# Who is the best Asian midfielder in football history?

> Trailblazing playmakers and tireless engines define the best midfielders Asia has produced. Cast your vote!

*By YPB Team · Published May 26, 2026 · https://youpick.best/ranking/who-is-the-best-asian-midfielder-in-football-history*

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## Current results (no votes yet)

1. **Hidetoshi Nakata**
   Japanese trailblazer who starred in Serie A and elevated Asian football's profile.
2. **Park Ji-sung**
   Tireless South Korean midfielder and Manchester United Champions League winner.
3. **Shunsuke Nakamura**
   Japanese playmaker renowned for his sublime free-kicks at Celtic.
4. **Keisuke Honda**
   Influential Japanese attacking midfielder and three-time World Cup performer.
5. **Ali Karimi**
   Iranian Maradona, a gifted dribbler and Asian Player of the Year.
6. **Javad Nekounam**
   Influential Iranian midfielder and long-time national team captain.
7. **Yasuhito Endo**
   Composed Japanese playmaker and one of his country's most-capped players.
8. **Makoto Hasebe**
   Dependable Japanese midfielder and long-serving Bundesliga performer.
9. **Shinji Kagawa**
   Creative Japanese attacking midfielder and Bundesliga title winner.
10. **Ki Sung-yueng**
   Elegant South Korean midfielder and long-time national team leader.
11. **Mehdi Mahdavikia**
   Iranian wing-back and Bundesliga performer, an Asian Player of the Year.
12. **Aaron Mooy**
   Australian midfield metronome with a fine passing range.
13. **Wataru Endo**
   Modern Japanese captain and tenacious holding midfielder.

Tags: asia, football, players, midfielders