There are many English players currently playing outside Europe, especially across different leagues in Asia. Several of them once represented major Premier League clubs such as Manchester United, Manchester City, Liverpool, and others, yet today they continue their careers abroad.
The global shift of football talent is undeniable, with stars like Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Neymar, and others choosing to play outside Europe. A large number of these high-profile names compete in the Saudi Pro League, following the path set by Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo.
Through this blog on Odds96, let us take a closer look at the English footballers who are currently representing clubs across Asia.
Ivan Toney: Al Ahli (Saudi Pro League)
The 29-year-old English striker currently plays for Saudi Pro League side Al Ahli. Toney has scored 5 goals in 8 league matches this season, logging 623 minutes, and has also provided an assist in the AFC Championship. A former Brentford star, Toney has been prolific for Al Ahli, scoring 42 goals in 62 appearances to date. He has won two titles with the club, including the AFC Championship Elite and the 2025-26 Super Cup. For England, Toney has 1 goal in 7 matches.
Jesse Lingard: FC Seoul (K League 1)
The 32-year-old attacking midfielder currently plays in the K League 1 for FC Seoul. In the 2025 season, Lingard scored 10 goals and provided 4 assists across 34 league games, playing 2,572 minutes with a passing accuracy of 83.9%. He has represented England 39 times, scoring 7 goals. Despite winning 6 titles during his career with Manchester United, he has yet to win a trophy outside England. Across his time in South Korea, Lingard has scored 18 goals in 66 appearances for FC Seoul.
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Jonjo Shelvey: Arabian Falcons (UAE Second Division)
The 33-year-old midfielder currently represents Arabian Falcons in the UAE Second Division League (Super Lig 2024-25). He has made two appearances so far this season. Earlier, Shelvey played four matches for Burnley. His best period came at Newcastle United, where he made 202 appearances and scored 18 goals. Across his career, he has won two major trophies, one with Liverpool and one with Newcastle United.
Andros Townsend: Kanchanaburi (Thai League)
The 34-year-old winger currently represents Kanchanaburi in the Thai League, continuing his career in Asia. Townsend has made 12 league appearances, scoring 2 goals and providing 2 assists, with a passing accuracy of 81.9% so far this season. His best years came during his spell at Crystal Palace, where he played 185 matches and scored 16 goals between 2015 and 2021. Townsend has represented England 17 times, scoring 3 goals, and has won one major title, which came during his time with Everton.
Chris Smalling: Al-Fayha (Saudi Pro League)
The former Manchester United defender currently represents Al-Fayha in the Saudi Pro League, where he has made 9 appearances, scoring 1 goal, and has played 810 minutes this season. Now 36, the centre-back enjoyed his best years at Manchester United, making 323 appearances, scoring 18 goals, and winning 10 major titles with the club. Smalling has also played 42 matches for Al-Fayha, scoring 2 goals since joining the team. For England, he earned 39 caps and scored 2 goals.
Is Scoring in Asia Really Easy? The Numbers Say Otherwise
- All these players show that scoring in Asia is far from easy. Many leagues across the continent feature challenging conditions, with temperatures often reaching 29-35°C, forcing players to run and compete in demanding climates for 90 minutes or more.
- Statistics also suggest that several English players posted better numbers during their time in Europe or the Premier League, where they represented top clubs and enjoyed major success. Their performances in Asia highlight how competitive these leagues truly are.
- The Saudi Pro League is a perfect example. Even Cristiano Ronaldo has openly mentioned that playing in La Liga was easier in comparison, emphasising the physicality, intensity, and rising quality of football in Asia.
Conclusion
Playing in Asia is not easy – hot climates, intense travel, and competitive leagues make scoring and consistent performance challenging. Most English players have recorded stronger numbers in Europe, reflecting differences in style, teammates, and competition. High-profile moves to leagues like the Saudi Pro League show the region’s growing quality, but they do not guarantee easier football or instant success.
FAQs
1. Which English players are currently active in Asia?
Ivan Toney, Jesse Lingard, Chris Smalling, Jonjo Shelvey, and Andros Townsend are among the English players active in Asian leagues.
2. Which Asian league features the most English players?
The Saudi Pro League has the most English players, including Ivan Toney and Chris Smalling.
3. Is football in Asia easier than in Europe?
No. High temperatures, physical play, and travel make Asian football challenging, as noted even by Cristiano Ronaldo.
4. Why are English players choosing to play in Asia?
Players move for better contracts, more minutes, new experiences, and the growing level of Asian leagues.
