Salem Al Dawsari and Hana Takahashi claim Asian player of the year honours

Saudi Arabias captain Salem Al Dawsari earned the title of Asias Player of the Year for the second occasion while Japans Hana Takahashi secured the womens equivalent during a ceremony held in Riyadh.

The 34 year old winger Al Dawsari led the scoring charts in the previous seasons AFC Champions League with 10 goals contributing to Al Hilals progress to the semi finals in Asias premier club tournament.

Al Dawsari who previously won the award in 2022 commented "This success marks not the conclusion but the start of even loftier goals".

Under Al Dawsaris leadership Saudi Arabia confirmed their qualification for next years World Cup in North America this week.

Urawa Reds defender Takahashi aged 25 was instrumental for both her club and national team over recent months.

"Receiving recognition for my performances from last season is highly motivating" stated the scoring defender who aided Urawa in clinching a Japanese domestic cup.

During Thursdays event North Koreas Choe Il Son received the womens youth player of the year accolade following her key contributions to her nations victories in the U17 and U20 Womens World Cup titles.

Australias 20 year old attacking midfielder Alex Badolato took home the mens youth player award.