Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Seoul: The son of one of Asia’s greatest players, former Korea Republic and FC Seoul defender Cha Du-ri reflects on his his 14-year career and how he finally stepped out of the shadow of his famous father.
Cha Du-ri had a harder time than most in living up to his father’s legacy. Korea Republic’s all-time leading scorer with over 50 goals from more than 120 international matches, winner of two UEFA Cups and holder of a number of Bundesliga records, Cha Bum-kun is hailed far and wide as one of Asia’s greatest ever players.
A 14-year career as a professional brought its own accolades to Cha with a CV that is impressive in its own right: 2015 AFC Asian Cup finalist, 2013 AFC Champions League finalist, 2011 AFC Asian Cup third place, not to mention appearing in the 2002 and 2010 FIFA World Cups.
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Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kuala Lumpur: It's that time of the week when the-AFC.com looks back at some of the finest goals the AFC Champions League has witnessed during its rich history, with the latest '5 of the Best' taking in chips, lobs and scoops.
Following on from the opening four editions – acrobatic goals, solo goals, volleys and long-range stunners – this week's compilation sees beautifully executed finishes from Saudi giants Al Ittihad and Al Hilal as well as entrants from FC Seoul, Sanfrecce Hiroshima and Guangzhou Evergrande, so sit back and enjoy!
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kuala Lumpur: Two Saudi Arabian sides, two continental champions, two history makers. Al Ittihad and Al Hilal SFC are the only teams from the Kingdom to conquer the AFC Champions League.
Al Ittihad set a new standard for dominance, remaining the only team to win back-to-back AFC Champions League titles in 2004 and 2005, while Al Hilal’s persistence saw them overcome years of frustration to finally lift the trophy in 2019. the-AFC.com compares Saudi Arabia’s last two continental champions.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kuala Lumpur: Think you know everything about the Asian game from Jordan to Japan and from Beirut to Brisbane? Take on the Asian Football Quiz!
Also Try:
The Asian Football Quiz - Round 1
The Asian Football Quiz - Round 2
The Asian Football Quiz - Round 3
The Asian Football Quiz - Round 4
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kuala Lumpur: Japan’s Masashi Nakayama has one of the most glittering resumes in the history of Asian football having won the AFC Asian Cup, the Asian Club Championship and appeared at the FIFA World Cup, but for all his success, one failure in particular sticks in his mind.
Nearly two decades after he last pulled on the national team’s famous blue shirt, Nakayama’s name still resonates loudly within Japanese football. After a career spent as one of his country's footballing pioneers, his every utterance carries weight and significance.
Adored by fans for his never-say-die attitude, his professional and thorough approach always belied the fact his nickname ‘Gon’ was due to his resemblance to a comedy character on Japanese late-night television.
But for a man who achieved almost everything possible in the Asian game, who scored 247 goals in 539 games across a club career that lasted an astonishing 23 seasons, it is a rare failure that sticks uppermost in his mind.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kuala Lumpur: In the fourth edition of our AFC Champions League legends series, we turn the spotlight on Japan and highlight five icons who have graced Asia's premier club competition over the years.
Three J.League clubs have tasted Continental glory in the AFC Champions League era, with Urawa Red Diamonds, Gamba Osaka and Kashima Antlers all having lifted the prestigious trophy, and players from the trio feature heavily in our selection.
Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kuala Lumpur: In the third part of this series of profiles, we look at five Chinese icons of the AFC Champions League era.
Since the opening edition of the AFC Champions League in 2002-03 to recent times, players from the world's most populous nation have left an indelible mark on the tournament.
While the bulk of our selection is understandably from powerhouse Guangzhou Evergrande - two-time winners and, indeed, the only side from China to lift the title in the AFC Champions League era - we have also included two stand-out forwards who have made their own Continental history away from the southern heavyweights.