Kim Min-jae #4

Profile

Widely regarded as Asia’s finest centre-back, “The Monster” gets his physicality from his judo-trained dad and his pace from his mum, a track and field athlete. Kim’s club career has been stellar: in 2023 he was named Serie A’s best defender when playing for Napoli, whose coach Luciano Spalletti said: “He does at least 20 unbelievable things per game. When he runs with the ball at his feet, he's inside the opposition penalty area within five seconds." Soon after that award he made a £43m move to Bayern Munich, juggling that with completing his compulsory military service. The move made him the most expensive Asian footballer of all time. After the 2022 World Cup, Son Heung-min announced during a dinner that Kim was the side’s best-looking player. Kim responded: “I don’t trust people who say I’m handsome.”

Key stats