Top 10 Most Expensive Players at the 2023 Asian Cup: South Korea and Japan Dominate

The 2023 Asian Cup will be held in Qatar from January 12 to February 10, 2024. Twenty-four Asian countries are participating, sending their best players to compete for the championship title.

So, who is the most expensive player competing in the 2023 Asian Cup?

According to Transfermarkt, Kim Min-jae is the most expensive footballer in the tournament, with a market valuation of EUR 60 million, equivalent to Rp 1.02 trillion (assuming Rp 17,019 per EUR) as of January 9, 2024.

This South Korean national team defender also plays for Bayern Munich. He has played 22 matches in various competitions this season, from the Champions League to the Bundesliga.

Next is Japanese player Takefusa Kubo, who also has a market valuation of EUR 60 million.

Takefusa plays for the Spanish club Real Sociedad. He has scored 6 goals and 4 assists from 25 appearances in various football competitions this season.

Kaoru Mitoma (Japan) and Son Heung-min (South Korea) follow in third and fourth place, both with a valuation of EUR 50 million, equivalent to Rp 850.95 billion.

Here is a complete list of the top 10 players with the highest valuations in the 2023 Asian Cup, as reported by Transfermarkt on January 9, 2024:

1. Kim Min-jae (South Korea): EUR 60 million
2. Takefusa Kubo (Japan): EUR 60 million
3. Kaoru Mitoma (Japan): EUR 50 million
4. Son Heung-min (South Korea): EUR 50 million
5. Takehiro Tomiyasu (Japan): EUR 30 million
6. Hwang Hee-chan (South Korea): EUR 22 million
7. Lee Kang-in (South Korea): EUR 22 million
8. Hiroki Ito (Japan): EUR 22 million
9. Ritsu Doan (Japan): EUR 18 million
10. Tukinari Sugawara (Japan): EUR 15 million

(See also: List of Capacities of 9 Asian Cup 2023 Stadiums in Qatar, Which is the Largest?)