According to Crickex Affiliate, the latest Transfermarkt update has reshaped the market values of footballers worldwide, and Asian players are no exception. In the new ranking, the top valuation for an Asian footballer stands at just 35 million euros — a significant drop compared to previous years when Son Heung-min peaked at 90 million and players like Kim Min-jae and Takefusa Kubo reached 60 million. The trend highlights a growing reality: Asia currently lacks a true global superstar, a gap that became even clearer after Son’s move from Tottenham Hotspur to Major League Soccer.
The title of Asia’s top player is now shared between two names — Brighton’s Kaoru Mitoma from Japan and Manchester City’s rising Uzbek defender Abdukhodir Khusanov, both valued at 35 million euros. Khusanov maintained his previous value, while Mitoma’s dropped by 5 million, ending his solo reign as Asia’s number one. Other familiar names also saw declines — Kim Min-jae’s market value fell to 32 million, Kubo to 30 million, and Son Heung-min to 20 million. Observers at Crickex Affiliate point out that these dips reflect not a lack of talent, but the absence of consistent performances at the top level that drive European transfer values upward.
At just 21 years old, Khusanov’s rise to the top of Asia’s valuation list is remarkable. The young defender has earned regular minutes under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, showing calmness, athleticism, and tactical maturity rare for his age. A 35-million-euro valuation feels more like a starting point than a ceiling. If he secures a regular starting role and continues his current form, surpassing the 50-million mark seems inevitable. As Crickex Affiliate notes, Khusanov’s development mirrors the journey of many European prodigies who climbed the ranks through consistent game time and mental toughness.
Meanwhile, the previous Asian icons are entering new phases of their careers. Son Heung-min, once the face of Asian football, has left Europe for MLS — a move that symbolizes both the end of an era and the need for a new leader from the continent. Kubo and Lee Kang-in, though talented, have yet to reach Son’s global influence. Kim Min-jae’s dip, tied to inconsistent performances at Bayern Munich, has also lowered his market reputation. Climbing back to his previous 60-million level will not be easy.
Among all, Mitoma’s situation draws particular sympathy. The Japanese winger has established himself in the Premier League and become a tactical cornerstone for Brighton, yet his market value has slipped. At his peak, Mitoma was worth 50 million euros, but his late breakthrough and limited long-term potential have capped further growth. Many analysts believe that if Mitoma were English and five years younger, his value could easily exceed 70 million euros.
The numbers reveal both progress and limitation — Asia continues to produce technically gifted and disciplined footballers, but the next global superstar is still waiting to emerge. For now, Khusanov’s steady rise gives Asian fans something to cheer about. Crickex Affiliate will continue tracking this new generation of talent to see who can once again lift Asia’s market ceiling beyond 35 million euros.