5 superstar players playing in Asian football leagues 

Asian football leagues are becoming a bread earner for many footballers with more big-name signings and more money being pumped into the clubs. Chinese Super League clubs are leading the race of signing big names into their clubs which started with the like of Nicholas Anelka, Didier Drogba, Paulinho and kept on splashing more money bringing Axel Witsel, Carrasco, Alex Texeira, Carlos Tevez, Ezequiel Lavezzi and many more. Players in the twilight of their careers are coming more to the league and having a valuable contribution to the league. They may not be the best as they were in their peak, but for the standards of league and pace of the game in Asia, they are doing well.

Similarly, J League of Japan has had Zico and Gary Lineker playing in the teams earlier in the days, and now has the maestro Andres Iniesta and Fernando Torres playing for Vissel Kobe and Sagan Tosu respectively. Qatari Club Al-Sadd SC has managed to rope in the services of Xavi Hernandez.

India's own Indian Super League managed to attract Marco Matterazi, Florent Malouda, Trezeguet, Diego Forlan, Alessandro Del Piero, Helder Postiga, David James, Robbie Keane and many more.

The leagues have been signing the players to grow the leagues and make more prominent and known players sign for the club, as they have their own fan base which will help in the viewing of the league. As of now, China is being the favourite place for players. Young players like Oscar and Witsel are playing, who still are yet to age and have much more football left in them.

So, now let us look at the five stars who have signed and are playing in Asia. They may not be at their peak, but they have the talent and the experience to show in the field.

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#5 Lukas Podolski

At number five in our list is the sharpshooter Lukas Podolski from Germany. All of you may be familiar with his name. Having plied his trade at some of the top clubs of Europe like Bayern Munich, Arsenal, Inter Milan and Galatasaray, he now plays for Vissel Kobe in Japan's J-League. Vissel Kobe signed him from Galatasaray after the season ended.

For a player who won the Best Young Player award at the 2006 World Cup, ahead of Messi and Ronaldo, he has not had the best of careers. His injuries hampered his better prospects. But, he finished with 49 goals for Germany in 130 matches for the senior team and was a regular in the team.

#4 Javier Mascherano

Another name, not unknown to the football loving people of the world, Javier Mascherano joined Heibei CCFC in the Chinese Super League after a wonderful 8 years in Barcelona and being their go-to man for the CDM and defensive role. He recently retired from international football after losing in the quarterfinals of the World Cup to eventual champions France. He joined Heibei CCFC in January of this year after ending his contract with Barcelona.

He joined a side being coached by Manuel Pellegrini, the ex- ManCity boss, and has former Argentine teammate Ezequiel Lavezzi. They are currently placed 10th on the table and would be eyeing a top-five finish at the end of the season.

#3 Fernando Torres

Fernando Torres, the Spanish striker is now playing for Sagan Tosu in Japan's J-league. He moved there after his stint with his boyhood club Atletico de Madrid ended this year. He ended his spell at Atletico de Madrid on a high by winning the Europa League but could not make it into the world cup team too, so he thought it would be better to try it in the J-league for now.

He signed for Sagan Tosu on a free transfer till 2020. There were many interests from MLS and also Rafa Benitez, his old boss at Chelsea and Liverpool wanted him at Newcastle United.

He started his first game just yesterday but unfortunately, the team lost on his debut match. The veteran striker needs to fire for Sagan Tosu as they stand 17th on the league table.

#2 Xavi Hernandez

Xavi ended his long career with Barcelona at the end of the season of 2015. The icon of Barcelona and probably one of the best midfielders of his generation bid adieu and joined Al-Sadd, a club in Qatar which plays in the top division of Qatari League.

He said at the time of transfer that he is playing for the club and also would like to focus on coaching in the Aspire Academy. He replaced his former Spain teammate Raul in the team.

He is still at his best in the field for Al- Sadd and has scored 20 goals in three seasons. He is an integral part of the team and looks to continue the good run. After finishing his stint here, he would look to the prospects of being a coach for future.

#1 Andreas Iniesta

Iniesta was welcomed to Japan by Vissel Kobe, a team that hasn't won the J-league of Japan. After 16 years at Barcelona, he finally left the club looking to spend his twilight years in the football fields of Japan. He is joining Podolski at the club and looks to form a partnership with the striker.

He has retired from International football too after this year's World Cup at Russia, as Spain were knocked out in the pre-quarterfinals. That may not have been good, but with Barcelona, he won the La Liga and also not to forget the 32 trophies that he has won over the years at the club. But, he is not the first Barcelona man to play for Vissel, Michael Laudrup played for Vissel during 1996-97.

His debut night was not a warm affair yesterday as his team lost to Shonan Bellmare by three goals to nil. With more than half of the season left, Iniesta along with Podolski would look to make a mark on the team and finish strong. Iniesta, just at 33 years of age, has more to give to Japanese football at the moment.