Football
Best Asian Footballers Ever: Son Heung-min & Legends Ranked
Asian football has undergone a huge transformation. Once seen as a developing football region, the continent is now producing world-class talent capable of competing at the highest levels, in the most important leagues, at the biggest clubs in the world. From the archipelagic stadiums of Japan and South Korea to the growing leagues in the Middle East, Asian football has grown in both quality and influence. And at the heart of this rise are elite players who have not only made their mark domestically, but have also impressed on the international stage. This article compares some of Asia's most iconic footballers, those who have been consistently recognised as the 'Best Player in Asia' over the years. Names such as Son Heung-min, Keisuke Honda, Ali Daei, Mehdi Mahdavikia and Younis Mahmoud each stand out for the quality they have had in Asian football.
Son Heung-Min /Getty Images
SB Market Index: How We Evaluate Asia's Greatest Footballers
This evaluation combines a statistical analysis of their "Best Asian Player" award wins with expert and media perception of their overall legendary status to provide a comprehensive ranking.
Industry Insights
A curated analysis from top 10 football and sports media sources measures how prominently each player is featured in discussions of the "greatest Asian footballers of all time."
| Source Name | Son Heung-min | Kim Joo-sung | Hidetoshi Nakata | Server Djeparov | Akram Afif |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ESPN – "Top 10 Asian Footballers of All Time" | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| FourFourTwo – "Best Asian Players Ever" list | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| KhelNow – Ranking Asia's Footballing Legends | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Bleacher Report – "Asia's All-Time XI" discussion | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Goal.com – "Asia's GOAT Contenders" feature | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Wikipedia – "AFC Player of the Year" historical impact | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| The Guardian – Profiles on Asian players in Europe | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Sportskeeda – "5 Greatest Asian Players in History" | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Reddit r/soccer – Fan polls on "Best Asian Player" | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| AFC Official Site – "Icons of Asian Football" features | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Total Mentions | 10 | 5 | 10 | 2 | 2 |
SB Score
| Player | "Best Asian Player" Award Wins | Years Won | SB Score |
| Son Heung-min | 7 | 2015, 2017, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 | 1.000 |
| Kim Joo-sung | 3 | 1989, 1990, 1991 | 0.429 |
| Hidetoshi Nakata | 2 | 1997, 1998 | 0.286 |
| Server Djeparov | 2 | 2008, 2011 | 0.286 |
| Akram Afif | 2 | 2019, 2023 | 0.286 |
This score is calculated based on the total number of "Best Asian Player" awards won (100% weightage). The raw stats are used to calculate the final SB Score.
SB Market Index
| Rank | Player | SB Score | Industry Insights | SB Market Index |
| 1 | Son Heung-min | 1.000 | 10 | 8.200 |
| 2 | Hidetoshi Nakata | 0.286 | 10 | 8.057 |
| 3 | Kim Joo-sung | 0.429 | 5 | 4.086 |
| 4 | Server Djeparov | 0.286 | 2 | 1.657 |
| 5 | Akram Afif | 0.286 | 2 | 1.657 |
The Modern Icons: Son Heung-min and Hidetoshi Nakata
At the top of our SB Market Index are two legendary players who have helped redefine the way the world perceives Asian football: Son Heung-min and Hidetoshi Nakata. Both boast a perfect 10 score in Industry Insights, a sign that their influence has been immense, not just in Asia, but on the global football scene.
Son Heung-min, now Asia’s superstar, leads the pack with a flawless SB score of 1,000, backed up by an incredible seven ‘Asian Player of the Year’ awards. His consistent performances for Tottenham Hotspur, his stunning goalscoring and his work ethic have earned him not just trophies but the respect of fans and colleagues around the world.
Meanwhile, Hidetoshi Nakata was Asia’s first ambassador to top European football. His spellbinding play in Serie A in the late 1990s and early 2000s brought attention and credibility to Asian talent. Although he won fewer awards, his cultural and symbolic impact remains unique. Nakata was the David Beckham of Asia.
The Statistical Leader: Son Heung-min's Unmatched Dominance
Heung Min Son has completely dominated Asian football, and that's a huge milestone. With seven Asian Player of the Year awards under his belt, he sits alone at the top of the SB Score rankings, far ahead of any other player. No one else has come close to achieving this level of sustained individual recognition in the modern era of Asian football.
His performance from 2015 to 2023 is a testament to the consistency at the highest level that is rare in international football. Whether it's leading Tottenham's attack in the Premier League or inspiring South Korea on the international stage, Son combines elite-level skill, athleticism and a mentality with a humility that has earned him universal admiration.
More than just a prolific striker, Son has become a symbol of the rise of Asian football, a player who not only scores goals but is also a master passer.
The Historical Great: Kim Joo-sung
Long before Nakata or Son achieved European success, Kim Joo-sung was the torchbearer of Asian football. With three consecutive 'Best Asian Player' awards from 1989 to 1991, Kim dominated an era when the continent was still gaining recognition on the world stage. His achievements earned him a solid SB score of 0.429, placing him third in our overall rankings.
Beyond the numbers, Kim's influence is evident in his Industry Insights score of 5, which shows that he is still widely recognised as a great footballer. Known for his explosive pace, dribbling flair and positional versatility, Kim was a consistent and remarkable presence for the South Korean national team and in domestic competitions.
His era may not have been the focus of today's global media attention, but Kim Joo-sung's influence helped pave the way for the wave of Asian football that was to follow.
Conclusion on Asia's Footballing Pantheon
In the final comparison, Son Heung-min sits alone at the top of our SB Market Index, a player whose record seven ‘Asian Player of the Year’ awards and a perfect expert rating confirm his place as the most decorated and highly regarded Asian footballer of the modern era. His consistency, leadership and impact at the highest level make him a clear benchmark for success.
Close behind, Hidetoshi Nakata may be trailing in awards, but his equal score in the Industry Insights reflects a legendary status that transcends statistics. Nakata was a pioneer, opening doors for future generations and proving that Asian players can not only survive, but thrive in Europe’s top leagues.
Together, these towering players show us that Asian football is on the rise. Their success is more than personal; it is symbolic of a continent’s growing influence in world football. The days of underestimation are over, Asian football is now firmly in the global spotlight.
With a strong background in journalism and years of experience in sports commentary, Dragoș Șoneriu has written about every aspect of sport, from match reports and features to tactical analyses and investigative pieces. A lifelong Arsenal fan, he dreams of seeing his beloved team lift the Premier League trophy. Outside of work, Dragoș collects anything football-related, from stickers and mugs to vintage shirts and scarves.