In last two decades, the world of soccer has seen many players from around the world heading to Europe for the highest level of the competition. Since then, many memorable moments of European soccer were produced thanks to the overseas force. However, regardless their contribution to the history of the game, players from far East Asian, for some reasons, are still being overlooked.
Given the fact that playing at top level for major clubs in European soccer, their reputation was never appreciated as much as their influences on the pitch, by both the crowd and the media. This article can not address all the names deserved but the following list is arguably four most famous and successful Asian soccer players of all time.

SON

HEUNG MIN

WINGER

ABOUT

Son Heung-min (born 8 July 1992) is a South Korean soccer player who currently plays for English Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur and captains the South Korea national team. Despite of not wining too many major trophies (so far), Son is arguably the best Asian soccer player in history because of the top class performances he produced for years and being fairly comparable to his colleagues from Europe or South America.

Style of Play

Son Heung-min is an example of perfect all around modern day soccer players with his ability to use both feet equally and willingness to play different positions on the final third (of the pitch). He also known for his explosive pace and positional sense. His ability to find win space to play, ball control and clinical finishing skill make him become one of the best wingers in the world.

By numbers: Club and National team

Being known as a perfect all around soccer player, Son scored many different kinds of goal, from long-range shot to powerful volley. However, this goal described some of his best qualities, incredible pace, exceptional dribbling and deadly finishing. The beautiful solo goal secured a 3-0 win for Spurs against Chelsea in a London derby.

BEST GOAL

SHINJI

KAGAWA

MIDFIELDER

ABOUT

Shinji Kagawa (17 March 1989) is a Japanese player who plays as a midfielder for Turkish club Besiktas (on loan from Borussia Dortmund) and also Japan National team.

Kagawa made his debut for Japan National team in 2008, represented for his country in 2014 and 2018 World Cup as well as 2 Asian Cup (2011, 2015) and having won the 2011.

Style of Play

Kagawa is best known for a technically and creatively gifted player who often play as an attacking midfielder. His agility, passing, ball control, creativity, positioning, playing on and off the ball are his best qualities. He also can score a goal by himself due to how agile and skillful he is with the ball.

By numbers: Club and National team

Nothing better than scoring a sensationally stunning goal against the biggest rival in the one of the biggest derby in the world. In 2015, Kagawa scored a beautiful lob goal against Dortmund’s rival Schalke 04. The exquisite finish described all of his best quality.

BEST GOAL

PARK

JI SUNG

MIDFIELDER

ABOUT

Park Ji-sung (born 25 Feb 1981) is a fSouth Korean soccer player who played as a midfielder and being known for the most successful Asian soccer player in history, having won 19 titles.

Park represented for the South Korea team finished 4th at the 2002 World Cup which is the highest place an Asian country have done in history. He continued leading Korea in 2006 and 2010 World Cup. He won 100 caps and scored 13 goals for his country.

Style of Play

Park is known for his unbelievable work rate and energy on the pitch. His exceptional fitness level, work ethic and discipline earn him the nickname “Three-Lungs” Park. Given that ability, Park was able to play numerous positions in the midfield, including central and both wings.

By numbers: Club and National team

Park was more often known as a “big game player” who always work hard and do all the unfancy defensive work. However, he also sometimes scored decisive goals like this amazing solo goal against Wolves which earned United a 3-2 win in 2011 season. They ended up the season with having won the league.

BEST GOAL

HIDETOSHI

NAKATA

MIDFIELDER

ABOUT

Hidetoshi Nakata (born 22 January 1977) is a former Japanese football player who played as a midfielder. He is widely considered as the greatest Japanese player in history.

Hidetoshi Nakata represented for Japan National team in 3 World Cup (1998, 2002 and 2006) and two Olympic events (1996 and 2000). For his contributing to the Italia’s image overseas, he was made the Knight of the Order of the Star of Italian Solidarity, one of Italy's highest honors, in 2005.

Style of Play

Nakata was known for his pace, creativeness and offensive mind as an attacking midfielder. Powerful long-range shot is also one of his specialties which makes him a deadly midfielder from outside of the box. Furthermore, his ability to find space inside the box and score goal are also exceptional.

By numbers: Club and National team

Being know for his ability in possess a powerful long-range shot, this goal described Nakata quality the best. In addition, the goal as an equalizer against Juventus (Roma’s biggest rival in 2001 seasons) helping his team maintained a six-point margin at the top of the table and won the Serie A at the end.

BEST GOAL