"I am deeply honoured and pleased to receive this award. There is a lot of competition for the award, particularly since other Asian players have continued to raise their game in the last few years”, the 23-year-old, who received his award from AFC Technical Committee Member Lee Young-soo, said.
Having shone for club and country, Son is the first player from Korea Republic to receive the prestigious accolade since the AFC Asian International Player of the Year Award was introduced in 2012. He was chosen ahead of compatriot Ki Sung-yeung - who was also nominated for the 2014 award - and Australia’s Massimo Luongo, the 2015 AFC Asian Cup Most Valuable Player.