Top 10 Best Football Clubs in Asia Right Now (Ranked)

Football in Asia is not only growing currently, but it’s also booming. If you are wondering which is the best club in Asia football, then you are in for a ride. It is not about a decade-old history; it’s all about how the Asian clubs have fared in recent years, especially in 2025. We are talking about the clubs that have been at the highest level of football here and now. These sports outfits have crushed their opponents and won their respective domestic leagues and have taken the AFC Champions League by storm, building serious footprints in the football world currently.

Whether it’s the Saudi Pro League clubs like Al-Hilal or Al-Nassr spending big on top European talents and big names of the game or the old Asian guardians like Vissel Kobe bringing their top game to the continental tournaments after lighting up their domestic Japanese league, the best football club in Asia have mixed up tactical brilliance with consistency to give the top European teams a run for their money on the pitch. On top of that, the gritty characteristics of emerging clubs like Ulsan HD from South Korea have brought a sense of competitiveness into the game, heating up the Asian football scene. In order to find out the best club in Asia football, we have considered several parameters like recent club competitions, domestic leagues, AFC Asian Champions League and other Cup competitions and future prospects. 

List of Best Asian Football Teams

Let’s take a moment to understand which is the best football club in Asia, as there are plenty of clubs from the emerging Saudi Pro League and other glorified domestic leagues of South Korea, Japan, and Turkey who also have made the cut on this spectacular list. These clubs have not only displayed electrifying performances in home tournaments but also have turned heads in AFC Champions League in recent times. The participation of players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, and Sadio Mane have put Saudi Pro League clubs at the front of the list of the best Asian football teams.

Rank	Team	Team	Winning percentage (2024/25 season)
1	Al-Hilal	Saudi Pro League	67.6%
2	Al-Ahli	Saudi Pro League	61.8%
3	Al-Ain	UAE Pro League	46.2%
4	Urawa Red Diamonds	J1 League	31.6%
5	Yokohama F Marinos	J1 League	39.5%
6	Ulsan HD	K League	55.3%
7	Kawasaki Frontale	J1 League	34.2%
8	Al-Nassr	Saudi Pro League	61.8%
9	Al-Ittihad	Saudi Pro League	76.5%
10	Central Coast Mariners	A League	22.2%

How we Ranked the Best Football Clubs in Asia?

While ranking the best Asian football team, we have considered their current form and how they have impacted their status in global football society. It’s not something about history, it’s totally about their current domination. We have analysed their performances in continental tournaments like AFC Champions League and domestic leagues in recent times, especially in the 2024-25 season.

• Performance in Asian Club Competitions: Teams that have been dominant in the AFC Champions League (Elite and Two) have been given priority in this list of best football club in Asia. Those who have excelled in knockout stages or won the titles, have shown their capabilities to go to the top of the elite group.

• Performance in Domestic Leagues & Cup Competitions: Clubs with league glories or domestic doubles have been placed higher. The best Asian football teams have showcased their elite performances on home turf throughout the 2024-25 season.

• Achievements: Not only the best club in Asian football has been a standout performer in the continent, but it also has made Club World Cup appearances consistently and has recorded historic runs. Their contributions at the global stage have spread their names beyond their national borders.

Which is the Best Football Club in Asia Right Now?

Finding the best football club in Asia right now has been an uphill task, as there is no shortage of names that have been dominant across all competitions. Whether it’s the AFC Champions League performance or the victories in domestic league and Cups, these clubs have already etched their names at the top. Currently, Al-Hilal is arguably the best club in Asia football for sure. 

10. Central Coast Mariners (A- League)

Inclusion of Central Coast Mariners is not to be argued this time as the supergiants from Australia have definitely punched way above their weight. They stunned every other club by winning the AFC Cup 2024 and earned a spot in the newly formed ACL Two, where they continued to maintain their fine run of form. They cruised to the top spot in the Australian League, showing their dominance in their country in 2024. They might have fallen to the 10th spot this time, but their presence in ACL is there to show why they are still the best club in their country. 

A smart recruitment process, a vibrant youth academy and an energetic spirit have turned them into an Asian superpower. When they say the name, Central Coast Mariners, we see a team that represents Australia.

Foundation year	2004
Performance in Domestic League	10th spot
Performance in Domestic Cups	Australia Cup quarter-finalists
Performance in AFC Champions League	2024 AFC Cup champions
Notable Key Players	Jason Cummings, David Ruíz, Harry Steele

9. Al-Ittihad (Saudi Pro League)

The first team from the bustling Saudi Pro League that is one of the main contenders to become the best football club in Asia is Al-Ittihad. Well, the answer to their inclusion here is their rollercoaster ride throughout the last calendar year. Despite lifting the Saudi Pro League title and King’s Cup last season, they found it difficult to go through the knockout stage of the AFC Champions and Elite and bowed out. 

But, with so many big names in their stacked squad and a successful history in AFC, it’s not possible to keep their names out of the list of the best football clubs in Asia. Their recent exploits show why they are considered one of the continent’s heavyweights. 

Foundation year	1927
Performance in Domestic League (2024-25)	Saudi Pro League winners
Performance in Domestic Cups (2024-25)	King’s Cup winners
Performance in AFC Champions League (2024-25)	ACL Elite quarter-finalists
Notable Key Players	Karim Benzema, Aleksandar Mitrović, Fabinho

8. Al-Nassr (Saudi Pro League)

Another outfit from Saudi Pro League on the list of the best club in Asia football is Al-Nassr, a team that has been graced by the footprints of one of the best Portuguese players of all time, Cristiano Ronaldo. They put up a nail-biting contest against Al-Hilal in the 2023-24 Saudi League, but came out second before finishing third in the last season. They did incredibly well in the AFC Champions League Elite in the 2023-24 season, but couldn’t go past the hurdles of the quarter-finals. 

Their 2024-25 season also couldn’t bring their lost luck as they finished the season without winning a single trophy, despite showing grit and determination with Cristiano Ronaldo on the front. But, a club that is always in the limelight and has the ambition and squad depth will definitely convert their chances into trophies very soon. 

Foundation year	1955
Performance in Domestic League (2024-25)	3rd, 21 wins
Performance in Domestic Cups (2024-25)	Saudi Super Cup runners‑up
Performance in AFC Champions League (2024-25)	ACL Elite semi-finalists
Notable Key Players	Cristiano Ronaldo, Sadio Mané, Jhon Duran

7. Kawasaki Frontale (J1 League)

Kawasaki Frontale, a flourishing beacon of Japanese football. They enjoyed a spectacular season last year, and were almost a step away from lifting the AFC Champions League 2024-25. They may not have been the best team in J1 League, having finished eighth in the last season, but their podium finish in Asian elite football competition has always made them one of the best football club in Asia. 

They won the Japanese Super Cup last year, and were one of the most consistent teams in terms of chance creation and scoring goals. Their smart and progressive movements across all competitions have cemented their place among the elite teams in Asia. 

Foundation year	1955
Performance in Domestic League (2024-25)	6th
Performance in Domestic Cups (2024-25)	Emperor’s Cup winners 2024
Performance in AFC Champions League (2024-25)	ACL Elite runners‑up, solid 2024-25 group stage
Notable Key Players	Yu Kobayashi, Kaoru Mitoma, Shuto Abe

6. Ulsan HD (K League)

Ulsan HD is the torchbearer of the Korean League in global football. They not only won the domestic league in 2024, but also maintained their dominance in 2025. From featuring in the prestigious FIFA Club World Cup to making it to the AFC Champions League Elite quarterfinals, the Korean football club has always showcased consistency against Asian and global elite football teams. 

They have already won the AFC Champions League twice, with the last one coming in 2020. Despite witnessing ups and downs in recent years, they still remain a dominant force in Asia. Ulsan HD won 21 K League games last year out of 38 games, one of the club’s best seasons in terms of winning matches. 

Foundation year	1983
Performance in Domestic League (2024-25)	7th
Performance in Domestic Cups (2024-25)	Korean FA Cup semifinalists
Performance in AFC Champions League (2024-25)	ACL Elite quarter-finalists
Notable Key Players	Kim Young-gwon, Lee Chung-yong, Yoon Bit-garam

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5. Yokohama F Marinos (J1 League)

If someone asks what Yokohama F Marinos are doing on the list of the best Asian football team, then kindly show the club’s journey in the 2023-24 AFC Champions League. The J1 League heavyweights came incredibly close to clinching the Asian Championship, only to lose the final against Al-Ain in a brutal final showdown. 

However their domestic league run has been surprisingly poor for the past two seasons where they have finished below ten on both occasions. Marinos won the J1 League last time three years ago, but their presence on the pitch has always been a sight of terror for their opponents, such is their potential, especially after their Asian Championship dominance. 

Foundation year	1972
Performance in Domestic League (2024-25)	2nd
Performance in Domestic Cups (2024-25)	Emperor’s Cup finalists
Performance in AFC Champions League (2024-25)	ACL 2023–24 runners‑up, solid 2024–25 group stage
Notable Key Players	Daizen Maeda, Ayumu Ohata, Ryotaro Tsunoda

4. Urawa Red Diamonds (J1 League)

Another Japanese club that has made a cut on the list of the best Asian football teams is Urawa Red Diamonds. This is not a club from fantasy, this is a club of the present. From winning the AFC Champions League Elite to cruising to the Japanese Super Cup, both in 2021, the Red Devils’ journey in recent years has been nothing short of a fairytale. One of the consistent performers in the continental tournaments, Urawa have also made the European teams run for their money in the 2025 Club World Cup. 

Their recent 2-1 defeat against the UEFA Champions League runners-up Inter Milan has pointed out how good the club is and their never-ending energy on turf. They might not have enjoyed a trophy haul in the last two years, but their overall glories have kept them right in the crop. 

Foundation year	1950
Performance in Domestic League (2024-25)	8th
Performance in Domestic Cups (2024-25)	Emperor’s Cup semi-finalists
Performance in AFC Champions League (2024-25)	Reached ACL Elite Round of 16
Notable Key Players	Tomoaki Makino, Kazuki Kozuka, Yu Miyahara

3. Al-Ain (UAE Pro League)

Al-Ain was the AFC Champions League Elite winner for the 2023-24 season. This is enough to underscore the fact why it is considered one of the best football club in Asia currently. The most consistent club from the UAE Pro League went full throttle to win the glorious silverware by defeating Yokohama F Marinos in an eventful final game. This victory basically announced that Al-Ain was back, louder than before.

Domestically, they have mostly stayed above the top four. Their history in domestic leagues and cups is the stuff of Avengers. On top of that, the continental crown that they have recently acquired puts all debates of their one of the best Asian football teams status to bed. 

Foundation year	1968
Performance in Domestic League (2024-25)	5th position currently
Performance in Domestic Cups (2024-25)	President’s Cup, League Cup quarter finals exit
Performance in AFC Champions League (2024-25)	AFC Champions League Elite champions 2023-24, early exit
Notable Key Players	Rui Patricio, Matias Palacios, Soufiane Rahimi

2. Al-Ahli (Saudi Pro League)

To understand why Al-Ahli has been drafted as one of the best clubs in Asia football, one must look at its trophy cabinet. Despite a poor run in domestic leagues and cups, given their Glorious track record, the Saudi Pro League club bounced back to re-establish their supremacy by winning the 2024-25 AFC Champions League Elite tournament. They literally outclassed Kawasaki Frontale in the final to become the continental champions, ending the years of wait. 

Their league form has been below average in recent years. They finished the Saudi league third in the 2023-24 season and are in the fifth spot in the current season, with four games in hand. But with so much talent at their disposal and a blooming project in the process, it is just a matter of months before Al-Ahli show their true face in domestic tournaments, crushing opponents to show why they are regarded as one of the best club in Asia football currently. 

Foundation year	1937
Performance in Domestic League (2024-25)	Finished 5th, 21 wins
Performance in Domestic Cups (2024-25)	King’s Cup Round of 32; Super Cup semi final exit
Performance in AFC Champions League (2024-25)	AFC Champions League Elite champions
Notable Key Players	Ivan Toney, Salem Al‑Dawsari

1. Al-Hilal (Saudi Pro League)

Now, it’s time to announce which is the best football club in Asia currently. Without a shred of doubt, Al-Hilal is our pick for the best Asian football team. They are the most dangerous powerhouse at the moment in the continent, pain and simple. They wrapped up a treble in 2024 in the forms of Saudi Pro League, King’s Cup and Saudi Super Cup with ease and in style.

Despite winning the AFC Champions League Elite almost four years ago, they have maintained their dominance in the tournament in that period. In the 2024-25 season, they are in contention to win the Saudi Pro League again, sitting second in the table currently. In the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, they reached the quarter finals before suffering a narrow defeat against Fluminense. With them taking the fight to opponents on all fronts and winning big, Al-Hilal is one of the best football club in Asia right now.

Foundation year	1957
Performance in Domestic League (2024-25)	2nd place, 23 wins
Performance in Domestic Cups (2024-25)	Saudi Super Cup winners; King’s Cup quarter-final (knocked out)
Performance in AFC Champions League (2024-25)	ACL Elite semi-finals (Exit)
Notable Key Players	Aleksandar Mitrović, João Cancelo, Rúben Neves

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