Asian soccer leagues: How many are there, and which is the best?

Soccer is one of the world's most followed and televised sports. Football competitions in Asia have become very lucrative in recent years, and legends are emerging season after season. Thanks to these Asian soccer leagues, the levels of competition have also continued to grow, offering a decent level of competitiveness for any athlete interested in joining the competition.

After Europe, South America, and North America, Asia is one of the most attractive destinations for club football. For years, Asian teams have continued to perform higher in the FIFA Club World Cup, with some of the events being held on the continent.

Which are the top 10 Asian soccer leagues?

For starters, it is alleged that competitions with representatives from the far east and eastern axis tend to perform better than teams from the middle, the north, and the southern parts of the continent.

Nevertheless, today, the top ones on the continent have bragging rights as the best. And while this list ranks some of the highest-paying football leagues in Asia, it does not deter the fact that the other forty leagues are also incredible.

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10. Thai League 1 (Toyota Thai League) - Thailand

• Year founded: 1996
• Number of teams: 16
• Points: 42.568
• Confederation: Asian Football Federation, AFC
• Organising body: Thai League

It is the top level of the Thai league system operating on a system of promotion and relegation with Thai League 2. The league's seasons run from August to May, with each team playing 30 games.

Unlike other sports competitions in Thailand, Thai League 1 is sponsored by Toyota Motor Thailand, hence the name the Hilux Revo Thai League. In addition, it is contested by 16 clubs.

9. Uzbekistan Super League - Uzbekistan

• Year founded: 1992
• Number of teams: 14
• Points: 43.305
• Confederation: AFC
• Organising body: Uzbekistan Professional Football League

Uzbekistan Super League is the top division of professional soccer in Uzbekistan. It was founded in 1992 after the collapse of the Soviet Union and its domestic competition, the Soviet Top League. As a result, it is known as the Higher League with relegation to the First one.

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It currently plays with 14 teams and qualifies for the AFC Champions League group stage. It is no wonder it ranks among the best soccer leagues in Asia.

8. A-League - Australia

• Year founded: 2004
• Number of teams: 12
• Points: 64.752
• Confederation: AFC
• Organising body: Football Federation Australia, FFA

It is the highest-level professional men's soccer league in Australia and New Zealand. In fact, at the top of the Australian league system, it is the country's primary competition for the sport. It was established in 2004 as the A-League by the Football Federation Australia, FFA as a successor to the National Soccer League, NSL.

However, the competition commenced later in August 2005. Twelve teams currently contest it, eleven of which are based in Australia, while the other is in New Zealand.

7. Persian Gulf Pro League - Iran

• Year founded: 2001
• Number of teams: 16
• Points: 71.851
• Confederation: AFC
• Organising body: Football League Organization

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As of March 2023, the Persian Gulf Pro League is the highest division of professional football in Iran. Formerly known as the Iran Pro League of the Persian Gulf Pro, it qualified for the AFC Champions League Play-off round.

In the past, before relegation, the format and the number of teams were changed at various times. As a result, Persepolis became the most successful club with seven titles, including 6 Pro titles as it was initially known.

6. Qatar Stars League - Qatar

• Year founded: 1972
• Number of teams: 12
• Points: 82.407
• Confederation: AFC
• Organising body: Qatar football league system.

At the sixth position sits one based in Qatar, the top-level soccer league in the Qatar football system. Additionally, it is one of the fastest-growing football leagues in Asia, currently witnessing a high influx of foreigners from European countries, Brazil, and other South American countries.

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Even more interesting, it is considered among the highest-paying football leagues in Asia. Besides, it boasts several domestic cups and titles, including Emir Cup, Qatar Cup, Qatar FA Cup, Qatari Stars Cup, and Sheikh Jassem Cup.

5. Japan J-League 1 - Japan

• Year founded: 1992
• Number of teams: 19
• Points: 83.464
• Confederation: AFC
• Organising body: J.League

Another yet Asian soccer league on the list is one from Japan. Founded in 1992, it is among the up-and-and-coming leagues on the continent. Moreover, it is among the most successful leagues in Asian club football.

Contested by 18 clubs, it operates on a system of promotion and relegation with the J2 League. It was until the 2014 season that it was renamed. Meiji Yasuda Life is currently the league's official sponsor and thus officially known as the Meiji Yasuda J1 League.

4. Pro League - Saudi Arabia

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• Year founded: 1976
• Number of teams: 18
• Points: 84.269
• Confederation: AFC
• Organising body: Saudi Federation

Yes! Saudi Arabia's Pro competition is one of the best on the continent. It has produced some of the best players and teams representing the continent in the FIFA Club World Cup. It is the Saudi Arabian league system's top division of association football.

It used to be an independent body until the 1989/90 season when the country's Federation decided to merge the Football League with the King's Cup in one tournament and the addition of the Golden Box.

3. Super League - China

• Year founded: 2004
• Number of teams: 18
• Points: 86.467
• Confederation: AFC
• Organising body: Chinese Football Association

This is one of the best Chinese soccer competitions on the continent. Officially known as the China Ping An Chinese Football Association Super League, it has become the new home for soccer players worldwide.

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Consequently, top players from Brazil, Europe, and Africa have dominated the list of foreign-based players, leading to China's increasing ranking coefficient. It is among the youngest in China and the continent, as it was founded in 2004.

2. K-League - South Korea

• Year founded: 1983
• Number of teams: 25
• Points: 87.48
• Confederation: AFC
• Organising body: K League Federation

This competition was founded in 1983 and has since produced high levels of play. Despite not having the financial pull of other leagues, it is still a well-decorated competition that is widely televised and has good sponsorship.

One of its most notable teams, the Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors Club, is known for winning nine titles. Besides, many of the top football teams in South Korea have won the AFC Champions League.

Which is the best soccer league in Asia?

Asia boasts some of the most successful leagues in the world. Among all those competitions, the UAE Pro League takes the lead.

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1. UAE Pro League - United Arab Emirates

• Year founded: 1973
• Number of teams: 14
• Points: 95.940
• Confederation: AFC
• Organising body: Pro League Committee

This one was founded in 1973 and currently consists of 14 teams. The lucrative competition is ranked as one of the best leagues in Asia due to its high level of play, popularity, and financial clout.

Additionally, it is sponsored by influential telecom organisations and broadcast deals possessing various sporting channels based in the United Arab Emirates. One famed squad in the competition is Al Ain, which remains the record winner with 14 titles.

Asian soccer leagues have made the sport one of the most lucrative in recent years. It has become common for many soccer stars to go to a competition in Asia to earn a final big payday before retirement.

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