Has Euro 2020 got you bitten by the football bug? Get to know these Asian football stars before the 2021-22 European Season kicks off in August.
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 Euro 2020 has gotten 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 in the upcoming 2021-2022 European domestic season.
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 70 goals in 195 appearances for Spurs to date––Son is a key player in the South Korean national team, representing them at the 2014 and 2018 Olympics 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 during the Premier League's 2020 suspension.
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 the star becomes as big a deal off the pitch as he is on it. Adding to his million-dollar sporting salary, Son is already the is the face of numerous brands in his native Korea, including the best-loved Shinramyeon spicy noodles.