Asian football legends: Ranking the Top 18 players of All Time
Seoul, South korea - August 15, 2025 – A new ranking of the 18 greatest Asian footballers ever compiled by global football media outlet MAD Football has ignited discussion among fans across the continent. The list, released August 14th, recognizes extraordinary talent and lasting impact on the sport, with six Korean athletes earning a place among the elite.
Korean Dominance in Asian Football
Leading the charge for Korea are three iconic figures: cha Bum-keun, Son Heung-min, and Park Ji-sung.These players topped the list, solidifying Korea’s prominent position in Asian football history. Their achievements have not only inspired generations of Korean footballers but have also garnered international acclaim.
Cha Bum-keun: A Pioneer of Korean Football
Former national team manager Cha Bum-keun has been lauded as the greatest Asian footballer of all time. He blazed a trail for Korean players in Europe, notably during his decade-long stint in the Bundesliga from 1979 to 1989.
Did You know?
Cha Bum-keun scored an impressive 98 goals in 308 Bundesliga matches, a testament to his prolific scoring ability.
His success included winning the UEFA Cup with frankfurt in 1980 and reaching the final again with Leverkusen in 1988, earning him the nickname ‘Cha boom’ for his powerful strikes.
Son Heung-min: A Premier League Star
Son Heung-min, currently playing for Tottenham Hotspur, has captivated fans for over a decade with his skill and goal-scoring prowess. Since joining Tottenham in 2015, he has amassed 173 goals and 101 assists in 454 games.In the Premier League alone, he boasts 127 goals and 77 assists in 333 appearances.
Son’s remarkable achievements include winning the Premier League Golden Boot in the 2021-2022 season, a first for an Asian player, and finishing 11th in the 2022 Ballon d’or rankings.
Park Ji-sung: A Manchester United Legend
Park Ji-sung, a Korean football icon, secured a place as the third-ranked player on the list. His seven-year tenure at Manchester United yielded an impressive 11 trophies. Park’s dedication and tireless work ethic earned him the admiration of legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson and introduced the Premier League to a wider Korean audience.
The Top 18 asian Footballers
The complete list,as compiled by MAD Football,features a diverse range of talent from across Asia:
| Rank | Player | Nationality |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cha Bum-keun | South Korea |
| 2 | Son Heung-min | South Korea |
| 3 | Park Ji-sung | South Korea |
| 4 | honda Keisuke | Japan |
| 5 | Paulino Alcantara | Philippines |
| 6 | Nakata Hidetoshi | Japan |
| 7 | Kim Joo-sung | South Korea |
| 8-12 | kagawa Shinji,Ali Daei,Mehdi Mahdavikia,Kamamoto Kunishige,Sami al Jaber | Japan,iran,Iran,Japan,Saudi Arabia |
| 13 | Hong Myung-bo | South Korea |
| 14 | kim Min-jae | South Korea |
| 15-18 | Javad Nekounam,Nakamura shunsuke,Nagatomo Yuto,Miura Kazuyoshi | Iran,Japan,Japan,Japan |
pro Tip:
Understanding the past context of these players’ careers provides deeper insight into their impact on Asian football.
The ranking highlights the growing influence of Asian players on the global stage. What other Asian players do you believe deserve recognition on this list,and why?
The Rise of Asian Football
Asian football has experienced critically important growth in recent decades,with increased investment in youth development and a growing number of players competing in top European leagues. This trend is expected to continue, further elevating the profile of Asian football on the world stage. The success of players like Son Heung-min and Kim Min-jae serves as an inspiration for aspiring footballers across the continent.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who is considered the greatest Asian footballer of all time? According to MAD football, Cha Bum-keun holds that title.
- How many Korean players made the top 18 list? Six Korean players were included in the ranking.
- what is son Heung-min known for? He is renowned for his prolific goal-scoring record in the english Premier League with Tottenham Hotspur.
- What were Park Ji-sung’s major achievements? He won 11 trophies during his time with Manchester United.
- Where did Cha Bum-keun play his club football? He played for Dahstadt, Frankfurt, and Leverkusen in the Bundesliga.
