The 2023 AFC Awards held in Seoul marked a historic moment in Asian football, with several record-breaking achievements celebrated. Among the winners, Australian star Ellie Carpenter made history by becoming the first female player to win the award for Best Asian Professional Player Outside the Continent.
In a remarkable feat, Japan's Go Oiwa was honored as the Best Men's Coach in Asia for the second time, a first in the awards' history. His achievement underscores his significant impact on the sport within the region.
Park Eun-jung received the accolade for Best Women's Coach, becoming only the second coach from South Korea to achieve this recognition. Her success reflects the growing prominence of women in football coaching roles across Asia.
Additionally, Iranian star Saeed Ahmad Abasi was awarded Best Futsal Player in Asia, further showcasing the diversity of talent present in the continent's football scene. The awards ceremony celebrated not only individual excellence but also the collective commitment of national federations to elevate football standards in Asia.