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Legends of Asia
A team across generations. Build your eleven, then explore the careers.
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A team across generations
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The 330 on the pitch
The duels
Pick the greater legend. Every vote moves the people's ranking of Legends of Asia.
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The 33 of Legends of Asia.
Editorial order, with a career scene and sources behind every name.
01
Son Heung-min 
144 (as of 4 October 2026) caps (South Korea) · 56 (as of 4 October 2026) goals · Hamburger SV, Bayer 04 LeverkusenAgainst Burnley on 7 December 2019 he collected the ball outside his own penalty area and ran 71.4 metres past six defenders in eleven seconds before finishing, a goal that won him the FIFA Puskas Award.
LM2010–
Son Heung-min 144 (as of 4 October 2026) caps (South Korea) · 56 (as of 4 October 2026) goals · Hamburger SV, Bayer 04 LeverkusenAgainst Burnley on 7 December 2019 he collected the ball outside his own penalty area and ran 71.4 metres past six defenders in eleven seconds before finishing, a goal that won him the FIFA Puskas Award.
LM2010–
02
CB
Cha Bum-kun 129 caps (South Korea) · 56 goals · SV Darmstadt 98, Eintracht Frankfurt
RM1972–1986
129 caps (South Korea) · 56 goals · SV Darmstadt 98, Eintracht Frankfurt
RM1972–1986
03
Harry Kewell 
56 caps (Australia) · 17 goals · Leeds United, LiverpoolStuttgart, 79 minutes gone on 22 June 2006, and Aloisi flicked on Bresciano's cross for Kewell to drive in the 2-2 with Croatia that carried Australia into a World Cup knockout round for the first time.
CAM1996–2012
Harry Kewell 56 caps (Australia) · 17 goals · Leeds United, LiverpoolStuttgart, 79 minutes gone on 22 June 2006, and Aloisi flicked on Bresciano's cross for Kewell to drive in the 2-2 with Croatia that carried Australia into a World Cup knockout round for the first time.
CAM1996–2012
04
HN
Hidetoshi Nakata 
77 caps (Japan) · 11 goals · Shonan Bellmare, A.C. Perugia Calcio
CM1997–2006
77 caps (Japan) · 11 goals · Shonan Bellmare, A.C. Perugia Calcio
CM1997–2006
05
Park Ji-sung 100 caps (South Korea) · 13 goals · Kyoto Sanga, PSV EindhovenUnited supporters called him Three-Lung Park, and the 2010 tie with Milan showed why: Ferguson gave him Andrea Pirlo, and he shadowed the Italian for 180 minutes, scoring himself in the 4-0 second leg at Old Trafford.
CM2000–2011
Park Ji-sung 100 caps (South Korea) · 13 goals · Kyoto Sanga, PSV EindhovenUnited supporters called him Three-Lung Park, and the 2010 tie with Milan showed why: Ferguson gave him Andrea Pirlo, and he shadowed the Italian for 180 minutes, scoring himself in the 4-0 second leg at Old Trafford.
CM2000–2011
07
Mark Viduka 43 caps (Australia) · 11 goals · GNK Dinamo Zagreb, Leeds UnitedLiverpool led 2-0 at Elland Road on 4 November 2000 before he scored on 24 minutes, again after the break, then twice inside two minutes on 73 and 75 to finish it 4-3.
ST1994–2007
Mark Viduka 43 caps (Australia) · 11 goals · GNK Dinamo Zagreb, Leeds UnitedLiverpool led 2-0 at Elland Road on 4 November 2000 before he scored on 24 minutes, again after the break, then twice inside two minutes on 73 and 75 to finish it 4-3.
ST1994–2007
09
AA
Adnan Al-Talyani 
161 caps (Emirates) · 52 goals · Al-Shaab CSCIn Singapore on 28 October 1989 he scored in the 16th minute against South Korea, and the 1-1 draw that followed carried the UAE to Italia 90, the only World Cup the country has reached.
ST1983–1997
161 caps (Emirates) · 52 goals · Al-Shaab CSCIn Singapore on 28 October 1989 he scored in the 16th minute against South Korea, and the 1-1 draw that followed carried the UAE to Italia 90, the only World Cup the country has reached.
ST1983–1997
12
HM
Hong Myung-bo 136 caps (South Korea) · FC Pohang Steelers, Shonan BellmareIn Gwangju on 22 June 2002 he walked up to take South Korea's fifth penalty against Spain and buried it, sending the hosts into a World Cup semi-final.
CB1990–2002
136 caps (South Korea) · FC Pohang Steelers, Shonan BellmareIn Gwangju on 22 June 2002 he walked up to take South Korea's fifth penalty against Spain and buried it, sending the hosts into a World Cup semi-final.
CB1990–2002
13
Keisuke Honda 98 caps (Japan) · 38 goals · Nagoya Grampus, PFC CSKA MoscowJapan needed only a draw against Denmark in Rustenburg on 24 June 2010, and Honda opened the scoring in the 17th minute with a knuckling free kick that dipped away from Thomas Sorensen.
RM2008–2018
Keisuke Honda 98 caps (Japan) · 38 goals · Nagoya Grampus, PFC CSKA MoscowJapan needed only a draw against Denmark in Rustenburg on 24 June 2010, and Honda opened the scoring in the 17th minute with a knuckling free kick that dipped away from Thomas Sorensen.
RM2008–2018
14
KM
Kim Min-jae Naples called him il Mostro in his first season there, 2022/23, when he replaced Kalidou Koulibaly and played 35 of 38 league games for a side that had not won Italy since Maradona.About the editorial selection
CB
Naples called him il Mostro in his first season there, 2022/23, when he replaced Kalidou Koulibaly and played 35 of 38 league games for a side that had not won Italy since Maradona.About the editorial selection
CB
15
MA
Majed Abdullah 
Al-NassrFans knew him as the Arabian Pelé, and he answered in finals, scoring the second goal against China in 1984 and burying his penalty in the 1988 shootout against South Korea.
ST
Al-NassrFans knew him as the Arabian Pelé, and he answered in finals, scoring the second goal against China in 1984 and burying his penalty in the 1988 shootout against South Korea.Career sources
Identity and career · Wikidata Q446181
16
Makoto Hasebe Urawa Red Diamonds, VfL WolfsburgFrankfurt trusted him with the armband deep into his thirties, and on 6 June 2020 he went past Cha Bum-kun as the Asian player with the most Bundesliga appearances, finishing his career on 380.
CDM2006–
Makoto Hasebe Urawa Red Diamonds, VfL WolfsburgFrankfurt trusted him with the armband deep into his thirties, and on 6 June 2020 he went past Cha Bum-kun as the Asian player with the most Bundesliga appearances, finishing his career on 380.
CDM2006–
17
SA
Salem Al-Dawsari Al Hilal, VillarrealIn the 53rd minute at Lusail on 22 November 2022 he turned inside the box and curled the ball past Emiliano Martínez, the goal that ended Argentina's 36-match unbeaten run.
LM
Al Hilal, VillarrealIn the 53rd minute at Lusail on 22 November 2022 he turned inside the box and curled the ball past Emiliano Martínez, the goal that ended Argentina's 36-match unbeaten run.Career sources
Identity and career · Wikidata Q3945419
18
Shunsuke Nakamura 98 caps (Japan) · 24 goals · Yokohama F. Marinos, AS Reggina 1914Celtic Park, 21 November 2006: Nakamura bent a free kick from 30 yards past Edwin van der Sar late on, and the 1-0 win over Manchester United sent Celtic into the knockout rounds for the first time.
CAM2000–2010
Shunsuke Nakamura 98 caps (Japan) · 24 goals · Yokohama F. Marinos, AS Reggina 1914Celtic Park, 21 November 2006: Nakamura bent a free kick from 30 yards past Edwin van der Sar late on, and the 1-0 win over Manchester United sent Celtic into the knockout rounds for the first time.
CAM2000–2010
19
IM
Ismail Matar 136 caps (Emirates) · 36 goals · Al-Wahda S.C.C., Al Sadd Sports ClubOn 30 January 2007 at Zayed Sports City he beat Oman with a 72nd-minute goal to win the UAE the Gulf Cup, the fifth of five in a tournament he left as top scorer and best player.
SS2003–2021
136 caps (Emirates) · 36 goals · Al-Wahda S.C.C., Al Sadd Sports ClubOn 30 January 2007 at Zayed Sports City he beat Oman with a 72nd-minute goal to win the UAE the Gulf Cup, the fifth of five in a tournament he left as top scorer and best player.
SS2003–2021
20
JN
Javad Nekounam 
151 caps (Iran) · Pas Tehran, Club Atlético OsasunaIran held Argentina goalless in Belo Horizonte on 21 June 2014 until Lionel Messi curled one in at the death, and the man wearing the armband through all 91 minutes was Nekounam.
CDM2000–2015
151 caps (Iran) · Pas Tehran, Club Atlético OsasunaIran held Argentina goalless in Belo Horizonte on 21 June 2014 until Lionel Messi curled one in at the death, and the man wearing the armband through all 91 minutes was Nekounam.
CDM2000–2015
21
Mark Schwarzer 109 caps (Australia) · Marconi Stallions, MiddlesbroughOn 16 November 2005 at Telstra Stadium, with Australia's 32-year wait for a World Cup on the line, he saved two Uruguayan penalties in the shootout and John Aloisi buried the last kick.
GK1993–2013
Mark Schwarzer 109 caps (Australia) · Marconi Stallions, MiddlesbroughOn 16 November 2005 at Telstra Stadium, with Australia's 32-year wait for a World Cup on the line, he saved two Uruguayan penalties in the shootout and John Aloisi buried the last kick.
GK1993–2013
24
Nashat Akram 
113 caps (Iraq) · Al-Shorta Baghdad, Al-NassrHe opened the scoring after 23 minutes against Australia in Bangkok on 13 July 2007 and created the second in a 3-1 group win.
CDM2001–2013
Nashat Akram 113 caps (Iraq) · Al-Shorta Baghdad, Al-NassrHe opened the scoring after 23 minutes against Australia in Bangkok on 13 July 2007 and created the second in a 3-1 group win.
CDM2001–2013
25
Nasser Hejazi 62 caps (Iran) · Esteghlal, ShahinScotland could not beat him in Córdoba on 7 June 1978; their only goal was an Iranian own goal, and the 1-1 draw stayed Iran's sole World Cup point for twenty years.
GK1968–1980
Nasser Hejazi 62 caps (Iran) · Esteghlal, ShahinScotland could not beat him in Córdoba on 7 June 1978; their only goal was an Iranian own goal, and the 1-1 draw stayed Iran's sole World Cup point for twenty years.
GK1968–1980
26
TT
Takehiro Tomiyasu 46 (as of 4 October 2026) caps (Japan) · Avispa Fukuoka, Bologna F.C. 1909
CB2018–
46 (as of 4 October 2026) caps (Japan) · Avispa Fukuoka, Bologna F.C. 1909
CB2018–
27
Younis Mahmoud Talaba SC, Al-Khor Sports ClubHawar Mulla Mohammed swung in the corner and the captain met it in the 73rd minute to beat Saudi Arabia 1-0 in Jakarta on 29 July 2007, four days after bombs killed at least fifty Iraqis celebrating the semi-final win.
SS2002–
Younis Mahmoud Talaba SC, Al-Khor Sports ClubHawar Mulla Mohammed swung in the corner and the captain met it in the 73rd minute to beat Saudi Arabia 1-0 in Jakarta on 29 July 2007, four days after bombs killed at least fifty Iraqis celebrating the semi-final win.
SS2002–
28
Yuto Nagatomo 145 (as of 4 October 2026) caps (Japan) · FC Tokyo, Inter MilanAt 39 years and 286 days he came off the bench at the 2026 World Cup, Japan's oldest player at a finals and the first Asian to appear at five of them.
LB2008–
Yuto Nagatomo 145 (as of 4 October 2026) caps (Japan) · FC Tokyo, Inter MilanAt 39 years and 286 days he came off the bench at the 2026 World Cup, Japan's oldest player at a finals and the first Asian to appear at five of them.
LB2008–
31
LY
Lee Young-pyo 127 caps (South Korea) · PSV Eindhoven, Tottenham HotspurThe cross that knocked Italy out on 18 June 2002 was his, 117 minutes gone in Daejeon, Ahn Jung-hwan climbing above Paolo Maldini to head the golden goal.
LB1999–2011
127 caps (South Korea) · PSV Eindhoven, Tottenham HotspurThe cross that knocked Italy out on 18 June 2002 was his, 117 minutes gone in Daejeon, Ahn Jung-hwan climbing above Paolo Maldini to head the golden goal.
LB1999–2011
32
Lucas Neill 96 caps (Australia) · Millwall, Blackburn RoversIn the last seconds against Italy at Kaiserslautern on 26 June 2006, Neill slid across in front of Fabio Grosso, Grosso went over the top of him, and Totti converted the penalty that put Australia out.
CB1996–2013
Lucas Neill 96 caps (Australia) · Millwall, Blackburn RoversIn the last seconds against Italy at Kaiserslautern on 26 June 2006, Neill slid across in front of Fabio Grosso, Grosso went over the top of him, and Totti converted the penalty that put Australia out.
CB1996–2013
33
Yuji Nakazawa 110 caps (Japan) · América Futebol Clube, Tokyo VerdyBahrain led 3-2 in the Jinan semi-final on 3 August 2004 when Nakazawa, the centre-back Japan called Bomber, flung himself at a loose ball and headed the equaliser in the 90th minute.
CB1999–2010
Yuji Nakazawa 110 caps (Japan) · América Futebol Clube, Tokyo VerdyBahrain led 3-2 in the Jinan semi-final on 3 August 2004 when Nakazawa, the centre-back Japan called Bomber, flung himself at a loose ball and headed the equaliser in the 90th minute.
CB1999–2010
About this XI
Legends of Asia's pool is led by Son Heung-min, Cha Bum-kun and Harry Kewell. The 33 covers 3 goalkeepers, 10 defenders, 14 midfielders and 6 forwards, with sourced senior international careers spanning the 1960s to the 2020s. Pick a formation, drag your eleven onto the pitch, then explore the careers and settle the duels below. Your votes reorder the people's ranking of these 33 in real time.
Who is the greatest Legends of Asia footballer of all time?
The editorial collection starts with Son Heung-min. Its first five careers: Son Heung-min, Cha Bum-kun, Harry Kewell, Hidetoshi Nakata, Park Ji-sung. The people's ranking on this page moves with every duel vote and can disagree.
How were these 33 Legends of Asia players chosen?
The collection covers every position across Legends of Asia's football history. Honours, international records and career achievements inform the editorial order. Each entry opens a career note and its sources. Fan votes in the duels build a separate ranking.
Where can I read about the careers?
Open a player page from the collection to read the career scene, club record and recorded honours. The source links show where the available records come from.
Can I build and share my own Legends of Asia all-time XI?
Yes. Pick one of 8 formations, place any of the 33 players onto the pitch, and export your lineup as a PNG. There is no account and no sign-up.