Riyad Mahrez added flair to Al Ahli Saudi’s attack, delivering with his trademark creativity and vision, to guide them to their first-ever continental title. The Algeria winger bagged nine goals and eight assists during a monumental campaign, to win the top-tier club tournament in Asia – only two years after doing so in Europe.  

Sota Miura - Kawasaki Frontale 

Sota Miura was a key figure in Kawasaki Frontale’s continental campaign, starting 11 of their 12 games in their run to the final. The left-back was not only solid in defence but also contributed to attacks with his relentless running, and scoring in a 3-0 win against Buriram United in their fifth outing of the League Stage.   

Salem Al Dawsari - Al Hilal SFC 

Though Al Hilal fell short of emerging as Asian champions again, their captain Salem Al Dawsari continued to be a force to be reckoned with this season. Al Dawsari, who was the Most Valuable Player in 2021, emerged as the top scorer of the competition for the first time in his career with 10 goals as well as two assists.

Jasir Asani - Gwangju FC 

Albania winger Jasir Asani was unstoppable during the AFC Champions League Elite, kicking off Gwangju’s maiden continental voyage with a hat-trick in a 7-3 defeat of Yokohama F. Marinos. He then went on to bag doubles against both Johor Darul Ta’zim and Vissel Kobe to finish with a memorable nine goals and an assist in the competition.   

Cristiano Ronaldo was also in the race for the top scorer honour, bagging eight goals in as many matches for Al Nassr at the age of 40. He scored twice against both Al Gharafa and Al Wasl in the League Stage before also scoring in last-16 and quarter-final victories over Esteghlal and Yokohama respectively. 

Anderson Lopes - Yokohama F. Marinos 

Only Riyad Mahrez (17) was involved in more goals during the AFC Champions League Elite campaign than Anderson Lopes, who scored nine goals and made five assists in 10 appearances for Yokohama. His impressive displays included three goals in two legs of the last 16 against Shanghai Port and a double against Buriram in the League Stage.  

This season, Roberto Firmino joined a very small band, which only includes his teammates Edouard Mendy and Riyad Mahrez, to have won the top-tier club competition in both Europe and Asia. The Al Ahli Saudi captain registered six goals and seven assists, including creating both goals in the final against Kawasaki, to be named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player. 

Neil Etheridge - Buriram United 

Neil Etheridge picked Buriram as his destination as his first club challenge outside of English football in 2024 and the Philippines goalkeeper had a year to remember with the Thai powerhouse. The shot-stopper stood tall for his new side, pulling off vital saves and commanding his box with confidence to finish with five clean sheets. 

Akram Afif - Al Sadd SC 

Qatar playmaker Akram Afif was at his best for Al Sadd in the AFC Champions League Elite as he orchestrated attacks with his vision and flair. The 28-year-old two-time AFC Player of the Year scored five goals and created four assists in 10 appearances as the Qatar Stars League side made it to the quarter-finals in Asia.

Marcinho - Kawasaki Frontale 

Kawasaki winger Marcinho wreaked havoc down the left flank throughout the competition with his explosive dribbling and knack for unlocking defences. The Brazilian amassed five goals in the AFC Champions League Elite this season, scoring against Shanghai Shenhua in the last 16 and also in the extra-time quarter-final triumph over Al Sadd.