2025 also flew by “like cotton,” and now various international outlets, research centers, and stats companies are wrapping up the football year. Among them, the reputable Manila Standard selected the five strongest players on the Asian continent and published its ranking.
The list features everyone from stars on Europe’s biggest stage to seasoned names shining in Asia. Most importantly, our compatriot Abduqodir Husanov also made this Top 5.
Abduqodir Husanov (“Manchester City”)
One of England’s most powerful clubs, Manchester City, spent €40 million a year ago to sign the young Uzbek defender. Under Pep Guardiola, Husanov’s development accelerated: pace, physical resilience, reading the game early, and combative spirit are his biggest weapons.
Moreover, Abduqodir is a versatile defender who can perform effectively not only centrally but also on the right flank. In today’s football, that’s a “golden ticket.”
Although he missed a number of matches this season due to injury, the “Citizens” still view him as a key part of their future project. Ahead of the winter transfer window, rumors spread about interest in the 21-year-old from Liverpool, Real Madrid—who are looking for a center-back—France’s rising Lens, and a Nice side aiming to bounce back.
Kaoru Mitoma (“Brighton & Hove Albion”)
Another Asian star who has “settled” in England is Japan’s Kaoru Mitoma. At Brighton, he has already become a leading figure and remains among the most dangerous wingers in the Premier League.
He produced a high-level second half of last season and finished the league with 10 goals and 4 assists. The 28-year-old also started the new season with goals and assists, but suffered a serious injury in the fall and is still recovering. Still, his style is clear: once he’s back, the left wing will “explode” again.
Lee Kang-in (“Paris Saint-Germain”)
South Korea’s Lee Kang-in was part of the team that won Europe’s most prestigious competition—the Champions League—in the first half of 2025. On top of that, domestic trophies in France were also secured.
Competition at PSG is fierce, so Lee Kang-in may not always start. But he often proves he can change a game even off the bench. Last season in Ligue 1, he directly contributed to 12 of the team’s goals. His beautiful strike in the UEFA Super Cup final helped the Parisians produce a decisive turning point against Tottenham.
Salem Al-Dawsari (“Al Hilal”)
Not only Europe has “engines that never stop”—Asia does too. Saudi football legend Salem Al-Dawsari continues to deliver results even at 34.
Last season he scored 27 goals and registered 18 assists across all competitions. In the current league campaign, he has already recorded 8 goal contributions for Al Hilal. In last season’s AFC Champions League, he also finished as top scorer with 10 goals. In October, the AFC named him the 2025 Asian Player of the Year.
Son Heung-min (“Tottenham Hotspur” / “Los Angeles”)
After Harry Kane left, captain Son Heung-min carried Tottenham on his shoulders: in the first half of 2025 he kept playing in the Premier League and, without letting hopes “fade,” secured the team a Europa League spot.
In the summer, after his contract ended, the Korean star took a new step and moved to the U.S. club Los Angeles. The most interesting part: he didn’t drop his level there either. In his first 13 matches for Los Angeles, Son scored 12 goals and provided 4 assists. Wherever he goes, goals seem to “move with him.”
Conclusion
This Manila Standard ranking makes one thing clear: Asian football is no longer just a “talent source,” but a continent of ready-made stars delivering on the biggest stages. Husanov, Mitoma, Lee Kang-in, Al-Dawsari, Son—these names are sure to keep making headlines in 2026 as well.
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