Who is the best Asian footballer in history?? Football lover who has not ever done this question. Asia is, definitely, the great unknown in the world of football. Balompédica short story summarized in a great performance North Korea in England 66, or your neighbor, the South in the World 2002reaching semifinals.
supplemented with some critical moments fleeting appearance of Japanese talents or Saudis have revealed that those dollars on the planet is possible to find high level players. Let's review some of them.
The best Asian footballers in history
Son Heung-Min
South Korean footballer is one of the most talented players ever given Asia. A different footballer, with a very good career at Tottenham and in German football with Bayern Leverkusen jersey and Hamburg. participated in Brazil 2014, Russia 2018 y Qatar 2022. with his selection and he was spared military service from two years to winning the Asian Games in 2018.
The only Asian member of the list of 100 best footballers in history according to FIFA. Globetrotter football, his boots trod the locker room of not a few Italian teams (Perugia, Parma, Roma, etc…) and Bolton English.
Endowed with a great vision, his view toward the opposing goal were sharp enough point scorers records. although perhaps, His image was what made him most famous. His constant changes in hair color and your liking for fashion made it the Asian version of the British David Beckham.
Shinji Kagawa
Europa at his feet he gave to him to collaborate in the historical doublet Borussia Dortmund to the point that the Manchester United he had to pay 17 million pounds to have it running from the side Old Trafford. Intuitive and very goal on his feet. In 2019 starred signing “random” signing for Real Zaragoza in the Second Spanish and thus joining the list Japanese players who played in Spain.
Sobran comments to a player who is nicknamed the “Pele Desert”. 126 internacionalidades with Saudi Arabia and over 533 many stagger a long-lived and successful career as a few. It was during 17 years full international for his country, partly because he was shrewd, skilled and scorer, very scorer. And if that was not enough, was six times Golden Boot with the Al-Nasr, the club he loves and the only one was framed in his sporting life. A myth.
Cha Bum Kun
South Korea could not miss this list. Boom-Only It was his best ambassador for a long time. A myth in Germany where he played more than 300 parties divided the ranks of Concord y Leverkusen Bayer, the national team was however his showcase. Their 55 many with Korean dress coat earned him the distinction of top scorer in the history of his country. A pride for a player who he played the World 1986 and he won the UEFA 1988 also noting the equalizer in the final against Espanyol.
Wings
Iran has it on the altar because their 109 goals in 149 parties are the best goalscoring record for a player with a selection of the whole story. Daei also played two world where despite not shine if recorded its class, one that made him stand out from the rest in terms of goal was close.
Who is the best Asian footballer in history?
Son Heung-Min, The South Korean striker who has conquered the world of football, It rises in 2025 Like the best Asian player in history, A recognition that crowns a race full of records, consistency and an unprecedented global impact.
Born on 8 July 1992 In Chuncheon, South Korea, They are broken barriers and stereotypes, demonstrating that an Asian footballer can shine at the highest level in the modern era of the king sport.
The way of Son towards the top began in the youth categories of the Hamburg SV, where he arrived in 2008 After standing out in Korea. In 2013, signed for Bayer Leverkusen, marking 29 goals in 87 matches and showing a scoring smell that caught the attention of Tottenham Hotspur.
Record record of a player born in Asia
In 2015, The Spurs paid 30 million euros for him, And since then, They are rewritten the story. Until October 2024, He has scored 167 goals in 430 Parties with Tottenham, An impressive record for a player who combines speed, technique and a unique ability to define with both feet. in the season 2021-22, He won the Golden Boot of the Premier League with 23 goals, becoming the first Asian to achieve it, A milestone that resonated worldwide.
The best Korean footballer in history
With the South Korean team, They are an undisputed leader. Captain from 2019, carries 48 goals in 129 matches until October 2024, and has shone in three world glasses (2014, 2018, 2022), marking in each of them.
His goal against Germany in Russia 2018, that eliminated the world champions of Brazil 2014, It is an iconic moment. In 2025, to their 32 years, It is still key, with a projection of 12 goals and 5 Assistance in the season 2024-25, According to its recent rhythm in the Premier League.
What they do are the best are not just their numbers, but its global impact. In 2019, was nominated for the Ballon d'Or, ending 22nd, The best position for an Asian in history. In 2020, He won the Puskás Award for a goal against Burnley, driblating from his field and defining class.
Your versatility, professionalism and humility have made him an idol in Tottenham and Asia, where is an inspiration symbol for millions of young soccer players. Mauricio Pochettino, Your former coach, He said in 2019: “Sonny is an example of what a professional means. Has everything to be one of the best in the world”.
In front of legends like cha bum-kun, Pioneer in Europe, o park ji-sung, With more titles, They are standing out for their longevity and performance in the most competitive league on the planet. Cha opened doors, But his era was less globalized.
Park won the Champions League, But his role was secondary. Son, instead, has been an absolute protagonist, competing with cracks like Salah, Kane and Bruyne in the Premier.
The case of Paulino Alcantara
Paulino Alcantara, born on 7 October 1896 I am not pleasant, Philippines, He was the first footballer born in Asia with relevance. Debuted with FC Barcelona to the 15 years in 1912, Marking a hat-trick in his first game, and left an indelible legacy: 143 goals in 221 official matches, Culé record until Messi beat him in 2014.
Paulino Alcántara was the first Asian player to emerge at the dawn of professional football. PHOTO: From Unknown – Here, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?Curid = 104146465
He represented the Philippines, Catalonia and Spain, being the first Asian to shine in Europe. In 2021, Philippine Sports Hall of Fame immortalized him. Alcantara was not only a pioneer; It was a hurricane who broke molds in a premodern era, demonstrating that talent knows no borders, even in times as difficult as the beginning of the 20th century.
