In a glittering ceremony in Riyadh, Saudi Arabian winger Salem Al-Dawsari was awarded the men’s Asian Player of the Year accolade for a second time, while Japanese defender Hana Takahashi claimed the women’s title. The event celebrated the top performers in Asian football over the past season and highlighted rising stars, enduring talents, and outstanding contributions across both men’s and women’s games.
Al-Dawsari reclaimed this honor after having first won it in 2022, edging out top contenders including Qatar’s Akram Afif and Malaysia’s Arif Aiman. His performance this year was pivotal, not only on the international stage—where he helped Saudi Arabia secure qualification for a third straight FIFA World Cup—but also domestically and in continental competitions. The Al Hilal star’s drive, influence, and consistency earned him this distinguished recognition amid strong competition.
Reflecting on his achievement, Al-Dawsari remarked with humility that the award held a special significance because it came in recognition of sustained effort and teamwork. He expressed gratitude toward the fans, his club teammates, and the national squad, noting that while personal honors are gratifying, their value multiplies when they reflect collective success.
His distinction is also historic: it marks the seventh time a player from Saudi Arabia has won Asia’s top football honor. The nation’s linkage with this award dates back to 1994, when Saeed Al-Owairan became the first Saudi winner. Over the years, Saudi players have gained recognition at continental level, and Al-Dawsari’s name now joins this select legacy.
On the women’s side, Hana Takahashi earned acclaim as Asia’s best female footballer this season. She edged out contenders Holly McNamara from Australia and China’s Wang Shuang to claim the title. In her acceptance via video message, Takahashi described the award as a deep honor and spoke about her immediate focus: preparing for the upcoming Women’s Asian Cup and working tirelessly to secure her place in Japan’s national squad. She pledged to contribute to elevating women’s football across Asia by continuing strong performances for both club and country.
In addition to these player awards, the ceremony also honored coaching excellence. North Korea’s Ri Song Ho was named Coach of the Year, having guided his country’s squad to victory in the Under-20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia. In the international category, South Korea’s Lee Kang-in was recognized as International Player of the Year, and Japan’s Maika Hamano took the women’s equivalent, acknowledging their influence on the global football scene beyond Asia.
Beyond the battles on the pitch, the awards reflect evolving trends in Asian football. Al-Dawsari’s return to the top suggests that experience and leadership remain highly valued, even as younger talents push the boundaries. Takahashi’s recognition signals growing depth and competitiveness in women’s football across the continent. And the coaching awards illustrate how tactical vision and development pathways are gaining importance in youth football.
For Saudi Arabia, Al-Dawsari’s win comes at a moment of momentum. His strong performances for Al Hilal—both domestically and in the AFC Champions League—have kept him in the spotlight, and the national team’s successive World Cup qualification adds a compelling backdrop. Already a veteran in his prime, he has become a symbolic figure linking past success to future ambition.
Meanwhile, for Japan, Takahashi’s rise aligns with that country’s long tradition of producing technically adept and competitive women players. Her victory adds to a line of celebrated Japanese players who have won Asia’s women’s football honors over the years, reflecting Japan’s consistent investment in the women’s game.
The Riyadh gala not only celebrated standout achievements on the field, but also spotlighted the continuing evolution of Asian football—honoring tradition even as it embraces new talent, and reaffirming the region’s growing presence on the global stage.