawa, and Ali Daei. Ranking criteria for the top ten Asian footballers include international and club achievements, individual awards, and their lasting impact on football. Players such as Park Ji-sung and Cha Bum-kun have played pivotal roles in promoting football in their respective nations, with a rich history highlighted by major tournaments.

Asia has produced numerous football stars who have made significant contributions to the sport, including Son Heung-min, Shinji Kagawa, and Ali Daei. Factors determining the rankings of these players include their international achievements, success in clubs, individual accolades, and overall legacy within football. Players like Park Ji-sung, Cha Bum-kun, and Keisuke Honda have notably impacted their national teams and club careers, showcasing Asia’s rich footballing history.

The legacy of Asian football is highlighted by events such as South Korea’s impressive run to the semifinals of the 2002 World Cup and Japan’s triumph in the 2011 Women’s World Cup. In European leagues, particularly the Premier League, players like Son Heung-min and Shinji Okazaki have brought flair and talent to the game, proving that Asian players can excel at the highest levels.

To compile the list of the top ten greatest Asian footballers, GIVEMESPORT utilized several ranking criteria: international honors, club achievements, individual awards, and respective legacies. This methodology serves to distinguish truly great players from those who merely had good careers, leading to consideration of numerous exceptional talents in Asian football history.

10. Hong Myung-bo (South Korea) earned 136 caps and scored 10 goals for his national team. His leadership as captain during South Korea’s 2002 World Cup campaign, where they achieved a fourth-place finish, was remarkable, and he was awarded the Bronze Ball for his performances, making him the first Asian player to receive that honor.

9. Shinji Kagawa (Japan) has had an impactful career, although injuries at Manchester United hindered his further achievements. He won two Bundesliga titles with Borussia Dortmund and was the first Japanese player to win the Premier League, showcasing his skill with 97 national appearances and 31 goals, along with recognition as Asian International Player of the Year in 2012.

8. Ali Daei (Iran), known as the ‘Iranian Maradona,’ was once the all-time leading international goalscorer with 108 goals in 148 games. He enjoyed success at Bayern Munich, winning a Bundesliga title and reaching the Champions League final, and played in two World Cups, solidifying his status as an iconic figure in Asian football.

7. Hidetoshi Nakata (Japan) became the first Asian footballer ever nominated for the Ballon d’Or in 1997, with a total of three nominations. He was crucial for Japan’s qualification in the 1998 World Cup and had a successful club career in Serie A, also netting in the 2002 Coppa Italia final for Parma.

6. Kim Joo-sung (South Korea) claimed the title of Asian Player of the Century in 1999. He won the Asian Footballer of the Year award for three consecutive years while representing South Korea, which showcased his significant contributions in multiple international competitions, including a gold medal at the 1986 Asian Games.

5. Keisuke Honda (Japan) displayed excellence throughout his decade-plus career. A standout performance at the 2010 World Cup led to accolades and recognition, including being awarded Player of the Tournament at the 2011 Asian Cup. He played 98 matches, netting 37 goals and assisting 23, underlining his penchant for creativity on the field.

4. Park Ji-sung (South Korea) is revered as the first Asian player to win the Premier League. His relentless work ethic earned him the nickname “Three-Lung Park,” and he won four Premier League titles with Manchester United. Park’s notable international career includes 100 caps and contributions to South Korea reaching the 2002 World Cup semifinals.

3. Paulino Alcantara (Philippines), Barcelona’s seventh all-time top scorer, excelled with an astonishing 143 goals in 395 matches. Making his debut at just 15 years old, he played for both the Philippines and Spain at the international level before retiring to pursue a medical career.

2. Cha Bum-kun (South Korea) tallied 98 goals in 308 Bundesliga appearances and was instrumental in winning two UEFA Cups. As South Korea’s all-time leading scorer, he made profound contributions to the national team and later contributed to youth football development through his academy.

1. Son Heung-min (South Korea) has emerged as the most recognizable Asian footballer. In 2023, he became the first Asian to reach 100 Premier League goals and has garnered several accolades, including the prestigious Puskas Award, showcasing his exceptional talents with over 240 goal contributions for Tottenham Hotspur.