Hidetoshi Nakata, Ali Daei, Park Ji-Sung — in the history of the FIFA World Cup, there has been no shortage of Asian players that have shone on football’s biggest stage.
And with the World Cup once again here, returning to Asian soil for the first time since Japan and South Korea co-hosted the competition in 2002, there are plenty who will be hoping it is their turn in the spotlight.
– 2022 World Cup: All squad lists for Qatar
For traditional heavyweights Japan, South Korea and Iran — who have no shortage of Europe-based stars — it could be some fairly recognisable names lighting up the World Cup.
But for hosts Qatar and Saudi Arabia, who boast squads entirely comprised of players plying their trade domestically, there could be one or two unfamiliar faces rising to prominence.
Here, we look at ten who could do just that.
Almoez Ali (Qatar)
