This season’s 5 best Asian players to watch at the biggest football tournament of the year

Apr 24, 2026 | News On Japan

Apr 24, 2026 (News On Japan) - Read about the continent’s best footballers in the 1xBet review!

Takefusa Kubo (Japan, Real Sociedad)

Kubo is one of the most interesting Asian players at the moment. In the current La Liga season, the Real Sociedad winger played 18 matches, scoring 2 goals and providing 3 assists, before suffering an injury in January, which kept him out of action for two months.

During the qualification for the main tournament, Kubo was one of the key architects of Japan’s attacks. His strength lies not only in the statistics but also in his play. Takefusa is capable of accelerating the team’s movement, finding an unconventional solution and creating a scoring chance with a single accurate action. If Kubo approaches the summer tournament in top form, he will once again be one of the most dangerous players of the Japan national team.

Abdukodir Khusanov (Uzbekistan, Manchester City)

Abdukodir Khusanov is one of the major Asian discoveries of the season. Playing for Manchester City in the Premier League, he has recorded 889 minutes, 21 tackles and 21 interceptions – very impressive figures for a 22-year-old center-back.

Khusanov was one of the key players who helped the Uzbekistan national team qualify for the main football tournament for the first time in history. The national team no longer considers Abdukodir just a promising young talent, but one of their main hopes in crucial matches.

Lee Kang-in (South Korea, Paris Saint-Germain)

The Paris Saint-Germain midfielder isn’t having the most impressive season, but remains an important player for his team. He regularly features in Ligue 1 matches and has already scored 2 goals and made 4 assists.

Lee Kang-in is rightfully regarded as one of the leaders of the South Korea national team. In the qualification, he scored 5 goals and provided 6 assists, helping the team to progress through both rounds without suffering a single defeat.

Ritsu Dōan (Japan, Eintracht Frankfurt)

Ritsu Dōan is having a solid and consistent season at Eintracht Frankfurt. The Japanese winger has made 27 appearances in the Bundesliga, scoring 4 goals and providing 5 assists. He has also been a regular in the Champions League, featuring in 7 of his team’s 8 games in the tournament.

Dōan remains just as valuable for the Japan national team. He helped the Samurai Blue confidently make it through the qualifiers and has been a regular in Japan’s starting lineup. There have already been rumors in the press of interest from top European clubs, so a strong performance in America could be another major step for the player.

Kim Min-jae (South Korea, Bayern Munich)

The center-back of Germany’s strongest team has been playing at the top level for a long time. This season, Kim Min-jae has appeared in 19 Bundesliga matches, won 98 tackles and 37 aerial duels, scored 1 goal and made 1 assist. These figures clearly demonstrate just how important the Korean is to his club.

Kim Min-jae plays an equally important role in the South Korea national team. He remains one of the key figures in defense and helps the Taegeuk Warriors remain solid in big games.

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Asia will be represented at the main tournament of the year not just by familiar names, but by players who have already proven their high level in the strongest leagues and in major international matches. That’s why their performances at the tournament will be closely watched by fans and scouts from Europe’s best clubs.

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