AFC Champions League Elite
While the continent's biggest stars once again stole headlines, a group of fearless young talents showed they belong on the grand stage.
So now it's time for you, the fans, to celebrate the future of Asian football by voting for your Future Star of the Season – Presented by NEOM. We have shortlisted 10 players who lit up the competition, and your vote will now decide the season’s standout youngster.
So now it's time for you, the fans, to celebrate the future of Asian football by voting for your Future Star of the Season – Presented by NEOM. We have shortlisted 10 players who lit up the competition, and your vote will now decide the season’s standout youngster.
Mohammed Abdulrahman - Al Ahli Saudi FC
A fearless, attack-minded right-back, Mohammed Abdulrahman brings energy and fight to Al Ahli's right flank. With time to sharpen his delivery and refine his attacking edge, the youngster has all the makings of a future leader.
Saleh Abu Al Shamat - Al Ahli Saudi FC
Quick feet, composure beyond his years and a champion's mentality made the No. 47 one of the breakout names of the season. Featuring in eight matches, the youngster turned pressure into opportunity time and again - his audacious no-look finish against Al Gharafa SC on Matchday Three standing out as a display of his pure confidence.
Arif Aiman - Johor Darul Ta’zim
No longer a talent in the making, but a proven gem. The 23-year-old was in sparkling form until injury curtailed his season, his creativity and end product helped power Johor Darul Ta'zim to a historic first quarter-final — with his match-shaping assist on Matchday Four a standout moment of his class.
Sardorbek Bakhromov - PFC Nasaf
Don't let his baby face fool you - Bakhromov plays with a fearlessness that belies his years. The 20-year-old featured in all eight League Stage matches, scored twice and provided two assists, giving Nasaf every reason to be proud of their homegrown talent.
Max Caputo - Melbourne City FC
Seven starts from nine appearances and three goals in the League Stage made the 20-year-old one of Melbourne City's standout performers. Lethal in the air and sharp in his movement, Caputo had a knack for finding the right spot — and delivering the crucial goals to match.
Marcus Younis - Melbourne City FC
Giving up was never in Younis' dictionary. From a late winner against Ulsan HD in the League Stage to the inch-perfect cross that set up the injury-time equaliser against Buriram United in the Round of 16, the 20-year-old was simply unstoppable.
Ayoub Al Oui - Al Gharafa SC
Five starts from seven appearances and deployed across multiple positions thanks to his versatility, the 21-year-old proved one to watch in Al Gharafa's defence. Crucial tackles and clearances were a constant feature, but his campaign highlight came with a goal on Matchday Four against Saudi giants Al Hilal SFC.
Suphanat Mueanta - Buriram United
Buriram's joint top goalscorer, Suphanat Mueanta, would find space in the tightest of pockets and punish defenders with a clinical finish or a thunderous strike that made jaws drop. None was more decisive than his Matchday Eight strike against Shanghai Shenhua that sealed Buriram's place in the Round of 16.
Mohammad Juma - Shabab Al Ahli
The youngest name on the shortlist but never overwhelmed by the occasion. The 19-year-old featured in six matches and contributed to goals in consecutive fixtures - a strike against defending champions Al Ahli Saudi FC before providing an assist in the Round of 16 victory over Tractor FC.
Hamad Al Meqbaali - Shabab Al Ahli
Still among the youngest players in Shabab Al Ahli's squad, yet already the go-to figure between the sticks. While four clean sheets in 11 matches only tell part of the story, the young goalkeeper’s consistency was a key factor behind the UAE side's impressive run to the semi-finals.
Now it's your turn to decide who truly represents the future of Asian football. Vote for your NEOM Future Star of the Season and help crown the tournament's brightest young talent.
Poll ends at 17:00 (UTC+) on May 16.
