From Shunsuke Nakamura to current star Kyogo Furuhashi, Celtic has been blessed with Asian players representing the club and being a part of its rich trophy-winning history.

Given his connections and success in the J-League, Ange Postecoglou’s appointment as Celtic manager in 2021 saw an influx of Asian players join the club.

Many have been and continue to be successful, with a China-based journalist questioning Brendan Rodgers about the growing number of Asian players in Europe and for his team ahead of Celtic’s Champions League match against Atletico Madrid.

In his pre-match press conference, Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers praised the ‘incredible professionalism’ of the Asian players he works with, as well as their ability to ‘cope’ physically.

Given that the Bhoys lack Premier League funds to sign whoever they want from Europe’s biggest clubs, recruitment must be more niche and clever.

From Japan’s Reo Hatate to South Korean forward Hyeongyu Oh, the club has discovered gems who are thriving or will thrive in the coming years.