Celebrating the Greatest Asian Female Football Players of All Time

Posted On: March 2, 2025
Posted By: Elena Martinez
Comments: 0

This article explores the best female football players from Asia, emphasizing their impact on the sport during the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023. Key players discussed include Zhu Yu, Saki Kumagai, Ji So-yun, and Homare Sawa, highlighting their individual accomplishments and contributions to their national teams. Asia’s rich football culture is underscored, with historical milestones noted, including the significant participation of Asian teams in the Women’s World Cup.

Women’s football has gained significant popularity over the last two decades, bolstered by FIFA’s organization of the Women’s World Cup since the early 90s. This prestigious event showcases top female talent globally, including strong competitors from Asia such as Japan, which won the Women’s World Cup in 2011. Several Asian players have also made notable impacts by playing for major European clubs, contributing to the sport’s growing legacy.

This article examines the best Asian female football players, recognizing their achievements within the context of the ongoing FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023.

1. Zhu Yu: Standing six feet tall, Zhu Yu has been a significant presence in goal for the Chinese national team. Although she had not participated in prior World Cup tournaments, her performances in the 2022 AFC Women’s Asian Cup helped China secure their ninth title, earning her the Best Goalkeeper award. At just 25, she’s noted as one of the finest goalkeepers in Asian football history.

2. Saki Kumagai: With a career exceeding 15 years, Saki Kumagai, a defensive midfielder from Japan, has achieved remarkable success. She was integral to Japan’s 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup victory and has numerous titles, including the AFC Women’s Asian Cup and multiple championships with Olympique Lyonnais. Now the captain of the Japanese national team, expectations are high for her leadership in the 2023 World Cup.

3. Ji So-yun: South Korea’s Ji So-yun is a standout midfielder, having netted 67 goals in over 140 caps for her national team. A key player for Chelsea, she significantly contributed to their success in the FA Women’s Super League. Recognized as the PFA Women’s Players’ Player of the Year, Ji aims for a strong showing at the 2023 World Cup after finishing as a runner-up in the 2022 AFC Women’s Asian Cup.

4. Wang Shuang: A versatile player for China, Wang Shuang has more than 120 international appearances and is celebrated for her scoring prowess, particularly during the 2022 AFC Women’s Asian Cup. Crowned the AFC Women’s Footballer of the Year in 2018, she remains a key figure in her national team as they seek continued success.

5. Mana Iwabuchi: This influential forward for Japan played a crucial role in their 2011 World Cup win and has enjoyed a successful club career in Germany. Known as ‘Manadona,’ she won multiple domestic titles and significant international medals. Iwabuchi’s experienced presence continues to inspire in the sport.

6. Huynh Nhu: As Vietnam’s premier female football talent, Huynh Nhu holds the record for the most goals in her national team’s history with 67 strikes in 104 appearances. She has been recognized multiple times with the Vietnamese Women’s Golden Ball awards and became the first Vietnamese woman to play professionally in Europe in 2022.

7. Wang Shanshan: Another adaptable player from China, Wang Shanshan has represented her national team in 146 matches, scoring 55 goals. Her notable performance includes a remarkable game where she scored nine goals against Tajikistan. At 33, she seeks to capture the elusive World Cup title with her team.

8. Sun Wen: Often hailed as China’s greatest footballer, Sun Wen boasts an impressive record of 163 international caps and 106 goals. She achieved remarkable success at the 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup, winning both the Golden Ball and Golden Boot. In 2000, she was named FIFA Female Player of the Century, earning her place among the all-time greats.

9. Aya Miyama: As a influential midfielder who captained Japan, Aya Miyama led her team to numerous successes, including a silver medal at the 2012 Olympics. A multiple-time AFC Women’s Player of the Year, she concluded her playing career as one of Japan’s most accomplished female footballers.

10. Homare Sawa: Recognized as the best Asian female player ever, Sawa led Japan to its first Women’s World Cup title in 2011. She holds records for appearances and goals for the national team and received numerous accolades, including the FIFA World Player of the Year in 2011. Sawa’s legacy remains unparalleled in Asian women’s football.

Additionally, it’s important to note that Japan, China, and Chinese Taipei were the first Asian nations to participate in the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 1991.

Understanding the contributions of these players not only highlights their achievements but also reflects the growing significance of women’s football in Asia and globally.