Son Heung-min Remains Asia’s Reigning Football King, But Ranking Raises Eyebrows
Son Heung-min of LAFC continues to dominate as Asia’s top footballer, according to a recent ranking by global football content creators ‘Mad Football.’ The 2026 assessment places the South Korean captain at number one, a position he’s consistently held. Bayern Munich’s Kim Min-jae follows closely in second.
Controversial Calls in the Top Four
While the top two spots are largely undisputed, the ranking has sparked debate, particularly concerning the placement of South Korea’s Lee Kang-in at fourth, behind Japan’s Mitoma Kaoru. Lee Kang-in’s impressive 2024/25 season with Paris Saint-Germain – 49 appearances, 7 goals, and 6 assists – coupled with his contribution to PSG’s treble win, has led many to question the decision.
Lee Kang-in also became the first Asian player to score in the expanded FIFA Club World Cup, further bolstering his case for a higher ranking. He continues to be a key player for PSG, attracting interest from clubs like Atlético Madrid.
Mitoma’s Dip in Form Fuels Debate
Mitoma Kaoru, while having a solid previous season with 11 goals and 4 assists in 41 games, has experienced a relative downturn in form this season, with only 2 goals in 20 games. This raises questions about the criteria used by Mad Football in their assessment.
Recognition Beyond the Ranking: Lee Kang-in’s AFC Award
Lee Kang-in’s exceptional performance was recently acknowledged by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), where he was awarded the ‘International Player of the Year’ award in 2024. Some argue this recognition should have translated to a higher position in the Mad Football ranking, potentially even surpassing both Son and Kim.
Other Notable Mentions and Concerns
The ranking also included Ueda Ayase (Feyenoord) at fifth and Kubo Takefusa (Real Sociedad) at sixth. The exclusion of Abdulkadir Husanof (Manchester City) from the list has also drawn criticism, adding to the perception of an unclear ranking methodology.
The Rise of Asian Football: A Global Force
The prominence of South Korean players in the top four – Son Heung-min (1st), Kim Min-jae (2nd), and Lee Kang-in (4th) – underscores the growing strength of Asian football on the world stage. This is particularly significant as the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches.
Pro Tip:
Keep an eye on emerging talents in leagues across Asia and Europe. The next generation of Asian football stars is already making waves.
FAQ
Q: What criteria did Mad Football use for the ranking?
A: The exact criteria are not fully disclosed, but it appears to be based on performance in the 2026 calendar year.
Q: Why is Lee Kang-in ranked lower than Mitoma Kaoru?
A: This is a point of contention, with many believing Lee Kang-in’s recent form and achievements warrant a higher position.
Q: What does this ranking mean for the South Korean national team?
A: It highlights the strength and depth of the South Korean squad as they prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Did you know? Son Heung-min has consistently been ranked as Asia’s top player by Mad Football, even after his move to the MLS.
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