Football in the South Asian nation has been part of the sporting calendar for well over a century, with the country being home to several of Asia's most historic clubs. In recent years, the emergence of the ISL has led to a number of sides from all across India springing into existence as football has moved into an exciting new era.

Taking into account history, fanbase and recent success, the-AFC.com has selected five teams as India's most popular clubs and asks you, the fans, to vote for your favouritie.

Up next, the-AFC.com features a Safawi Rasid thunderbolt from Malaysia's Johor Darul Ta'zim in the 2018 edition and he faces off against an emphatic finish from Syrian side Al Shorta's Oday Al Jafal in 2012.

Up next is Malaysian Safee Sali's stunning overhead kick for Johor Darul Ta'zim which goes up against an outrageous effort from Syrian Mohammad Al Wakid as he scored from inside his own half for Al Jaish.

East Asia faces West Asia in the first of our Round of 16 match-ups as South China AA's former Hong Kong international Chan Siu Ki goes up against Lebanese star Mohamad Haidar from Safa SC.

Over the past two weeks we have seen the goalkeeper and the back four in front of him decided, so now it's time to turn our attention to the midfield and find out who you consider the top trio.

So, here are the 10 players in contention for three places in the centre of the park. Review the candidates and then select your favourite for this all-star XI in the poll below.

Cho Gue-sung scored a brace as Jeonbuk won the title for the fourth consecutive year and give veteran striker Lee Dong-gook the perfect end to his illustrious K League career.

The veteran forward, who is the all-time leading goal scorer in both the K League and the AFC Champions League, announced last week that he would be retiring at the end of the season.

The gifted midfielder, who turned 40 on Saturday, will see out the remainder of the campaign with the current runaway J.League leaders before hanging up his boots.

Nakamura, whose side lead the standings by 17 points from Gamba Osaka, is in line to add a third J.League title to the ones he won with Kawasaki in 2017 and 2018.