Top 10 footballers who came to Asia at the end of their career

These players came to the sub-continent in the later stages of their careers

Top players in Europe as well as in South America after having a successful career many times play in a league which is not very competitive like Europe and want to earn more money at the end of their career or to win more trophies. Many Asian clubs offer large salaries and lucrative contracts to attract top players. This can be especially attractive to players at the end of their careers who may be looking to maximize their earning potential. Some players may be drawn to the cultural and lifestyle opportunities that come with playing in Asia. Players may see an opportunity to increase their brand and endorsement opportunities by playing in Asia. Some players may have personal or family ties to Asia, or may simply be looking for a new challenge at the end of their careers.

Here are the top 10 players who finished their careers in Asia:

10. Tim Cahill

In 2018, he joined the Indian Super League team Jamshedpur FC as a player. He made his debut for the team on October 6, 2018, in a match against Mumbai City FC. During his stint at Jamshedpur FC, Cahill scored 4 goals in 14 appearances. He played a key role in the team's attack and was a fan favourite for his work ethic and leadership on and off the field. However, his time at the club was short-lived as he left at the end of the 2018-19 season.

9. Diego Forlan

In 2016, he joined the Indian Super League team Mumbai City FC as a player. He made his debut for the team on October 3, 2016, in a match against FC Pune City. During his stint at Mumbai City FC, Forlán scored 2 goals in 10 appearances. He was a key player for the team and helped them reach the semi-finals of the Indian Super League.

However, his time at the club was short-lived as he left at the end of the 2016 season. After his stint in India, Forlán joined Hong Kong Premier League team Kitchee SC in 2017. He made his debut for the team on July 22, 2017, in a match against Eastern SC. During his time at Kitchee SC, Forlán scored 8 goals in 15 appearances and helped the team win the Hong Kong Premier League title. He left the club at the end of the 2017-18 season.

8. Robert Pires

In 2014, he joined the Indian Super League team FC Goa as a player. He made his debut for the team on October 12, 2014, in a match against Delhi Dynamos. During his stint at FC Goa, Pires made 10 appearances and scored 2 goals. He played a key role in the team's attack and helped them reach the semi-finals of the Indian Super League. However, his time at the club was short-lived as he left at the end of the 2014 season.

7. Nicolas Anelka

In 2015, he joined the Indian Super League team Mumbai City FC as a player-manager. He made his debut for the team on October 4, 2015, in a match against FC Pune City. During his stint at Mumbai City FC, Anelka scored 2 goals in 11 appearances. He played a key role in the team's attack. However, his time at the club was short-lived as he left at the end of the 2015 season. He also had a small stint with the club as a manager where he failed to take the club to the semifinals.

6. Alessandro Del Piero

In 2014, he joined the Indian Super League team Delhi Dynamos as a player. He made his debut for the team on October 15, 2014, in a match against FC Pune City. During his stint at Delhi Dynamos, Del Piero scored 4 goals in 14 appearances. However, his time at the club was short-lived as he left at the end of the 2014 season. Del Piero is also known for his stint at Australian A-League team Sydney FC, where he played from 2012 to 2014 and scored 24 goals in 48 appearances.

5. Marco Materazzi

On 22 September 2014, Materazzi was signed as the player-manager of Chennaiyin FC in the inaugural season of the Indian Super League. Materazzi signed a two-season contract with Chennaiyin for $1 million (USD) every season. At the end of the 2015 season, in which Materazzi led Chennaiyin to the Indian Super League championship, his contract ended. After the conclusion of the 2016 season, it was announced that Materazzi would not return to the club for 2017

4. Xavi Hernandez

He is best known for his successful stint at the Spanish club Barcelona, where he won numerous trophies including the UEFA Champions League. In 2015, Xavi Hernandez joined the Qatari club Al Sadd SC as a player. He made his debut for the team on August 20, 2015, in a match against Al Khor SC. During his time at Al Sadd, Xavi played a key role in the team's midfield and helped them win the Qatari Stars League and the Emir of Qatar Cup. He retired from professional football in 2019 after a successful career in Spain and Qatar. He also started his managerial career at Al Sadd.

3. Fabio Cannavaro

The Italian defender shocked the fans after deciding to join Al-Ahli in UAE. The 2006 FIFA World Cup winner agreed to join the Asian club after the conclusion of the 2010 World Cup. The centre-back was crucial in helping Italy lift the World Cup in 2006. He rejoined Juventus in 2009 from Real Madrid in La Liga. However, after a year in his second stint with the Old Lady Cannavaro decided to leave Europe for Asia. He played 16 games for Al-Ahli and retired as a player in July 2011.

2. Andres Iniesta

Similar to Xavi, Iniesta also came through the academy ranks at FC Barcelona and played for them for his career until 2018. The midfielder joined J1 League outfit, Vissel Kobe, on a free transfer in 2018, putting an end to his life at FC Barcelona. The 37-year-old is still an important figure at Vissel Kobe. His current contract will keep him at the club until 2024.

1. Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo is officially an Al Nassr player as his run in European football comes to an end. The Portuguese forward has signed a two-and-a-half-year deal until 2025. The record goalscorer in the history of the top European Cup competition, the UEFA Champions League, will now pursue his career on a different continent. He is considered to be one of the best players of all time, but his move to Asian football is a complete shock to many people now.