AFC Champions League Elite
And now, from the following list of nominees, you have the chance to decide who truly deserves to be named Player of the Season - Presented by STA
Franck Kessie - Al Ahli Saudi FC
Starting nine of the 12 matches, the Ivorian was the heartbeat of the champions. His three goals included a vital quarter-final equaliser against Johor Darul Ta'zim. However, his ultimate contribution came in the final, a decisive touch that set up the winner. In doing so, he joined Al Ittihad legend Mohammed Noor as one of the few to deliver goal contributions in back-to-back finals.
Galeno - Al Ahli Saudi FC
The Brazilian contributed six contributions (3 goals 3 assists), the pick of which was a magnificent strike in the semi-final against Vissel Kobe. Trailing at the break, his thunderous strike sparked a comeback in an eventual 2-1 victory, before also playing his part as an attacking threat in the final victory over FC Machida Zelvia.
Yuki Soma - FC Machida Zelvia
Four goals and an assist only begin to tell the story. The 29-year-old was the driving force behind Machida's dream debut run, returning from injury to net the semi-final winner and earning the tag of the club's ‘ace’ as they marched to the final.
Kosei Tani - FC Machida Zelvia
A wall at the back, producing 35 saves and seven clean sheets. Four of those shutouts came consecutively from the Round of 16 onwards, underlining his pivotal role in Machida Zelvia's run to the final.
Rafa Mujica - Al Sadd SC
Eight goals and two assists made him the tournament's leading marksman, highlighted by a Matchday Six hat-trick. The Spaniard had a knack for the spectacular, from a crucial equaliser against Al Hilal to a brace in a thrilling quarter-final encounter with Vissel Kobe.
Akram Afif - Al Sadd SC
With one goal and five assists, his influence went beyond the numbers when the pressure peaked; the Qatar forward delivered, notably with a nerveless penalty to seal a shootout win against Al Hilal SFC.
Yoshinori Muto - Vissel Kobe
Four goals and an assist, all at decisive moments. A proven big-game performer and game changer, the Japanese veteran struck in the semi-final, but his peak moment came with the dramatic late equaliser in the quarter-finals against Al Sadd.
Guilherme Bala - Shabab Al Ahli
Starting 10 matches, the Brazilian finished with six goal involvements in total - a relentless presence across the pitch and the driving force behind his side’s run to the last four.
Marcos Guilherme - Johor Darul Ta'zim
Three goals in just five appearances highlighted an efficient and impactful campaign, helping the Malaysian side reach the quarter-finals.
Neil Etheridge - Buriram United
Thirty saves and five clean sheets tell the story of a goalkeeper in peak form. The Filipino shot-stopper was the difference-maker in Buriram's run, delivering a heroic display against Melbourne City FC and stepping up again in the shootout to send his side through.
Your vote decides. Pick your Player of the season, share your choice on the AFC LIVE app, and check back for the winner on the-AFC.com.
Poll ends at 17:00 (UTC+8)on May 10.
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