Didier Drogba has opened up a world of opportunity in China and blazed a trail for other senior stars as the wealthy Asia-Pacific region becomes an increasingly hot soccer destination.

The ex-Chelsea striker remains the headline act after a year that also saw Nicolas Anelka, Marcello Lippi and Alessandro Del Piero head east, with even David Beckham linked with a move to Australia or China.

Japan's Shinji Kagawa made a breakthrough at Manchester United, but moves in the other direction are catching attention as economic imperatives help raise the profile of Asian soccer