Key Takeaways:
- Salem Aldawsari clinched the AFC Men’s Player of the Year honour for the second consecutive year
- Japanese defender Hana Takahashi claimed the women’s award, becoming the sixth from her country to receive this recognition
- The award ceremony was held at the Congress Center in Riyadh
AFC Accolades: Men’s and Women’s Winners Revealed
Salem Aldawsari, representing Saudi Arabia, was named Asia’s top male footballer for the second year running during an award ceremony at the Congress Center in Riyadh. The celebrated winger has now captured Asia’s number one crown for a third time, following earlier achievements, having first won the accolade in 2022. Aldawsari played a pivotal role in guiding Saudi Arabia to a third straight FIFA World Cup qualification and prevailed over fellow finalists Akram Afif of Qatar and Arif Aiman of Malaysia for the prestigious honour.
Asia's Best 🔝
National Team Captain Salem Aldawsari crowned the best player in Asia 🇸🇦👏 pic.twitter.com/sspWRHp8T0— Saudi National Team (@SaudiNT_EN) October 16, 2025
Speaking after receiving the award, Aldawsari said: “I am happy and grateful for the award. Winning it for the second year in a row is something special because this time it came after huge efforts.”
“But winning titles with my team is much more important, more valuable, and more exciting than winning individual awards. However, this one is special because it also adds to our team’s achievements. I am grateful for the support I received from everyone, from the fans, from my colleagues in the national team and at my club. This award is for them.”
Historic Achievements and Recognition
Aldawsari’s achievement marks the seventh time a Saudi Arabian footballer has received this prestigious recognition. The legacy dates back to 1994 when Saeed Al-Owairan became the first from the country to be recognised as Asia’s best.
| Year | Men’s Winner | Country |
|---|---|---|
| 1994 | Saeed Al-Owairan | Saudi Arabia |
| 2024 | Salem Aldawsari | Saudi Arabia |
| 2025 | Salem Aldawsari | Saudi Arabia |
Women’s Award: Takahashi Leads the Way for Japan
On the women’s side, Hana Takahashi emerged as Asia’s best after outpolling Australia’s Holly McNamara and China’s Wang Shuang. The Japanese defender is now the sixth footballer from Japan to earn this distinction, in a tradition that began in 1999.
