The Greatest Asian Player
Identifying the greatest Asian football player elicits debates filled with differing opinions. This topic remains highly subjective and hinges on personal criteria, whether it’s individual accolades or team achievements. However, Son Heung-min certainly makes a compelling argument for being labeled the best Asian player in football history, if not among the top contenders.
As his journey transitions to America, both Asian supporters and Tottenham Hotspur fans are rallying behind him. Following an emotional farewell from Spurs, it was confirmed on Wednesday that he would join LAFC, marking a historic $26 million transfer fee—a record in Major League Soccer.
Son has undeniably established himself as a top-tier player on a global stage. Over the last decade, he’s been a standout performer in one of Europe’s elite leagues. His peak came during the 2021-22 season when he shared the Premier League Golden Boot with Mohamed Salah, both scoring 23 goals, clearly showcasing his world-class talent.
Throughout his career, Son has maintained impressive consistency, scoring double digits in almost every season except for his debut and farewell years, during which he often played as a winger rather than a central attacker. His penchant for scoring spectacular goals has earned him a loyal fanbase; his 2020 FIFAPuskás Award-winning goal—an astounding solo effort from 70 yards—remains unforgettable.
Son’s skill is undisputed, but the hard work behind the scenes has undoubtedly contributed to his success. From a young age, he trained rigorously with his father, who instilled in him a deep commitment to his craft, enhancing his technical abilities. Close friend Torgei Arslan emphasized that while Son is talented, his success is also due to relentless hard work, saying, “His father elevated him to another level."
At 16, Son’s parents believed in his potential enough to allow him to leave high school in Seoul for the Hamburg academy. By 18, he had impressed enough to make his professional debut. His journey has drawn comparisons to Cha Bum-kun, a trailblazer who won UEFA Cups in the 1980s. Like Cha, Son joined Bayer Leverkusen, then moved to Tottenham where he has since made history.
The Premier League can be unforgiving for new international players, and Son faced challenges during his initial season, but he quickly adapted. His determination paid off as he scored 14 goals in his second season, never looking back since.
Fans often debate who the greatest Asian player is, with Park Ji-sung frequently mentioned for his club success, including several Premier League titles and a Champions League win. Nakata is also remembered for his impactful moments in Serie A, while Iran’s Ali Daei held the international goal record for years.
While there may be numerous candidates, none have reached the peak that Son has likely achieved in today’s football landscape. The conversation may never reach a definitive conclusion, but few can deny Son Heung-min’s legendary status and the legacy he carries with him to LAFC in MLS.
Fan Take: Son Heung-min’s move to LAFC signifies a monumental step in increasing the visibility of Asian footballers in leading leagues, which could inspire a new generation of players. For soccer fans, this transition could usher in an era where more Asian talents gain recognition, reshaping the global soccer narrative.
