AFC Asian Qualifiers
Asian football continues to produce talent with huge potential to reach the highest level, with the likes of Lee Kang-in and Takefusa Kubo among those who have earned global recognition in recent years.
After the completion of the third round of AFC Asian Qualifiers, the-AFC.com picks 11 players who impressed for their respective nations and asks you to vote for your favourite rising star.
Musab Al Juwayr (Saudi Arabia) - 22 yrs
Musab Al Juwayr shone for Saudi Arabia, with the 22-year-old midfielder on the scoresheet in a 1-1 draw against Indonesia and a 2-0 win against Bahrain, while also providing the assist for a 90th-minute winner against China PR. The midfielder looks set to have a bright future with the Green Falcons.
Zion Suzuki (Japan) - 22 yrs
Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki had a highly impressive season for both club and country, as he produced eight clean sheets for Parma in Serie A and replicated that form for the Samurai Blue with six clean sheets in just eight appearances. He conceded just twice, playing a pivotal part in his nation’s eighth successive qualification to the FIFA World Cup.
Abdukodir Khusanov (Uzbekistan) - 21 yrs
Abdukodir Khusanov created history in January 2025 when he became the first Uzbek player to feature in the English Premier League and did likewise by helping Uzbekistan qualify for the FIFA World Cup for the first time. The centre-back played in eight matches, keeping six clean sheets, and remains among the most talked about Asian youngsters in the world.
Justin Hubner (Indonesia) - 21 yrs
Another promising 21-year-old centre-back, Justin Hubner was solid for Indonesia, producing fearless displays and showcasing his tackling expertise in six starts of which they won three and drew one. Among the highlights were the 2-0 win over Saudi Arabia and the 0-0 draw against Australia as the Garuda kept their FIFA World Cup qualification hopes alive.
Youssef Amyn (Iraq) - 21 yrs
Iraq winger Youssef Amyn played in eight out of 10 matches for his nation with his most crucial contribution coming in a 1-0 away win over Oman when his first-time finish in the 36th minute handed the Lions of Mesopotamia a priceless three points on the road.
Wang Yudong (China PR) - 18 yrs
Eighteen-year-old Wang Yudong featured in the last three matches of the campaign for China PR, notably helping his nation end on a high note having held his nerve to score a stoppage-time winner from the spot in a 1-0 win against Bahrain.
Ibrahim Al Hassan (Qatar) - 19 yrs
Another teenager on this list, Qatar’s Ibrahim Al Hassan scored his first senior national team goal in a 3-1 defeat to the United Arab Emirates, but he then enjoyed a scoring contribution in a winning game when he came off the bench to seal a 3-1 victory against Kyrgyz Republic on Matchday Three.
Marselino Ferdinan (Indonesia) - 20 yrs
Indonesia had to wait until Matchday Six for their first victory and what a night it was as Marselino Ferdinan scored in either half to help the Garuda stun Saudi Arabia 2-0. The young midfielder then went on to provide the assist for the winning goal against Bahrain to further endear himself to the fans.
Bae Jun-ho (Korea Republic) - 21 yrs
Bae Jun-ho is one of the hottest prospects to emerge from Korea Republic in recent years and he lived up to that billing by coming on as a substitute to seal a 3-1 away win against Kuwait on Matchday Five with his second international goal. He also supplied four assists along the way, including two in just four minutes in the reverse fixture against Kuwait in Seoul.
Abbosbek Fayzullaev (Uzbekistan) - 21 yrs
Uzbek football is on the rise and we have yet another candidate from the Central Asian nation as Abbosbek Fayzullaev continues to impress, bagging four goals and notably scoring against heavyweights Islamic Republic of Iran and Qatar. He also netted the winner versus DPR Korea and provided the assist for the winning goal against Kyrgyz Republic.
Harib Abdalla (United Arab Emirates) - 22 yrs
Harib Abdalla was on target for Shabab Al Ahli in the AFC Champions League Two™ last season while his performances for the national team were even more impressive. Emirati football’s brightest gem finished with the most goal contributions among the NEOM Future Stars after racking up four goals and three assists across the campaign.
Poll ends at 17:00 (UTC+8) on July 18
Related News
- AFC Asian Qualifiers
Road to 26 Playoffs draw to set stage for remaining contenders
- AFC Women's Asian Cup
Preview - Qualifiers - Group A: MD3
- FIFA World Ranking
Japan retain Asia’s top spot
- EAFF Championship
Korea Republic impress against Hong Kong, China
- Transfers
Hernandez signs for Al Hilal, Basaksehir land Shomurodov
Item 1 of 5