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Football in Asia has shown substantial growth over the years, with several clubs recording a lot of success at both domestic and international levels. Here we review the most successful Asian football clubs and celebrate their achievements and contributions to the sport.
Al Hilal (Saudi Arabia)
Al Hilal is one of the most successful football teams in Asia of all time. The club from Saudi Arabia has claimed four AFC Champions League trophies (1991, 2000, 2019, 2021) and has achieved several national league titles. Al Hilal remains a big name in Asian football with passionate fans and consistent displays.
Pohang Steelers (South Korea)
Pohang Steelers have become one of South Korea’s top performing teams. Three AFC champions league titles (1997, 1998, 2009) as well as numerous K-league honors prove that fact right. It was thanks to their foreign escapades during the nineties that Koreans ultimately became internationally relevant in soccer.
Urawa Red Diamonds (Japan)
Urawa Red Diamonds are one of Japan’s favorite clubs who have been very successful in recent times too. They have won two AFC Champions League trophies (2007, 2017) and various J1 League championships. Always known for its strongly supported fan base, it’s always towards victory making them strong sides within Japan.
Esteghlal (Iran)
Based out of Tehran, Esteghlal is currently among Iran’s topmost popular clubs with massive trophy hauls under its belt[NTD2]. Twice winners of the AFC Champions’ League (1970, 1991), they possess numerous domestic honours too for their credit [NTD3]. All throughout its history however rich this might be or packed with enthusiasts only make them to be considered important on Asian soil.
Al Ittihad (Saudi Arabia)
This Saudi Arabian giant has been successful on the continental stage. They have twice won the AFC Champions League (2004, 2005) and are multiple-time winners of domestic trophies. Al Ittihad having consecutively bagged the Champions League in the mid-2000s cemented their place among the top sides in Asia.
Guangzhou Evergrande (China)
Guangzhou Evergrande has ruled Chinese football recently. The club has been victorious twice at AFC Champions league(2013, 2015) and many titles of Chinese Super league. Since they spend a lot of money to buy good players and form strong teams, Guangzhou Evergrande set a high bar for all of China.
Al Sadd (Qatar)
Al Sadd is by far Qatar’s most successful football club ever as per their records [NTD4]. Double winners of AFC Champions’ League (1989, 2011), numerous Qatari league accolades can be found in their cupboard[NTD5]. This implies that Al Sadd often performs well while developing local talent hence becoming a fulcrum within Qatar’s footballing landscape.
Seongnam FC (South Korea)
One of South Korea’s most successful clubs is Seongnam FC formerly known as Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma who have claimed two different championships for Asia as well as several K-League titles[NTD6]. Twice winners of AFC champions under different names (1995, 2010) with several victories at domestic level are credited to them[NTD7]. The nineties and noughties witnessed this club raising the profile of South Korean football.
Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors (South Korea)
Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors have become one of the forces to reckon with lately [NTD8] since they were crowned Asian champions twice i.e., during 2006 and 2016 plus multiple K-League titles[NTD9]. Jeonbuk has always been known to have a formidable team hence being an important player in Asia.
Al Ain (United Arab Emirates)
In the UAE, Al Ain is one of the most successful teams [NTD10]. They won AFC Champions’ League in 2003 and have many domestic UAE Pro League titles. The consistency of their performance and development policy for local players make Al Ain look as a significant club within Asian football circles.
They’ve brought their best to bear on the Asian football fields, and have done so at both home and abroad. These accomplishments have not only given pride to their countries, but also developed the game in Asia.
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The legacy of these legendary teams will continue to be an inspiration as new clubs emerge and competition stiffens. If you are passionate about following your favorite teams live; having a Sky Exchange ID can enhance your experience by bringing you closer to the most exciting world of football where success is everything.