The Greatest Asian Female Football Players in History

This article explores the top Asian female football players, highlighting their achievements and contributions to the sport. Key figures include Zhu Yu, Saki Kumagai, Ji So-yun, Wang Shuang, Mana Iwabuchi, Huynh Nhu, Wang Shanshan, Sun Wen, Aya Miyama, and Homare Sawa, showcasing the evolution and impact of women’s football in Asia, particularly within the context of the ongoing FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023.

In recent decades, women’s football has grown significantly, bolstered by FIFA’s organization of the Women’s World Cup, which showcases top talent globally. Despite a lack of rich history in men’s football, several Asian players have emerged as outstanding contributors to the women’s game. Japan’s national team, a powerful force in the region, famously won the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2011, highlighting the potential and skill found across Asia.

As the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup unfolds, we acknowledge the best Asian female football players in history.

Zhu Yu: At six feet tall, Zhu Yu is a formidable Chinese goalkeeper. Her stellar performances helped China secure a historic ninth title in the 2022 AFC Women’s Asian Cup, where she was also named Best Goalkeeper of the tournament, solidifying her status as one of Asia’s legendary shot-stoppers.

Saki Kumagai: A renowned midfielder, Saki Kumagai has had a remarkable 15-year career. She was instrumental in Japan’s 2011 Women’s World Cup victory and has numerous titles with Olympique Lyonnais, including seven Division 1 Feminine championships and five UEFA Women’s Champions League titles.

Ji So-yun: South Korean midfielder Ji So-yun has achieved remarkable success, scoring 67 goals in over 140 international matches. Her eight-year tenure at Chelsea led to significant trophies, earning her the title of PFA Women’s Players’ Player of the Year, and she aims for success in the 2023 World Cup.

Wang Shuang: A dual-threat as a midfielder and forward, Wang Shuang has been a key player for China, scoring 43 goals in over 120 appearances. Her crucial goals in the 2022 AFC Women’s Asian Cup helped secure China’s title, and she was recognized as the AFC Women’s Footballer of the Year in 2018.

Mana Iwabuchi: Another stellar Japanese player, Mana Iwabuchi has enjoyed a long career with notable achievements, including participation in the 2011 World Cup triumph. She has won multiple titles in Germany and is popularly known as ‘Manadona’ for her playmaking skills and contributions.

Huynh Nhu: As Vietnam’s greatest football player, Huynh Nhu has represented her national team 104 times and scored a record 67 goals. She has won the Vietnamese Women’s Golden Ball five times and made history as the first Vietnamese woman to play in Europe with Lank FC.

Wang Shanshan: Versatile and skilled, Wang Shanshan has competed in 146 international matches, scoring 55 goals, including a stunning nine-goal performance against Tajikistan. At 33, she aspires to add a World Cup title to her accolades after Asian success.

Sun Wen: Considered one of the greatest female footballers, Sun Wen captained the Chinese team to multiple accolades, including winning the Golden Boot and Golden Ball in the 1999 World Cup. Her career features 106 international goals and recognition as FIFA Female Player of the Century.

Aya Miyama: A legendary midfielder for Japan, Aya Miyama led the national team to significant victories and was named AFC Women’s Player of the Year three times. She played 162 matches before retiring in 2016, leaving a profound legacy in women’s football.

Homare Sawa: Often hailed as the best Asian female football player, Sawa captained Japan’s victorious team in the 2011 World Cup. With records for the most appearances and goals for Japan, her accolades include being named FIFA World Player of the Year in 2011 and induction into the Asian Football Hall of Fame.