Asian Footballer of the Year

[1][2] However, it was not a selection of clear process or official organization, and is generally excluded from the list.

Eventually, the "Best Footballer in Asia" award inspired by Ballon d'Or was made in 2013.

[10] When continental confederations including AFC cancelled their awards ceremony due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, IFFHS restarted to select the Players of the Year about the world and each continent.

It is awarded to the Asian player who has the best performance at AFC club(s) in a calendar year.

It is awarded to the Asian player who has the best performance outside Asia in a calendar year.

Son Heung-min won the IFFHS Asian Player of the Year award in 2020, 2021 and 2022.
Hidetoshi Nakata won the AFC Player of the Year award in 1997 and 1998.
Server Djeparov won the AFC Player of the Year award in 2008 and 2011.
Akram Afif won the AFC Player of the Year award in 2019 and 2023.
Son Heung-min won the AFC Asian International Player of the Year award in 2015, 2017, 2019 and 2023.