Soccer’s global stage continues to shine a spotlight on Asian talent, with players from countries like South Korea, Japan, and Iran making waves in top leagues. In 2025, these athletes are not only breaking records but also inspiring future generations. Let’s explore the 10 best Asian soccer players dominating the sport today.
1. Son Heung-min (South Korea / Tottenham Hotspur)
Position: Forward
Son Heung-min is a living legend. As Tottenham’s captain, he became the first Asian player to score 100 Premier League goals in 2023. By 2025, he has over 150 goals for Spurs and holds the club’s all-time assist record in the league.
2024-2025 Highlights:
- Scored 17 goals and provided 10 assists in 36 appearances.
- Named Premier League Player of the Month four times in his career.
- Led South Korea to the 2026 World Cup qualifiers with his 50th international goal.
Son’s speed, precision, and leadership make him Asia’s most iconic soccer star.
2. Kim Min-jae (South Korea / Bayern Munich)
Position: Defender
Nicknamed “The Monster,” Kim Min-jae is a defensive powerhouse. After winning Serie A with Napoli in 2023, he joined Bayern Munich and became the most expensive Asian defender in history.
2024-2025 Highlights:
- Scored 2 goals and maintained a 92% pass accuracy in the Bundesliga.
- Named “Man of the Match” in Bayern’s 2-1 win over Freiburg for his goal and defensive dominance.
- Key player in South Korea’s World Cup qualifying campaign.
Kim’s strength and tactical intelligence set the standard for Asian defenders.
3. Lee Kang-in (South Korea / Paris Saint-Germain)
Position: Midfielder
Lee Kang-in has blossomed into a creative force at PSG. His technical skills and vision make him indispensable for both club and country.
2024-2025 Highlights:
- Scored 8 goals and provided 6 assists in 25 matches.
- Recorded a hat-trick of assists in PSG’s 5-2 win over Brest.
- Named Asia’s Best Young Player in 2023.
At 24, Lee’s versatility and flair position him as a future Ballon d’Or contender.
4. Takefusa Kubo (Japan / Real Sociedad)
Position: Winger
Kubo, once dubbed “the Japanese Messi,” is a dribbling maestro. His performances in La Liga have made him one of Europe’s most exciting wingers.
2024-2025 Highlights:
- Scored 8 goals and 7 assists in 28 appearances.
- Ranked in La Liga’s Top 10 for completed dribbles (13).
- Led Real Sociedad to the Champions League knockout stages.
Kubo’s agility and creativity are redefining Japan’s impact on European soccer.
5. Kaoru Mitoma (Japan / Brighton & Hove Albion)
Position: Winger
Mitoma’s explosive speed and precision have made him a fan favorite in the Premier League. His rise from Japan’s J-League to England is a testament to his work ethic.
2024-2025 Highlights:
- Scored 6 goals and provided 4 assists in 30 matches.
- Completed 45 successful dribbles (3rd in the Premier League).
- Key player in Japan’s 7-0 victory over China in World Cup qualifiers.
Mitoma’s ability to outpace defenders makes him a constant threat.
6. Mehdi Taremi (Iran / Inter Milan)
Position: Striker
Taremi joined Inter Milan in 2024 after scoring 88 goals for Porto. Though adapting to Serie A has been challenging, his technical brilliance shines through.
2024-2025 Highlights:
- Scored 5 goals in 19 appearances, including a match-winning double against Empoli.
- Named Man of the Match in Inter’s Supercoppa Italiana final.
- Iran’s all-time top scorer in UEFA Champions League history (6 goals).
Taremi’s aerial ability and finishing keep him among Asia’s elite.
7. Sardar Azmoun (Iran / Bayer Leverkusen)
Position: Striker
Azmoun, known as the “Iranian Messi,” combines speed and clinical finishing. After a successful stint at Zenit St. Petersburg, he’s thriving in the Bundesliga.
2024-2025 Highlights:
- Scored 12 goals in 24 matches across all competitions.
- Helped Bayer Leverkusen secure a top-four Bundesliga finish.
- Iran’s second-highest international scorer (46 goals).
Azmoun’s agility and composure in front of goal make him a standout.
8. Kyogo Furuhashi (Japan / Celtic)
Position: Striker
Kyogo is a goal-scoring machine. Since joining Celtic in 2021, he’s broken records and won multiple Scottish Premiership titles.
2024-2025 Highlights:
- Scored 22 goals in 32 appearances, including 5 in the Champions League.
- Named Scotland’s Player of the Year in 2024.
- Fastest Celtic player to reach 50 league goals.
Kyogo’s positioning and quick reflexes make him a nightmare for defenders.
9. Wataru Endo (Japan / Liverpool)
Position: Defensive Midfielder
Endo’s tenacity and leadership have made him a cult hero at Liverpool. After joining in 2023, he’s become a key figure in their midfield.
2024-2025 Highlights:
- Recorded 4 assists and an 89% pass accuracy in the Premier League.
- Played every minute in Liverpool’s 2024 Carabao Cup triumph.
- Captain of Japan’s national team.
Endo’s work ethic and tackling ability embody the spirit of modern soccer.
10. Salem Al-Dawsari (Saudi Arabia / Al Hilal)
Position: Winger
Al-Dawsari is Saudi Arabia’s biggest star. His heroics at the 2022 World Cup, including a winning goal against Argentina, cemented his legacy.
2024-2025 Highlights:
- Scored 14 goals and 8 assists in the Saudi Pro League.
- Named Asian Footballer of the Year in 2022.
- Led Al Hilal to back-to-back league titles.
Al-Dawsari’s flair and clutch performances inspire Saudi Arabia’s soccer revolution.
Bottom Line
From Son Heung-min’s relentless scoring to Kim Min-jae’s defensive mastery, these players prove Asia’s growing dominance in global soccer. Their skill, dedication, and trailblazing careers are reshaping perceptions and paving the way for future stars. As the 2026 World Cup approaches, the world will watch these athletes continue to make history.