Son Heung-min Crowned Best Footballer in Asia, Surpassing Cristiano Ronaldo

Tottenham Hotspur's Son Heung-min has once again been recognized as the Best Footballer in Asia, securing the title for a record-extending seventh consecutive year. In a vote by 63 Asian football experts, Son triumphed over fellow South Korean Kim Min-jae of Bayern Munich and Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, who plays for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia.

Son received 22.9% of the vote, while Kim Min-jae secured 19.54%, and Cristiano Ronaldo followed with 17.06%. This marks the ninth time in his career that Son has claimed the prestigious award. He has now taken the title in 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023; his only miss was in 2016, when he finished third.

The award considers the performance of players from Asia or those playing in Asia. Ronaldo became eligible after his move to Al-Nassr of the Saudi Pro League. In 2023, he scored 38 goals in 44 appearances for his club.

Despite not winning the award, Ronaldo had a remarkable year, scoring more goals than any other player in 2023, with a total of 53 goals. At 38 years old, the Portuguese international continues to demonstrate his enduring talent.

Son, who captains both Tottenham and the South Korea national team, also won the prize in 2015, 2017 and 2019 and takes the trophy from compatriot Kim Min-jae of Bayern Munich. He has been on fire with Los Angeles Football Club since joining the Major League Soccer side in early August. He has eight goals and three assists in nine matches, and scored seven goals during a recent four-match scoring streak.

Son's achievements in 2023 include leading South Korea to the Round of 16 at the World Cup, entering the Premier League's '100 club', reaching 150 goals for Tottenham, and being appointed captain of the team. He also became the first Asian player to score 100 goals in the English top flight after scoring against Brighton in March.

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) also presented its annual awards. Akram Afif of Qatar was named the main player of the year. Ellie Carpenter of Australia, who plays for Lyon, was the inaugural winner of the women's international award.

Son's win highlights his continued influence and success in both the Premier League and international football. He has become the most-capped male player in South Korean football history. Son earned his 137th cap by getting into the starting lineup in a friendly match against Brazil at Seoul World Cup Stadium.

While Ronaldo's move to the Saudi Pro League has increased the league's global profile and digital engagement, Son's recognition as Asia's best footballer underscores his consistent performance and contribution to the sport.