On September 25, AFC revealed the three finalists for the 2025 International Player of the Year award: Paris Saint-Germain’s Lee Kang-in, Iran’s Mehdi Taremi (Inter Milan/Olympiacos), and Japan’s Takefusa Kubo (Real Sociedad). Surprisingly, Son Heung-min, who lifted the UEFA Europa League trophy last season, was left out despite scoring 11 goals across competitions.
Many in Korea expressed disappointment, questioning the selection criteria. As Spurs’ leader, Son not only played a pivotal role in their European triumph but also created a historic moment as the first Asian captain to hoist a UEFA trophy. His absence from the list—despite winning the same award last year—left fans frustrated.
Japanese outlet Football Channel reported that Korean fans voiced dissatisfaction, particularly with Kubo’s nomination over Son. According to the report, Korean supporters felt Son had proven himself more with tangible results, while AFC chose Lee Kang-in alone from Korea, sidelining Son.
Japanese fans, however, were split. Some agreed Son remains Asia’s best player but argued his peak has passed. “Son is still Asia’s greatest, but his prime is over. The selection also weighs potential and current impact. It’s natural he wasn’t chosen,” one fan remarked. Others criticized Korea’s reliance on him, asking, “How long will Korea keep clinging to Son? Even 50 years later, they’ll still be saying no one has surpassed him.”
Still, not all dismissed him. Some insisted Son was more deserving than Lee Kang-in, citing his key role in Tottenham’s European victory. One fan commented, “PSG is a dominant team, and Lee didn’t shine individually. Son’s contributions as a leader and scorer outweigh that. If anything, Lee should have missed out, not Son.”
Other voices suggested that Bayern Munich defender Kim Min-jae should have been nominated instead of Lee or even Taremi, noting his consistent full-time appearances at the highest level.
The debate highlights the ongoing rivalry in Asian football fandom, with Son’s exclusion fueling discussions about legacy, current form, and how AFC weighs performance versus potential.
Sources: nate
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