Over the years, Asia has produced several successful football leagues, teams and players who have risen to international fame. Join us as we explore some of Asia’s most iconic organisations and individuals in the world of football.
ASIA’S BIGGEST FOOTBALL LEAGUES
SAUDI PROFESSIONAL LEAGUE
Saudi Arabia (1976)
Currently the most successful league in the Arab region, the Saudi Professional League officially became a professional league in 2007. In April 2022, it was announced that the league is planning to add two more clubs to its top tier from the 2023–24 season, which will bring the league’s total number of clubs to 18.
J.LEAGUE
Japan (1992)
The first J.League match in history occurred in May 1993, drawing a crowd of almost 60,000. The professional football league includes the first division J1 League, second division J2 League and the third division J3 League. The J1 League is one of the most successful leagues in Asian club football.
K LEAGUE 1
South Korea (1983)
South Korea’s professional football league was initially named the Korean Super League, but was split into two divisions in 2013 – K League 1 and K League 2. Out of the five original clubs in the Korean Super League, only two clubs – Yukong and Pohang – continue to compete under K League 1, which is currently South Korea’s top professional men’s football division.
PERSIAN GULF PRO LEAGUE
Iran (2001)
The Persian Gulf Pro League
