These rising stars from Asia are ready to prove their mettle at the world's biggest football event
This year's World Cup in Qatar is particularly exciting for a number of reasons. It is the first World Cup after Covid-19 pandemic restrictions have been lifted. Qatar is the first Middle Eastern country to host the global competition. It is also the first time the World Cup is held during the winter season.
Brazil, Belgium and Argentina are some of the top squads to watch at the World Cup this year but we also have our eyes on these five Asian players.
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Son Heung Min, South Korea
Arguably the biggest Asian football star at the moment, Son Heung Min plays Tottenham Hotspur F.C. in the Premier League and has been pivotal in the re-emergence of South Korea as a force to reckon with on the international football scene.
After the retirement of legends Park Jisung and Lee Youngpyo, the nation's football team encountered a period of turbulence and instability no thanks to a revolving door of coaches that contributed to the failure of many promising players fulfilling their potential.
Enter Son, who broke the mould by becoming the first Asian footballer to win a Premier League Golden Boot award in the 2021-22 season. Despite a recent injury, fans still hold out hope to catch Son in peak performance at the World Cup.
See also: Tottenham Hotspur’s Son Heung-Min Becomes the First Asian Golden Boot Winner