Recognizing Excellence: The 11 Best Asian Footballers in Premier League History

The Premier League has been graced with exceptional talent from around the world since its inception in 1992, including several notable Asian players. This article highlights the 11 finest Asian players to have ever played in the Premier League, ranking them based on various crucial criteria.

Heung-min Son, who currently represents Tottenham Hotspur, stands out as one of the league's most exceptional Asian players. Since joining the club in 2015, Son has formed a formidable partnership with Harry Kane and has become a vital player for Tottenham. Another notable player is Takehiro Tomiyasu, who recently signed a new contract with Arsenal, earning the adoration of the club's fans and establishing himself as a key player when fit.

This article delves into the rankings of the top 11 Asian players in Premier League history, considering significant factors that have contributed to their impact and success.

Ranking factors

• Appearances
• Trophies won
• Importance to the team

11. Neil Etheridge (Philippines)

Teams played for: Cardiff

Neil Etheridge, who was born in London to an English father and a Filipino mother, had a brief but noteworthy stint in the Premier League. As the goalkeeper for Cardiff City, he played in the top flight for just one season, which unfortunately ended in relegation for the club. Despite the team's struggles, Etheridge emerged as one of their standout players.

Impressively, Etheridge managed to keep ten clean sheets, an outstanding achievement for a goalkeeper playing for a relegated side. This feat placed him joint-seventh in the league alongside Kasper Schmeichel of Leicester City.

In addition to his club career, Etheridge has been a consistent presence as the goalkeeper for the Philippines national team since 2008, with only a few exceptions. He holds the distinction of being the only player from the Philippines to have played in the Premier League. In June 2022, he was honored with the captain's armband by his national team coach.

Currently plying his trade at Birmingham City, Etheridge is the club's first-choice goalkeeper and continues to make significant contributions to his team.

10. Sun Jihai (China)

Teams played for: Manchester City

Sun Jihai, a Chinese defender, is a player that younger football fans should be aware of due to his significant contributions to the sport. Widely regarded as one of the best Chinese players ever, Sun Jihai gained recognition when he was named Manchester City's Player of the Season in 2002. He was known for his attacking style of play and quickly became a fan favorite at the Etihad Stadium.

Unfortunately, Sun Jihai's time at Manchester City was marred by several serious injuries. These injuries, coupled with the club's ownership change in 2008, ultimately led to his departure. He subsequently had a brief stint at Sheffield United, but he failed to replicate the same level of adoration from the supporters there. As a result, his appearances for the club were limited to just twelve.

Despite the challenges he faced towards the end of his career, Sun Jihai's impact on Chinese football and his time at Manchester City remains noteworthy.

9. Ki Sung-Yueng (South Korea)

Teams played for: Swansea, Sunderland, Newcastle

Ki Sung-Yueng, a South Korean midfielder, had an eight-year stint in the Premier League, representing three clubs. While he was unable to replicate his success at Celtic, Ki proved to be a valuable asset in Swansea City's midfield. During his time there, Swansea City won the League Cup in 2013 and achieved an 8th place finish in the 2014/15 Premier League season. Ki's performances were highly regarded, leading to him being named Swansea City's Player of the Season.

On the other hand, Ki's time in the North East with Sunderland and later Newcastle United was less fruitful. He made only 48 appearances across both clubs. Despite showing promise during his short spell at Newcastle United, Ki was unfortunate not to receive more game time, particularly following his impressive displays. The departure of Rafael Benitez and the swift appointment of Steve Bruce ultimately marked the end of Ki's time in England.

8. Shinji Kagawa (Japan)

Teams played for: Manchester United

Shinji Kagawa joined Manchester United from Borussia Dortmund after impressing with his performances in the German league. The Japanese midfielder was signed for €16 million but returned to Dortmund two seasons later for half the price. Unfortunately, Kagawa did not live up to the high expectations at Old Trafford, scoring just six goals and predominantly appearing as a substitute for Manchester United.

Despite his struggles, Kagawa did have some successes during his time at the club. He won the Premier League title in his first season with Manchester United in 2012/13 and also secured the Community Shield in 2013. Additionally, Kagawa was named the Asian Player of the Year in 2012 while representing Manchester United. His Premier League triumph in the 2012/13 campaign made him the first Japanese player to win the trophy since the league's establishment in 1992.

7. Lee Chung-Yong (South Korea)

Teams played for: Bolton, Crystal Palace

Lee Chung-Yong, upon his arrival at Bolton Wanderers in 2009, quickly became a cult hero at the club. The South Korean midfielder's impressive performances during the 2009/10 season earned him the Player of the Season award. Following the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, there were rumors linking him with a move to Liverpool. However, Lee remained committed to Bolton despite the speculation surrounding his future.

Tragically, Lee suffered a severe leg break during a pre-season friendly ahead of the 2011-12 season, which sidelined him for the majority of the campaign. As a result, he could only make two appearances as Bolton suffered relegation from the Premier League. Despite the setback, Lee remained loyal to the club as they navigated through the second tier of English football before eventually departing for Crystal Palace.

6. Maya Yoshida (Japan)

Teams played for: Southampton

Maya Yoshida had a challenging start to his English football journey, facing criticism from Southampton supporters due to some mistakes early on. However, the Japanese international persevered, securing his place in the team and demonstrating improvements in his game. Yoshida eventually became an established player on the south coast and played a crucial role in helping the club avoid relegation during some turbulent seasons in the Premier League.

Unfortunately, one of Yoshida's final appearances for Southampton will be remembered for the wrong reasons. The team suffered a humiliating 9-0 defeat at home to Leicester City. Following this devastating loss, Yoshida only made two more appearances for the club before confirming his departure.

Despite the challenging end to his Southampton career, Yoshida's contributions should not be overlooked. He has earned an impressive 126 caps for Japan, placing him behind only two players, Yasuhito Endo (152) and Yuto Nagatomo (142), in terms of international appearances.

5. Ali Al-Habsi (Oman)

Teams played for: Bolton, Wigan

Ali Al-Habsi, the Omani goalkeeper, had a lengthy career in the top tier of English football. However, it took him until his third season at Bolton Wanderers to make his Premier League debut. He made only ten appearances that season before returning to the bench as the understudy to Jussi Juskalainen for a couple more seasons.

In 2010, Al-Habsi made a move to Wigan Athletic, where he became the club's first-choice goalkeeper. He had a significant achievement with Wigan when they won the FA Cup in 2013, defeating Manchester City in the final with a late goal from Ben Watson. While Al-Habsi was a substitute in the final, he had made appearances earlier in the competition, which entitled him to receive a winners' medal.

This FA Cup triumph was a memorable moment in Al-Habsi's career, showcasing his contribution to Wigan's success during his time at the club.

4. Takehiro Tomiyasu (Japan)

Teams played for: Arsenal

Takehiro Tomiyasu, a versatile full-back who can also play in central defense, has impressed with his consistent performances whenever he has been fit for Arsenal. The Japanese star joined the club from Serie A side Bologna, amid interest from rival team Tottenham. He quickly established himself as a reliable and dependable right full-back for Arsenal.

Tomiyasu's injury, along with William Saliba's, suffered in a Europa League match against Sporting CP, were seen as significant factors in Arsenal's failed title charge in the 2022/2023 campaign. Mikel Arteta, Arsenal's manager, has been vocal in his praise for Tomiyasu whenever the opportunity arises. Tomiyasu has the potential to secure his status as one of the greatest Asian players in English football history by helping Arsenal win the Premier League or even the Champions League in the 2023/2024 season.

3. Shinji Okazaki (Japan)

Teams played for: Leicester

Shinji Okazaki played a vital role in Leicester City's historic Premier League title win in the 2015/16 season. Despite being considered as 500/1 outsiders for the title, Leicester led the league at Christmas and went on to claim the championship. Okazaki's performances throughout the season earned him the Asian Player of the Year award.

Okazaki's relentless energy and seamless integration into Claudio Ranieri's system made him an indispensable player for Leicester. While he only scored two goals in the Premier League that season, his hard work and high intensity compensated for the lack of goals. Throughout his time in England, Okazaki became the highest-scoring Japanese international in the Premier League, leaving a significant mark on English football.

2. Son Heung-Min (South Korea)

Teams played for: Tottenham

Son Heung-Min is widely regarded as one of the greatest football players to come out of South Korea. In 2015, he made a move from Hamburg SV to Tottenham Hotspur for €30 million. Since joining the North London club, Son has become a fan favorite, known for his tireless energy and ability to contribute in the attacking third. His partnership with former captain Harry Kane played a significant role in establishing him as a regular in the Tottenham side.

Following Kane's departure, Son was handed the captain's armband, and the added responsibility has not affected his performances. In the 2023/24 Premier League season, he scored six goals in seven games. Son's impressive goal-scoring abilities were demonstrated in the 2021/22 season when he finished as joint top scorer alongside Mo Salah of Liverpool, with 23 goals. Notably, Son is the only Asian footballer to have reached the milestone of scoring 100 goals in the Premier League.

1. Park Ji-Sung (South Korea)

Teams played for: Manchester United, QPR

Park Ji-Sung is widely recognized as one of the greatest Asian footballers to have played in the Premier League. During his time in England, Park enjoyed significant success, winning three Premier League titles (2006/07, 2007/08, 2008/09, 2010/11), three Football League Cups (2005/06, 2008/09, 2009/10), four FA Community Shields (2007, 2008, 2010, 2011), a UEFA Champions League (2007/08), and a FIFA Club World Cup (2008). This impressive haul of 12 trophies is notably more than the combined total of the other players on the list.

In his 204 appearances for Manchester United, Park Ji-Sung scored 28 goals and provided 30 assists, establishing himself as an integral part of the team. Following his time at Manchester United, Park had a brief stint at Queens Park Rangers, although it was not particularly memorable. He made 25 appearances for the club before departing.