The AFC Champions League, or Asian Club Championship, is the most prestigious tournament for the continent’s top clubs. Founded in 1967 as the Asian Club Championship, the tournament has been constantly innovated to become modern and attractive. With a new format from the 2024/25 season, the tournament continues to affirm its position as the “Champions League of Asia” lương sơn tv.
History and development of the AFC Champions League
The Champions League has seen remarkable progress over the past half-century, from a fledgling tournament to a regional sporting icon. This development not only reflects the growth of Asian football but also contributes to the professionalisation of its member associations trực tiếp bóng đá lương sơn.
The Beginnings and Early Years of the AFC Champions League
The tournament originated from the Asian Club Championship in 1967, with the aim of creating a continental level playground similar to the UEFA Champions League in Europe. The first final saw Hapoel Tel Aviv (Israel) defeat Selangor FA (Malaysia) 2-1. In the early stages, the tournament faced many difficulties with the small number of participating teams and logistical limitations, with only about 5-7 clubs participating.
However, the AFC Champions League became a major incentive for Asian clubs to invest in infrastructure and training. In the 1980s, the emergence of strong teams from Japan and Korea raised the level of competition. This was the transition from a rudimentary form to a professional tournament, laying the foundation for the unification of club football across Asia.
Milestones in the tournament
In 2003, the tournament was renamed the AFC Champions League, adopting a group stage and knockout format with 32 teams. As a result, many big clubs such as Al-Hilal and Urawa Red Diamonds participated. By 2024, the AFC was reformed with two levels: Champions League Elite and Champions League 2.
The 2024/25 season saw Al-Ahli (Saudi Arabia) crowned champions after defeating Kawasaki Frontale 2-0, the first time they have won the trophy without losing a game. Improvements to the format and number of participating teams have made the tournament more diverse and attractive. Thanks to that, the AFC Champions League has not only enriched history but also become a launching pad for Asian football to approach the world stage.
Featured teams and players
The AFC Champions League is not only a place for competition but also a place for talent, where great teams and players affirm their names. The diversity of playing styles from different countries has created classic matches, contributing to the vitality of the tournament.
Top winners of the AFC Champions League
l-Hilal SFC (Saudi Arabia) is the most successful club with 4 championships, followed by Urawa Red Diamonds (Japan) with 3 titles. Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors (South Korea) and Guangzhou FC (China) also left their mark with 2 titles each. In the 2024/25 season, Al-Ahli won the championship for the first time after an impressive victory over the East Asian representatives.
These clubs not only dominate the AFC Champions League but also reflect the strong development of Asian football. Thanks to financial resources and systematic training, they maintain a high level of competitiveness. The confrontation between the “big guys” has turned the tournament into the most attractive playground in the region.
The brightest stars that have ever shone
Many stars have left a strong mark on the history of the match. Hulk exploded at Guangzhou FC with 7 goals in the 2015 season, while Son Heung-min was an important factor in helping Jeonbuk Hyundai win the championship in 2016. Recently, Roberto Firmino made his mark when he helped Al-Ahli win the championship in 2025, making a great contribution in the semi-finals.
Hulk’s hat-trick in the 2018 final for Al-Ain, which brought the club its second title, is also unforgettable. In addition, local talent such as Urawa’s Mitoma Kaoru has also helped elevate the tournament. The combination of foreign players and Asian players has turned the AFC Champions League into a global stage, inspiring the younger generation.
Conclude
The AFC Champions League has been the heart of Asian football, from its humble beginnings to its modern boom. The tournament brings together top clubs and players, providing dramatic matches and equal opportunities for many countries. In the future, with expansion and technology application, the tournament promises to continue to conquer global audiences.