Asian football has produced some of the most talented and successful players in the world. From South Korea’s Cha Bum-kun in the 1970s to Son Heung-min today, Asia has a long history of developing skilled footballers who have made their mark internationally. Here is a look at 10 of the greatest Asian football players of all time.
Top 10 greatest Asian football players of all time
Cha Bum-kun (South Korea)
Cha Bum-kun is widely considered one of South Korea’s greatest football players and Asia’s best striker of all time. Nicknamed “Tscha Bum” in Germany where he played most of his professional career, Cha was renowned for his speed, power and clinical finishing.
Career Highlights
- Began career with Seoul trust bank FC (1969-1979)
- Signed with German club Eintracht Frankfurt (1979-1985)
- Moved to Bayer Leverkusen (1985-1989)
- First Asian player to star in German Bundesliga
- Scored 121 goals in 308 Bundesliga matches
- Winner of UEFA Cup (1988) and German Cup (1988)
Cha was the first Asian footballer to make a major impact in European football and opened the door for other Asian players. His electrifying performances made him a cult hero in Germany where fans called him “the Yellow Pele.”
Influence and Legacy
Cha’s success gained global recognition and respect for Asian football. South Korean players continue to move to Europe’s top leagues, inspired by his pioneering achievements. He showed that Asian players could compete against the best. His technical skill, blinding pace and scoring record left a lasting legacy.
Son Heung-Min (South Korea)
Currently Asia’s most prominent football star, Son Heung-min has gained celebrity status leading the line for English club Tottenham and captaining the South Korea national team.
Dynamic Winger
- Began career with Hamburg SV (Germany)
- Premier League star with Tottenham Hotspur
- Lightning pace, superb dribbling skills
- Scores plenty of spectacular goals
- South Korea national team captain
At just 31 years old, Son already has a prolific scoring record in England’s Premier League. His direct running, mazy dribbles, long range shooting and ability to play anywhere across the front has made him a fan favorite.
Record Breaking Performances
Setting scoring records almost every season, Son is now close to becoming the Premier League’s all time top Asian goal scorer. After winning gold with Korea at the 2018 Asian Games he secured exemption from national service.
With his star continuing to rise, Son is helping bring new Asian fans to the Premier League and changing perceptions of Asian players.
Park Ji-Sung (South Korea)
Skillful midfielder Park Ji-Sung enjoyed tremendous success with Dutch side PSV Eindhoven and English giants Manchester United. He is the most decorated Asian player in UEFA Champions League history.
Playmaking Engine
- Complete midfield package
- Intelligent movement and efficient passing
- Boundless stamina to run all day
- Big performances in important matches
Under the coaching of Sir Alex Ferguson, Park was an enormously influential squad player. Capable of unlocking defenses with clever passing angles, Park linked United’s star attackers while working tirelessly to win the ball back.
Winning Mentality
His ability to run relentlessly, press opponents and deliver in big Champions League games earned him a reputation as a “Big Match Player.” With lightening quick feet, vision to pick out passes and excellent technique, Park had all the attributes of a world class midfielder.
Park was the ultimate team player and embodied Ferguson’s philosophy of speed, work rate and tenacity. With 4 Premier League titles and a Champions League Trophy, Park departed United remembered as a cult figure by the fans.
Hidetoshi Nakata (Japan)
Stylish playmaker Hidetoshi Nakata became an icon in Serie A playing for top Italian clubs like Roma and Parma. Noted for his creativity, dribbling and set piece ability he helped establish Japanese players in Europe.
Mercurial Playmaker
- Graceful playmaking number 10
- Dazzling dribbling skills
- Deadly from free kicks and long shots
- Glided effortlessly past rivals
Nakata was instantly recognized for his touch, balance and ability to eliminate opponents in tight spaces. He brought Japanese flair and technical ability to the rough and tumble of Italian football.
Global Star
With his Samurai hair style and outrageous boots, Nakata’s star quality made him the face of the J-League abroad. His success paved the way for Japanese players across Europe. Off the field, Nakata signed enormous sponsorship deals making him Asia’s first true football celebrity.
After Japan’s 2002 World Cup where he led Japan to the knockout rounds, Nakata reached global fame. Pursued by Europe’s top clubs, he became one of the finest Asian talents of his generation before retiring early at 28.
Paulino Alcantara (Philippines)
Regarded as one of the greatest Asian footballers ever, Paulino Alcantara remains an icon at Barcelona where he broke scoring records in the 1920s and 30s golden age. Born in the Philippines when it was a territory of Spain, Alcantara played international football for Spain but is a legendary figure across South East Asia.
Goal Machine
- Scored 369 goals in 357 games for Barcelona
- Hat tricks were routine
- Powerful striker and aerial threat
- Won 1920s league titles and cup finals
A prolific scorer with superior technique, Alcantara set new records at FC Barcelona that stood for 60 years until surpassed by Lionel Messi. Dribbling past entire teams and rocketing left footers into the top corner, Alcantara helped establish Barcelona as a major force.
Legacy
Although born in Iloilo City, Philippines in 1896, Alcantara was a long serving player under the Spanish flag prior to independence in 1946. Shorter than the average footballer, he used clever movement and explosive power to outjump and outrun opponents. A versatile footballer excelling anywhere in attack, Alcantara brought F.C Barcelona unprecedented success leading star players like Jack Greenwell. His astonishing achievements left a lasting imprint at the club.
Shinji Okazaki (Japan)
Shinji Okazaki is a Japanese striker who has enjoyed success in Germany’s Bundesliga and England’s Premier League. He was a key player for Japan at the 2018 World Cup.
Tireless Striker
- Workhorse forward with great stamina
- Scores important goals
- Good movement and link up play
- Won German league titles with VfB Stuttgart
Okazaki’s tireless running, pressing and ability to score crucial goals made him a fan favorite at clubs like Mainz and Leicester City. His intelligent movement and work rate helped create space for teammates and he was always willing to track back and defend.
International Success
With over 50 goals for Japan, Okazaki is one of the country’s all time top scorers. He played a key role in Japan’s 2011 Asian Cup triumph and scored in the 2018 World Cup against Colombia. His performances have inspired a new generation of Japanese strikers to make an impact in Europe.
Keisuke Honda (Japan)
Keisuke Honda is a creative attacking midfielder known for his vision, passing range and set piece ability. He has played for top clubs in Europe and Asia and is a star for the Japan national team.
Creative Midfielder
- Excellent passer and playmaker
- Deadly from free kicks and corners
- Scores spectacular goals
- Played for AC Milan and CSKA Moscow
Honda’s technical ability and creativity made him a standout player in the J-League before moving to Europe. He quickly established himself as a key player for CSKA Moscow and later AC Milan, scoring important goals and providing assists.
National Team Hero
Honda has been a mainstay for the Japan national team since 2008, earning over 90 caps and scoring over 30 goals. He has been a key player in Japan’s recent successes, including winning the 2011 Asian Cup and reaching the knockout rounds of the 2018 World Cup. His leadership and skill have made him a role model for young Japanese players.
Ali Daei (Iran)
Ali Daei is a legendary Iranian striker who holds the record for most international goals scored by any player in history. He was known for his clinical finishing and aerial ability.
Record Breaking Striker
- 109 international goals in 149 appearances
- Scored in four consecutive World Cups
- Top scorer in Asia Cup history
- Played for clubs in Iran, UAE, and Germany
Daei’s goal scoring prowess made him a legend in Iran and across Asia. He was a key player for the national team for over 13 years, leading them to multiple Asian Cup titles and World Cup appearances. His record of 109 international goals is unlikely to be broken anytime soon.
Impact on Iranian Football
Daei’s success inspired a new generation of Iranian footballers and helped put Iranian football on the map. He also paved the way for other Iranian players to make an impact in Europe, opening doors for future generations.
Kim Joo-sung (South Korea)
Kim Joo-sung was a talented midfielder who played for top European clubs like Paris Saint-Germain and AS Monaco. He was known for his technical ability, vision, and passing range.
Creative Midfielder
- Played for top clubs in France and South Korea
- Excellent passer and playmaker
- Won multiple league titles and cups
- Key player for South Korea national team
Kim’s technical ability and creativity made him a standout player in the K-League before moving to Europe. He quickly established himself as a key player for Paris Saint-Germain and later AS Monaco, helping them win multiple titles.
National Team Success
Kim was a key player for the South Korea national team in the 1990s, earning over 100 caps and scoring 22 goals. He played in two World Cups and helped South Korea reach the semifinals of the 2002 World Cup, where they famously defeated Spain and Italy. His performances inspired a new generation of Korean players to make an impact in Europe.
Maya Yoshida (Japan)
Maya Yoshida is a Japanese defender who has played for top clubs in Japan, England, and Italy. He is known for his leadership, aerial ability, and strong tackling.
Solid Defender
- Strong and commanding center back
- Excellent in the air
- Good positioning and tackling
- Played for VVV-Venlo, Southampton, and Sampdoria
Yoshida’s solid defending and leadership qualities have made him a key player for both club and country. He has been a consistent performer for Southampton in the Premier League and has also played for Italian side Sampdoria. His aerial ability and strong tackling make him a reliable defender.
International Success
Yoshida has been a mainstay for the Japan national team since 2010, earning over 100 caps and scoring 11 goals. He has been a key player in Japan’s recent successes, including winning the 2011 Asian Cup and reaching the knockout rounds of the 2018 World Cup. His leadership and defensive skills have made him an important figure in Japanese football.
Conclusion
The top 10 greatest Asian football players of all time have not only achieved individual success, but have also paved the way for future generations of Asian players to make an impact on the global stage. From Cha Bum-kun’s pioneering achievements in Europe to Son Heung-min’s current status as a Premier League star, these players have broken barriers and shattered stereotypes. Their skill, determination, and success have inspired a new generation of Asian footballers and continue to shape the history of Asian football.