Has the summer of sports got you bitten by the football bug? Get to know these Asian football stars who are set to shine in the European domestic leagues this season.
With their world-class skills, million-dollar brand endorsement deals, and massive social media followings, Asian football players are increasingly influencing the sport both inside and outside of their home countries. If our summer of sport has got you hooked on watching the beautiful game, read on to learn more about the most influential Asian footballers currently playing in Europe's top leagues––and the teams you can watch them playing for during the 2021-2022 European domestic season.
See also: The 10 Highest-Paid Athletes Of 2021, According To Forbes
1. Son Heung-min
Position: Forward
Date of Birth: July 8, 1992
Nationality: South Korean
Current Club: Tottenham Hotspur, UK
A near-permanent fixture in the starting eleven for Tottenham Hotspur, South Korean star Son Heung-min has played in Europe for over a decade. After beginning his senior playing career in Germany with the Bundesliga club, Hamburger SV, the forward joined English Premier League team Tottenham Hotspur for GBP £22 million in 2015, making him the most expensive Asian footballer in history.
As well as his impressive club record––scoring 72 goals in 200 appearances for Spurs to date––Son is a key player in the South Korean national team, representing them in the 2014 and 2018 at the World Cup and leading the team to victory in the 2018 Asian Cup. Despite the whole team receiving an exemption from the country's mandatory military service following the historic win, Son Heung-min completed his basic training in 2020 while the Premier League was suspended due to Covid-19.
After reportedly signing with the sports wing of Hollywood talent agency Creative Artists Agency at the end of last year, it looks like 2021 will be the year Son becomes as big a deal off the pitch as he is on it. Adding to his million-dollar sporting salary, he is already the face of numerous brands in his native Korea, including the best-loved Shinramyeon spicy noodles.