Who is the best Asian defender of all time?

Rock-solid center-backs, dynamic fullbacks, and legendary sweepers who commanded both domestic leagues and the biggest stages — from Yokohama to Turin to Southampton. Where do you stand?

Hong Myung-bo

South Korea's legendary sweeper-libero who finished third at the 2002 World Cup and was shortlisted for the Ballon d'Or that year.

1/11

Yuto Nagatomo

Japan's consistent left-back who played for Inter Milan over many years and earned over 130 caps for the Samurai Blue.

2/11

Maya Yoshida

Japan's long-serving center-back captain who played in the Premier League for Southampton and starred at multiple World Cups.

3/11

Lee Young-pyo

South Korea's rapid left-back who played for PSV Eindhoven and Tottenham Hotspur and starred in the 2002 World Cup semifinal.

4/11

Fan Zhiyi

China's most decorated defender, who played for Crystal Palace in the Premier League and captained China at the 2002 World Cup.

5/11

Sun Jihai

China's first player to appear consistently in the top tier of English football, a reliable right-back at Manchester City.

6/11

Yuji Nakazawa

Japan's reliable center-back and captain who earned over 110 caps and was a pillar of the defense at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

7/11

Marcus Tulio Tanaka

Brazil-born naturalized Japanese center-back who became a key part of Japan's World Cup squads in 2006 and 2010.

8/11

Lucas Neill

Australia's combative right-back and captain who played in the Premier League for Blackburn and West Ham and led the Socceroos at the 2006 World Cup.

9/11

Craig Moore

Australia's imposing center-back who starred for Rangers in Scotland and Newcastle United before captaining the Socceroos at the 2006 World Cup.

10/11

Ehsan Hajsafi

Iran's versatile left-back who has captained his country and earned over 130 caps, playing in Greece for Olympiacos.

11/11