The forward scored seven times in Ulsan’s successful AFC Champions League campaign last year – including twice in the final – as the club claimed the continental title for the second time in their history with victory over Islamic Republic of Iran's Persepolis FC in the decider in Doha in December.

In the middle of the European winter, it rained goals; This week’s 10 nominees piled on a total of 13 between them, with regular final third predators Mehdi Taremi and Sam Kerr joined on the scoresheet by the likes of Maya Yoshida and Milad Mohammadi.

But who deserves the crown of the best player outside the Asian continent for matches from January 21 to 27?

Study the shortlist, and don’t forget to cast your vote!

The 2021 AFC Champions League will see 40 teams in the group stage - an increase of eight - with one additional group each in the East and West Zones.

The 2021 AFC Cup Group Stage will see 39 clubs competing - an increase of three from 2019 - with a newly-introduced Group for the Central Zone.

This edition will also award the winning team a place in the preliminary stage of the 2022 AFC Champions League.

The Korea Professional Football League (K League) unveiled its 2021 season fixtures for the top-flight K League 1 on Thursday, covering the first 33 matches.

Afif was only 23 when he ran out at the FIFA Club World Cup Japan 2011, having made a big contribution to Al Sadd’s second continental title, playing eight matches in their victorious AFC Champions League campaign.

Though he missed Al Sadd’s first two matches in the competition – a 2-1 win over Esperance Sportive de Tunis and a 4-0 semi-final defeat to Barcelona – he came on for the last 18 minutes of the match for third place against host team Kashiwa Reysol, a game Al Sadd won 5-3 on penalties.

The 21-year-old Abdullah will join Al Hilal on a free transfer next season as his contract with fellow Saudi Pro League side Al Shabab expires in less than six months.