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MLS: Top 5 Asian players in league history

By Matt Coles

LOS ANGELES, CA - MAY 13: Steven Beitashour #3 of Los Angeles FC controls the ball during the first half against New York City FC at Banc of California Stadium on May 13, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. The game ended 2-2. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - MAY 13: Steven Beitashour #3 of Los Angeles FC controls the ball during the first half against New York City FC at Banc of California Stadium on May 13, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. The game ended 2-2. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /
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WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 16: Kosuke Kimura #27 of the Colorado Rapids walks on the pitch before the match against D.C. United at RFK Stadium on May 16, 2012, in Washington, DC. D.C. United won 2-0. (Photo by Ned Dishman/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 16: Kosuke Kimura #27 of the Colorado Rapids walks on the pitch before the match against D.C. United at RFK Stadium on May 16, 2012, in Washington, DC. D.C. United won 2-0. (Photo by Ned Dishman/Getty Images) /

4. Kosuke Kimura

Kosuke Kimura spent eight years in MLS, and the majority of his professional footballing career in the United States and comes in at number four on our list of the best ever Asians to feature in MLS.

The second Japanese star to feature on our list, Kimura was chosen by Colorado Rapids in the 2007 MLS Supplemental Draft, making history in the process as he became the first-ever Japanese-born player to play in MLS.

He enjoyed success with the Rapids and was a key part of their side that lifted the 2010 MLS Cup. He scored the winning goal in the Western Conference final before playing all 120 minutes in the final as the club defeated FC Dallas to lift the title for the first time in their history.

Kimura then started all 34 regular-season matches in 2011. He left the club midway through the 2012 season, signing for the Timbers but would remain in Portland for just six months as he then made the move to New York Red Bulls for the 2013 term.

The Japanese defender’s first year in the Big Apple saw the Red Bulls lift the Supporters’ Shield on the final day of the season. Kimura was a key part of that side, featuring 24 times during the regular season. He eventually left the club the following year after eight seasons in the league. To this day, he is the longest-serving Japanese player in the league’s history.

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