This marks a new instalment in our blog series exploring football leagues around the world, kicking off with a comprehensive look at the diverse competitions across Asia. These leagues range from emerging Southeast Asian circuits to powerhouse East Asian divisions and Gulf-funded giants, each blending local passion with global ambitions. Future posts will delve into leagues from other continents—Europe’s giants, South America’s showdowns, Africa’s rising talents, North America’s expanding MLS ecosystem, and beyond—offering in-depth discussions on global football landscapes and their unique cultures, histories, and fan traditions.
Are you ready?
Spotlight on Vietnamese V.League 1
Vietnam’s V.League 1 serves as an emerging hub in Southeast Asian football, contested by 14 professional clubs across a 26-match home-and-away season that typically spans from August to May under its recent autumn-spring calendar. Turning fully professional in 2000–01, the league permits up to five foreign players per team, fostering international talent while Thể Công-Viettel and Hà Nội share a record six titles each; Thép Xanh Nam Định lifted the 2024–25 trophy and now eyes success in the AFC Champions League Two. Average attendances hover around 5,000–10,000, with growing fan passion driving infrastructure upgrades like modern stadiums in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. While news coverage regarding the V.League isn’t as big as coverage regarding any European league, it’s still an interesting league to follow. Especially via local news sites; at least that where we get the information from.
Japan’s J1 League
Japan’s J1 League, launched in 1992 as Asia’s first fully professional top flight, pits 20 clubs in a rigorous double round-robin format totalling 38 matches per side. Kashima Antlers dominate with nine titles, including the 2025 crown, while from 2026–27 the league shifts to an August–May European calendar to sync with AFC events; top-two finishers qualify for the AFC Champions League Elite, fuelling rivalries like those between Urawa Red Diamonds and Yokohama F. Marinos.
China’s Ambitious Super League
The Chinese Super League (CSL), rebranded in 2004, features 16 teams playing 30 matches amid heavy state-backed investments that peaked with star signings like Oscar and Hulk, though salary caps now promote sustainability. Shanghai Port clinched the 2025 title after Guangzhou FC’s record eight triumphs, with relegation to China League One adding stakes and champions advancing directly to AFC Champions League Elite group stages.
Korea’s Thriving K League 1
South Korea’s K League 1, founded in 1983 and professionalised since 1987, unites 12 clubs in a split-season structure—regular rounds followed by championship playoffs—highlighting technical prowess and fervent derbies like the Suwon rivalry. Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors holds the most titles so far. With attendances exceeding 10,000 on average and expanding global broadcasts, it ranks among Asia’s most competitive and fan-engaged divisions.
Saudi Pro League’s Global Surge
The Saudi Pro League (SPL), dating to 1957 with 18 teams (since 2023) contesting 34 fixtures from August to May, has skyrocketed via mega-deals for Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, and Benzema, injecting over £1 billion in transfers since 2023. Al-Hilal boasts 21 titles. The SPL is easily one of Asia’s richest leagues.
India’s Dynamic Super League
India’s Indian Super League (ISL), launched in 2013 as a franchise model, runs 14 teams through 26 regular-season games from September to April, culminating in playoffs for the top six where the League Winners’ Shield holder grabs AFC Champions League Two priority. Mohun Bagan Super Giant defended their 2025 shield amid rising stars like Manvir Singh, with foreign player limits (six per squad) blending Bollywood glamour and packed Kolkata derbies drawing 50,000+. Rapid growth includes youth academies and AIFF integration, positioning ISL as South Asia’s fastest-evolving force.
AFC Champions League Elite
The AFC Champions League Elite crowns Asia’s club kings via a revamped format: 24 teams in four regional groups progressing to zonal knockouts and a centralised final four tournament, emphasising east-west balance. Japanese and Saudi powerhouses like Urawa Reds and Al-Hilal frequently triumph. Prize pots exceed $10 million for winners, spotlighting continental depth and scouting gems for Europe.
Which league should we tackle next?