Shinji Kagawa moves to St Truidense

Wed, 12 Jan, 2022

Shinji Kagawa moves to St Truidense

Sint-Truiden: Former Japan international Shinji Kagawa has joined Belgian side St Truidense, the ex-Cerezo Osaka and Manchester United midfielder confirmed on Tuesday.

Kagawa, who had cancelled his contract with Greek side PAOK in December after struggling for game time, becomes the seventh Japanese player on the club’s books, joining Ko Matsubara, Daiki Hashioka, Daichi Hayashi, Daniel Schmidt, Tatsuya Ito and Taichi Hara.

Squads revealed ahead of AFC Women’s Asian Cup India 2022 kick-off

Thu, 13 Jan, 2022

Squads revealed ahead of AFC Women’s Asian Cup India 2022 kick-off

Kuala Lumpur: The 12 contenders at AFC Women’s Asian Cup India 2022 have named the 23-strong squads they hope will steer them to glory at this month’s continental Finals.

With eight days remaining until the 20th edition of Asia’s flagship women’s football competition kicks off in Mumbai, squads featuring the continent’s biggest names, as well as stars of the future, were formally registered on Monday.

Best FIFA Women’s Player boost for Australia’s Kerr as India 2022 nears

Tue, 11 Jan, 2022

Best FIFA Women’s Player boost for Australia’s Kerr as India 2022 nears

Kuala Lumpur: Australian captain Sam Kerr could begin her AFC Women’s Asian Cup India 2022 campaign with the title of the world’s best player after reaching the final shortlist for The Best FIFA Women’s Player Award.

The prolific Chelsea striker is one of three remaining contenders for the honour, which will be presented on January 17, just four days before the Matildas begin their India 2022 campaign against Indonesia in Mumbai.

Kerr will face stiff competition for the global award, with UEFA Women’s Champions League-winning FC Barcelona duo Alexia Putellas and Jennifer Hermoso completing the top three.

Putellas won France Football’s Ballon d'Or Féminin last month, finishing ahead of Hermoso and Kerr. who finished second and third respectively in the final voting. Join the-AFC.com as we recap an amazing 2021 for Kerr.

AFC Asian Cup China 2023™ stadium in Chengdu marks its debut

Tue, 11 Jan, 2022

AFC Asian Cup China 2023™ stadium in Chengdu marks its debut

Chengdu: The Chengdu Phoenix Hill Stadium, one of the 10 venues of the AFC Asian Cup China 2023™, was successfully unveiled during the final of the Chinese Football Association (CFA) Cup 2021, which saw Shandong Taishan defeat Shanghai Port 1-0 to claim the coveted domestic crown on Sunday. 

The thrilling final marked a significant milestone for the Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the AFC Asian Cup China 2023™, which will be aiming to hosts all the matches of Asia’s premier men’s national team competition in football specific stadiums. 

Thailand star Chanathip signs for Kawasaki Frontale

Tue, 11 Jan, 2022

Thailand star Chanathip signs for Kawasaki Frontale

Hong Kong: Thailand international Chanathip Songkrasin has joined J1 League champions Kawasaki Frontale from Consadole Sapporo, the 2022 AFC Champions League qualifiers announced on Tuesday.

Chanathip, who has spent the last four-and-a-half seasons with the Hokkaido club, joins Kawasaki after leading Thailand to the AFF Cup title in Singapore earlier in the month.

Japan's golden oldie 'King Kazu' joins new team at 54

Tue, 11 Jan, 2022

Japan's golden oldie 'King Kazu' joins new team at 54

Tokyo: Japanese football star Kazuyoshi Miura extended his decades-long playing career at the age of 54 on Tuesday with a move to a fourth-tier club managed by his older brother.

Miura, known as "King Kazu", said he would "strive to help the team win on the pitch" after joining Suzuka Point Getters.

The move was announced at 11:11am on January 11 -- with the former international forward set to wear the number 11 shirt next season.

Al Hilal strengthen squad with Al Owais, Al Obaid signings

Tue, 11 Jan, 2022

Al Hilal strengthen squad with Al Owais, Al Obaid signings

Riyadh: Al Hilal SFC have boosted their squad with the signings of Mohammed Al Owais from Al Ahli and Al Nassr’s Abdulrahman Al Obaid on three-year deals.

Having secured the 2021 AFC Champions League title after beating Pohang Steelers 2-0 in the final, head coach Leonardo Jardim was keen to add depth to the squad as Al Hilal turn their attention to domestic challenges and the FIFA Club World Cup next month.

Indonesia’s Shalika Aurelia joins Roma ahead of AFC Women's Asian Cup challenge

Tue, 11 Jan, 2022

Indonesia’s Shalika Aurelia joins Roma ahead of AFC Women's Asian Cup challenge

Rome: Indonesian’s Shalika Aurelia Viandrisa has completed a history-making transfer on the eve of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup, joining Italy’s Roma in a move announced on Monday.

The deal is set to make the 18-year-old the first Indonesian woman to play professionally in Europe, with the defender to link up with the Serie B side following the continental Finals, which begin on January 20.