It is a huge show this week with plenty on the agenda from the AFC Champions League, the AFC U20 Asian Cup and bidding for the 2031 AFC Asian Cup.

We're joined by Emirati journalist Sultan Al-Ali to discuss the knockout rounds of both the AFC Champions League Elite and AFC Champions League Two, as well as Australia's success in the AFC U20 Asian Cup.

We also speak with Lion City Sailors defender Bailey Wright about his time in the city-state, and their Asian ambitions.

Finally, we are joined by Muhammad Sodik from Uzbekistan Football Association to discuss the joint bid from Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan for the 2031 AFC Asian Cup.

In a special bonus episode, on the eve of the SheBelieves Cup, our resident women's football expert, Alex Bishop, catches up with new Nadeshiko Japan assistant coach, Leah Blayney.

Together they discuss her coaching journey in Australia, her first impression of the Japanese players and the emotion of coming up against Australia in her first game.

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The full crew is back for the first time in 2025 ahead of a bumper year in Asian football, with a feast of football coming our way.

We're joined from Kuala Lumpur by Keeshanan Sundaresan from Stadium Astro to discuss in-depth the new structure around the Malaysian national team, while we also look at Abdukodir Khusanov's move to Manchester City.

Also on the agenda we discuss the return of the AFC Champions League Elite, the upcoming AFC U20 Asian Cup, another big transfer window in Saudi Arabia, headlines by Jhon Duran's move to Saudi Arabia, and look at the return of the J. League this weekend.

02:25 - 29:37: Malaysian national team discussion 29:38 - 36:38: Abdukodir Khusanov to Manchester City 36:39 - 38:38: AFC U20 Asian Cup 38:39 - 43:05: Transfer window heralds new dawn in Saudi Arabia 43:06 - 46:03: AFC Champions League Elite returns 46:04 - 52:20: J. League returns

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The new year is not even a week old and already Asian football has its first bombshell, with the news that Indonesia has sacked head coach Shin Tae-yong.

Despite significant success during his tenure, PSSI chairman Erick Thohir announced on Monday that his five-year reign as coach had come to an end after an evaluation of the national team programme.

Why was the decision made? Is the decision justified? And where do they turn next?

We answer those questions and many more with respected Indonesian journalist Firzie Idris from Kompas.

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In an open and expansive conversation, new DC United midfielder Hosei Kijima sits down with The Asian Game Podcast to discuss his unqiue journey to professional football and why he thinks he wasn't good enough to make it in Japan.

We also discuss the Japan national team, his debut season in MLS, the complexities of identity and his love for modern, progressive coaches.

Follow Hosei Kijima on X: https://x.com/KijimaHosei  Follow Hosei Kijima on IG: https://www.instagram.com/hoseikijima/ 

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The worst kept 'secret' in football has been confirmed: Saudi Arabia will host the FIFA World Cup 2034.

After the announcement from FIFA on Thursday evening, the Kingdom now has ten years to prepare to host football global showpiece; just the third time the FIFA World Cup will be played in Asia after Japan-Korea 2002 and Qatar 2022.

We're joined by Gulf football expert, Wael Jabir, and Arab News sports editor, Ali Khaled, to discuss what this means for Saudi Arabia, the reaction inside the country and the readiness of the country to host the biggest sporting event in the world.

PLUS... we also speak with Japanese midfielder, Hosei Kijima, after his debut season in MLS and discuss his personal journey from Japan to America, and his love of modern, progressive coaches like Ange Postecoglou.

The 15th edition of the ASEAN Championship, otherwise known as the AFF Mitsubishi Electric Cup, begins this weekend as Southeast Asia's best battle for regional supremacy.

Who are the favourites? Who are the dark horses? And who are the stars to watch?

Host Ryan Walters is joined by guru Keeshanan Sundaresan to preview the tournament and answer those questions, plus much more!

Follow Ryan on X: https://x.com/MrRyanWalters  Follow Keeshanan on X: https://x.com/keeshmatstats  Follow ASEAN Championship on X: https://x.com/aseanutdfc 

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In a lively and engaging conversation with ASEAN Game host Ryan Walters, Kuala Lumpur City’s Giancarlo Gallifuoco opens up about his life, career, and the personal choices that define his globe-trotting journey. 

The man better known as 'GG' delves into formative years in the youth ranks at Tottenham and Swansea, and how that experience contrasts with youth development in Asia. He also sheds light on his nomadic early career that saw him make stops in Australia, England, and Italy, before finding stability with KL City FC, where he’s flourished for four seasons.

Crediting the pivotal 2021 Malaysia Cup victory as a transformative moment that solidified his bond with the team and city, GG goes in-depth on how that led to his role as a vocal leader in a surprisingly closeknit dressing room.

Beyond the pitch, he explains why Kuala Lumpur has become home - highlighting the supportive environment, the joy of starting a family (perhaps a future Malaysian national teamer?), and the cultural fit that makes KL special.

A man contributing to football's rising stature in Malaysia both on and off the pitch, this is not a conversation to be missed!

Follow Ryan on X: https://x.com/MrRyanWalters  Follow GG on X: https://x.com/giange94 Follow GG on IG: https://www.instagram.com/giange94/ 

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How did a boy from Kansas City end up playing for the Jordanian national team?

Selangor defender Mo Abualnadi joins us to explain his background and his journey to play for Nashama, and why qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup would mean so much for him.

We also discuss his recent move to Malaysian side Selangor and his love of the local delicacies! 

Follow Mo Abualnadu on IG: https://www.instagram.com/moabualnadi/ 

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With Al Hilal, Al Nassr and Al Ahli dominating in the AFC Champions League Elite, is anyone capable of stopping the Saudi clubs?

We debate that question, and discuss the other major talking points from the AFC Champions League, while we also discuss ways to improve the AFC Annual Awards.

Finally, we preview the upcoming Asian Qualifiers and talk with Jordanian international Mo Abualnadi.

Follow Mo Abualnadu on IG: https://www.instagram.com/moabualnadi/ 

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