Son Heung-min Named Best Footballer in Asia, Beiranvand Comes Third
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Tottenham and Korea Republic star Son Heung-min has been named the Best Footballer in Asia 2018 by Titan Sports and Fox Sports Asia.
Son ended the year as one of the best performers in the world’s most popular league, winning the goal of the month in November with a sumptuous strike against Chelsea.
The year ended in England and also the UEFA Champions League as it started for the Korean: with Son playing well and simply reinforcing his status as a very, very good player.
In second place is one of the most experienced names in Asian football history.
Japanese Makoto Hasebe has been one of the most consistent performers that the continent has ever produced whether it be for club or country.
Iran and Persepolis goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand came third in the list. He has had what could almost be described as a perfect year. The Persepolis No. 1 has been a colossus and was between the sticks as the Tehran titan powered its way to the final of the AFC Champions League.
He proved his worth with a string of fine performances though in the end, Kashima Antlers were just a little too good and took the trophy.
But it was at the World Cup where he really made headlines and not just for a fascinating backstory and a long throw of legendary proportions.
The 26-year-old impressed in Russia as Iran came so close to getting out of perhaps the toughest group in the tournament and pushed Spain and Portugal all the way.
Such performances on the continental and global stages have been recognized by a succession of jurors based in various Asian nations.