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Rising Stars: Spotlight on Emerging Players to Watch in the 2026 AFC Women's Asian Cup.

The AFC Women’s Asian Cup is more than just a competition for continental glory — it’s a global stage where the sport’s next generation announces itself to the world. For decades, Asia has produced phenomenal talent, from early legends like Homare Sawa and Wang Liping to modern stars like Saki Kumagai and Wang Shuang. But as the 2026 edition in Australia approaches (March 1–21), a new crop of emerging footballers — teenagers, young internationals and breakout performers — are poised to shape the tournament’s narrative. With continental qualification concluded and squads named, analysts, scouts, and fans alike are excited about a wave of rising players who could elevate their nations and influence the future of the women’s game. In this deep dive — extending beyond star veterans and headline names — we focus on the rising talents, their stories, skills, roles, and why the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup may be their breakout moment on Asia’s grandest stage. Choe Il-son (North Korea) — The Ne...

On Christmas Day, the great forward's contract was extended.


With the announcement that captain and now-famous forward Iago Aspas would be staying with the team, Celta Vigo handed their supporters perhaps the greatest Christmas gift they could have asked for.

The 37-year-old signed a new contract that keeps him there until the end of 2026, but his previous one expired next summer. For the supporters at Balaidos, who have watched Aspas participate in their European runs and save them from numerous relegations in extreme sports, he has become a Messiah.


Aspas, who has appeared in 16 of Claudio Giraldez's 17 Liga games this season, is still a key member of the team. He has six goals and three assists in those appearances, 13 of which have been starts. He is frequently the Galicians' center of invention, and despite his advanced age, he still has the midas touch in front of goal. However, the fact that Giraldez was benched against Real Sociedad and Celta still won shows that he has reduced the team's dependency on Aspas.

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