Top 10 Best Asian Soccer Players Ever (Ranked)

The Asian soccer players’ existence in top-flight European soccer is continuously growing, thanks to their high level of work rates and displays. Some of the best Asian soccer players are currently playing their trades with the best soccer clubs across the world, especially in Europe. Soccer in Asia is very engaging and incessantly emerging to be popular among global soccer fans. As a result, there is an under-the-arm competition among the top Asian Soccer players who are leading on every front in their respective playing fields. On that note, let’s understand the best Asian Soccer players right now.

Asian players have shone on the world stage, whether it’s Wataru Endo of Japan or Son Heung-min of Korea, they are not just their nation’s flag bearers but also have put Asia among the top footballing continents in recent times. In this article, we will cover the best Asian soccer players who have made Asia proud in the footballing scene. To rank the top 10 best Asian soccer players without any bias, our methodology focuses on three key factors: consistency, trophies/achievements (because shiny medals matter), and impact in big matches (where legends are born). These ranking factors will ensure we remain on track, leaving all personal opinions aside.

List of Top 10 Best Asian Soccer Players of All Time

The table contains the 10 best Asian soccer players based on our ranking factors, such as achievements earned by them, consistency shown by the players throughout their career, and impact in big matches, which make or break a player’s legacy. This list also contains some of the best Asian soccer players currently.

How we Ranked the Best Asian Soccer Players Ever?

Before going to the detailed list of the 10 best Asian soccer players currently, we will let our readers know how our ranking factors helped us in forming the list of the top 10 best Asian soccer players.

• Consistency: Consistency was a key factor in determining the 10 best Asian soccer players; this reflects how a player has performed season after season in their respective leagues. Players with inconsistent form are eliminated from the list.

• Trophies/Achievements: Personal achievements and trophies show recognition from renowned associations and organizations. This gives validation to an individual for their performance in a season.

• Impact in Big Matches: One of the most crucial factors while listing the top 10 best Asian soccer players right now is how they impact big matches like knockouts, finals, and derbies. A solid player is expected to stand up in these matches and turn the tables in favour of their respective team.

Who are the Best Asian Soccer Players of All Time?

Below is the detailed list of the 10 best Asian soccer players with their career highlights and why they are given a specific rank in our list of best Asian soccer players right now.

10. Shunsuke Nakamura (Japan)

The Japanese player Shunsuke Nakamura is widely known as a free-kick maestro in Japan. He scored 131 goals and provided 121 assists while playing for clubs like Yokohama F. Marinos and Celtic. He won 3 Scottish top-flight titles with Celtic. Additionally, the player’s only hit from the UEFA Champions League was his goal in the 2006 edition. This score was marked as the first-ever goal of a Japanese player in the European Championship.

He helped Japan win the 2004 Asian Cup and played in two World Cups (2006, 2010). His time at Espanyol showed his talent in Europe. His long career also had many major individual awards, such as numerous MVP awards in the J. League. His trophy cabinet and career stats make him one of the best Asian players ever. He also encouraged young players in India, which adds to his status as one of the best Asian soccer players.

9. Hong Myung-bo (South Korea)

Hong Myung-bo was South Korean Coach who was known for his defending in the 2002 FIFA World Cup, in which South Korea reached the semifinal. As a center-back, he scored 12 goals and gave 13 assists for clubs like Kashiwa Reysol, PSV Eindhoven, and LA Galaxy. He was awarded the bronze ball for his performance in the FIFA World Cup 2026.

His move to PSV in 1999 made him the first Asian defender to play in the Dutch league. He was as good in leadership as he was as a defender; his calmness under pressure made him the fan favorite. His World Cup success in 2002 and his European team rank him at 9th in our list of best Asian soccer players. Currently, he is coaching the South Korean Team.

8. Sami Al-Jaber (Saudi Arabia)

Al-Jaber is Saudi Arabia’s biggest ever football star, who scored more than 42 goals for Al Hilal. He won five Saudi Pro League titles and two Asian Club Championships, showing his class. He helped Saudi Arabia in winning the 1996 Asian Cup and played in four World Cups (1994, 1998, 2002, 2006), His short stint a Wolves made people praise him.

His long career, big trophies, and ability to deliver at a crucial time make him a great Asian footballer who has not only played a crucial role for his clubs but also for his country. Currently, he is serving as the chairman of the club. He started his professional journey with. His legacy is still utilized by the club and country to motivate young players.

7. Keisuke Honda (Japan)

Keisuke Honda is known as one of Japan’s best players. He is known for his powerful shots and free kicks. He has scored a total of 105 goals and provided 81 assists in total while playing for clubs like CSKA Moscow and AC Milan. Honda helped the Japanese national football team to win the 2011 Asian Cup, along with that, he has represented his country 3 times in the World Cup.

He came into the limelight when he was signed by AC Milan, where his vision and accurate passing got validation from his teammates. His big moments in Europe and Asia make him a great player coming from the land of rich cultures, Asia.

6. Paulino Alcantara (Indonesia)

Alcantara is considered as one of FC Barcelona‘s legends. He started playing for the Catalan club in the year 1912 and ended his tenure in the year 1927. His 15-year-long career saw him score around 431 goals in 427 appearances making him one of the highest goalscorers of FC Barcelona. His record was broken by the GOAT himself, Lionel Messi, in the year 2014.

However, he started playing for Spain in the latter half of his career, but he remained rooted to his Filipino culture. Alcantara’s story shows Asians could compete with the best even 100 years ago. His record and his contribution in making FC Barcelona a great club place him in 5th position in our rankings of the best Asian soccer players ever.

5. Hidetoshi Nakata (Japan)

Nakata made a name for himself as one of the best asian players by playing in European clubs like Roma and Parma. He is also considered one of the stylish Japanese players. He helped Roma win Serie A in 2001 and Parma win the Coppa Italia in 2002. He also got nominated for the prestigious football award Ballon d’Or 3 times, which makes him a legend in Japan as well as in Asia.

Hidetoshi Nakata’s charm and professional conduct made him an icon in Japan and left an impact on players like Honda. However, he retired at a very young age of 29. Nakata’s success shows Asians can shine in top leagues. His skill and big wins make him one of Asia’s greatest footballers ever.

4. Ali Daei (Iran)

Ali Daei is Iran’s greatest footballer as well as one of the best Asian soccer players. known for scoring 109 international goals, a world record until 2021. He scored 126 goals for clubs like Bayern Munich and Persepolis, with 18 assists. He won the Bundesliga with Bayern Munich in the year 1999 and was Asia’s Footballer of the Year. He is also known for his strength and goal-scoring ability, which made him a solid striker upfront.

Additionally, Daei’s leadership in the Iranian national football team impressed the population, and he became popular in no time in Iran. His records and impact on Asian football make him one of the greatest, inspiring players across the continent to aim high. Playing in Europe when asians were limited there reflects his exceptional skill as a player.

3. Cha Bum-Kun (South Korea)

Cha Bum-kun scored 120 goals for the German side Bayer Leverkusen, which made him one of the best Asian soccer players. He showed that Asians can also perform at the big stage, winning two UEFA Cups (1980, 1988). In 1986, he was the Bundesliga’s top scorer, a big deal for an Asian in his era. He was widely known for his speed and goal-poaching.

Before Europe, he was a hero in South Korea’s K League, winning many MVP awards. His move to Germany in the year 1978 opened doors to players like Park Ji-sung and Heung-min Son.His success made South Korean football famous and he remains one of Asia’s greatest because of his big impact and records.

2. Park Ji-sung (South Korea)

Park Ji was the first player to shine at a big club like Manchester United, which gave hope to youngsters like Son and Takefusa Kubo. He was seen as a hardworking player on the pitch and it was not a big deal for Ji-Sung. his Asian roots taught him the value of working hard at a very early age. He scored 50 goals and provided 60 assists throughout his career, making him one of the best players in United’s jersey.

He won 19 trophies, including four Premier League titles and the 2008 Champions League, the first for an Asian. His humble attitude and big wins made him a hero in South Korea and across Asia.

1. Son Heung-min (South Korea)

The legend of Tottenham Hotspur, Son Heung-min is one of the best Asian Soccer players in history, if not the best ever. The former Bayer Leverkusen attacker has already featured in more than 500 games in his entire club career, having scored 166 goals for the North London club so far. After Harry Kane’s departure for Bayern Munich, Son took charge at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to bring glory to the club’s fans. In 2022, the South Korean won the Premier League Golden Boot, setting a standard for other attackers in the club.

After Harry Kane left, everyone was forcing Son to leave Tottenham, but in the end, he showed why he’s called the cub legend. He stood like a rock in Spurs’ hard time and made sure they won the Europa League, their first major trophy in decades. Son Heung-min is already at the top of this ranking, thanks to a consistent scoring record.