17 Of The Oldest Football Clubs In Asia | 2024

Football, often dubbed “the beautiful game,” has a rich and rich history that extends far beyond the borders of Europe and South America.

In a footballing world where European teams hog the attention, Asia has amazing clubs that have shaped the game in special ways. From Japan to India and Bahrain, football has a long history here, but many of these clubs don’t get the recognition they deserve.

In Asia, the beautiful game has flourished for over a century, with a multitude of clubs laying the groundwork for its enduring popularity across the continent.

These football clubs not only serve as pillars of their respective communities but also as custodians of tradition, embodying the essence of football’s cultural significance in Asia.

Let’s take a closer look at 10 of the oldest football clubs in Asia – the pioneers who’ve made their mark on the game we all love.

1. Hong Kong Football Club

• Founded: 1886
• Accolades: Hong Kong Second Division/Hong Kong First Division – 15, Hong Kong Senior Shield -5

Founded in 1886 by Sir James Haldane Lockhart, the Hong Kong Football Club has a rich history that began with a gathering at the Victoria Recreation Gymnasium on February 12, 1886.

Contrary to popular belief, the club’s name reflects its origins as a center for both Association and Rugby Football, not just soccer.

Initially, the club’s focus was on rugby union, and they played their first match just four days after their establishment. It wasn’t until March 16, 1886, that the club had its first football match against the Royal Engineers.

A significant moment in the club’s history came in 1976 with the creation of the renowned HKFC club, which originated within the grounds of the Hong Kong Football Club.

Initially located at Sports Road, the club eventually moved to the Hong Kong Government Stadium in 1982 after outgrowing its original venue.

2. Mohun Bagan Athletic Club

• Founded: 1889
• Accolades: Indian Super League – 6, Federation Cups -14, Durand Cup -16

The story of Mohun Bagan AC is deeply ingrained in the history of Indian football. It all began when a group of young people from Fariapukur Lane in Shyambazar decided to form a football club.

They found their base at the Mohun Bagan Villa, owned by the influential Mitra family known for their involvement in the jute trade.

On August 15, 1889, their dream became a reality. A meeting was held, bringing together three prominent Bengali families – the Mitras, Basus, and Sens – under the leadership of Bhupendra Nath Basu. Thus, the Mohun Bagan Sporting Club was established, with Bhupendra Nath Basu as the first president and Jyotindra Nath Basu as the inaugural secretary.

At their first anniversary, Professor F.J. Rowe from Presidency College pointed out that the term “Sporting” didn’t accurately describe the club’s activities. He suggested renaming it to “Athletic,” which was unanimously agreed upon, leading to the club becoming Mohun Bagan Athletic Club.

The club continued to grow, attracting notable figures like Sir Thomas Holland. With the support of Maharaja Durga Charan Laha, the club moved to Laha Colony in 1891. Later, with assistance from Henry Lee, the club’s base shifted to Shyam Square in Bagbazar.

In 1893, Mohun Bagan made their tournament debut in the Coochbehar Cup, marking the beginning of their journey in Indian football.

3. Mohammedan SC (Kolkata)

• Founded: 1891
• Calcutta Football League – 14, Aga Khan Gold Cup – 1, NFL 2nd Division – 1, I-League 2nd Division – 1

Mohammedan Sporting Club is a soccer team from Kolkata, India.

They play in two leagues: the I-League, which is like the second division in Indian soccer, and the Calcutta Football League (CFL), which is the oldest soccer league in Asia. The club started way back in February 1891, making it one of the oldest active teams in India.

In the early days, they played in the second division of the CFL but quickly moved up to the top division in 1933. A year later, they became the first Indian team to win the league and then went on to win it five times in a row by 1938.

They made history again by winning the Aga Khan Gold Cup in 1960, which was the first time an Indian club won an international tournament.

In 1996, they were part of the first nationwide league in India, called the National Football League (NFL).

Despite not winning the top-tier league, they’ve had some successes, like winning the NFL Second Division in 2004–05 and qualifying for the I-League in 2020. They’ve also won the Federation Cup twice.

The club has a strong connection with the Muslim community in Bengal, and it played a big role in spreading soccer among them. This caused some rivalry with other Kolkata teams like East Bengal and Mohun Bagan, which were more supported by the Hindu population.

Over time, these rivalries became less about religion and more about soccer. The club’s youth team even competed in the Manchester United Premier Cup of India.

4. Balestier Khalsa FC

• Founded: 1898
• Accolades: Singapore Cup -1, Singapore League Cup – 1, President’s Cup -1, FAS Challenge Cup -1

Balestier Khalsa Football Club is a professional team from Singapore, playing in the Singapore Premier League. They’re the oldest club in Singapore, dating back to 1898. They’ve won several cups over the years.

Originally called Fathul Karib and based in Farrer Park, the club changed its name to Balestier United Recreation Club in 1975. They’ve contributed players to Singapore’s national team, notably in the 1958 Asian Games.

They’ve had success in the National Football League, winning the Singapore Cup twice. In the late 1980s, they were one of the first teams in Singapore to sign foreign players.

Today, Balestier Khalsa competes in the National Football League Division 1, with past players like Ruhaizad Ismail and Daniel Ong. They’re an important part of Singaporean football history.

5. FC Kolkheti-1913 Poti

• Founded: 1913
• Accolades: Georgian Soviet Championship – 2, Pirveli Liga/Erovnuli Liga 2 – 1

FC Kolkheti-1913 is a football club from Poti, Georgia, which recently secured promotion to the Erovnuli Liga, the country’s top football division, after the 2023 season.

Established in 1913, Kolkheti is one of the oldest clubs in the South Caucasus region. Since the inception of independent Georgian leagues in 1990, they have competed in the top tier for 24 seasons.

Before that, the club, then known as Kolkhida, participated in the Georgian Soviet championship until the early 1960s. Following that, they spent 24 seasons in the lower divisions of the Soviet football system, with their best result being a second-place finish in 1989.

When the Georgian Football Federation established the national league in 1990, Kolkheti-1913 played a historic opening game against Iberia Tbilisi, winning 1-0 at the Boris Paichadze Stadium.

This victory marked them as the first club to win a game in the history of Georgian national leagues.

During the early years of the national league, Kolkheti-1913 was considered one of the strongest teams, consistently finishing among the top five. They secured second place twice, in 1993-94 and 1996-97, and earned bronze medals three times during this period, establishing themselves as formidable contenders.

6. Tokyo Shukyu-Dan

• Founded: 1917
• Accolades: Emperor’s Cup and Tokyo Shakaijin League champions

Established in 1917, this Japanese football club holds the distinction of being the oldest in the nation, witnessing the early growth of football in Japan. They made history by winning the first Emperor’s Cup, showcasing their pioneering role in Japanese football.

Like legendary clubs such as Sheffield F.C. in England and Queen’s Park F.C. in Scotland, this club embraced amateurism, reflecting the early ethos of Japanese football. Despite facing challenges as professionalism emerged in the sport, they remained true to their passion for the game.

Despite the dominance of professional and company-sponsored teams, this club has achieved notable success in their league.

They secured second-place finishes in 1978 and 1983, highlighting their enduring commitment to the game’s traditions and their players’ dedication and skill.

7. East Bengal Football Club

• Founded: 1920
• Accolades: ASEAN Club Championship, Federation Cup -8, Indian Super Cup -3, Durand Cup -16

The East Bengal Football Club was founded on August 1, 1920, under the leadership of Suresh Chandra Chaudhury.

Four years later, in 1924, the club set up its base at the famous Maidan in Kolkata (then Calcutta) and became a member of the Indian Football Association. In that same year, East Bengal celebrated a significant victory alongside Cameroon ‘B’, triumphing in the Second Division and bringing pride to the region.

Another memorable moment came when the club scored their 100th goal, courtesy of S. Mitra against Jorabagan, leading to a 1-1 draw.

In 1925, East Bengal was promoted to the First Division, a move sanctioned by the IFA governing body. However, their debut in the top tier of the Calcutta Football League didn’t go smoothly, with a 1-4 defeat to Calcutta FC in their first match.

Despite the setback, Mona Datta became the club’s first goal-scorer in the league. They bounced back with their first victory, defeating Dalhousie 2-1 in their third match, with Mona Datta scoring both goals.

A remarkable turnaround came in 1931 when East Bengal, after being relegated in 1928, clinched the Second Division championship, earning promotion back to the First Division.

In 1936, East Bengal made history by defeating Mohun Bagan with a remarkable 4-0 scoreline in the Calcutta Football Club, sparking a fierce rivalry between the two football giants in India.

8. Kyoto Sanga FC

• Founded: 1922
• Accolades: J.League Division 2 – 2, Kansai Soccer League – 4, Emperor’s Cup – 1

Kyoto Sanga FC is a professional soccer club from Kyoto, Japan.

The name “Sanga” comes from the Sanskrit word “sangha,” which means “group” or “club” and is often associated with Buddhist priests, reflecting Kyoto’s rich history of Buddhist temples.

Initially known as Kyoto Purple Sanga because of their purple uniforms, which symbolized Kyoto’s status as Japan’s ancient imperial capital, the team simplified its name to Kyoto Sanga in 2007. They are the oldest club in the J.League.

The club started as Kyoto Shiko Club, one of the few soccer clubs in Japan solely dedicated to the sport rather than being part of a company. However, they struggled to compete in the Japan Soccer League dominated by company teams.

In 1993, with support from local sponsors Kyocera and Nintendo, the club turned professional and joined the former Japan Football League as Kyoto Purple Sanga.

Since joining the J.League in 1996, Kyoto Sanga has faced multiple relegations, being demoted three times after the 2000, 2003, and 2006 seasons, more than any other team in the league.

Despite having talented players like Park Ji-sung and Daisuke Matsui, the club experienced relegation in 2003, leading some players to pursue careers in European clubs.

9. FC Dinamo Batumi

• Founded: 1923
• Accolades: Erovnuli Liga – 2, Georgian Cup -1, Georgian Super Cup -2

Dinamo is a professional football team from Batumi, Georgia, playing in the country’s top league, the Erovnuli Liga.

They’ve had some notable successes, winning the league title in 2021 and 2023, as well as the Georgian Cup in 1997–98, and two Georgian Super Cups in 1997–98 and 2022. The club was originally named FC Batumi in 1990 but changed it back to Dinamo in 1994.

They play their home games at Batumi Stadium. Dinamo Batumi has a rich history, dating back to 1923 when two local clubs, Mezgvauri and Tsiteli Raindi, merged to form it.

While they mainly competed in lower Soviet divisions, Dinamo produced talented players like Revaz Chelebadze, Nodar Khizanishvili, and Vakhtang Koridze, who went on to have successful careers in the USSR.

Even the famous Greek player Andreas Niniadis began his career at Dinamo before moving on to Olympiacos and representing Greece internationally.

10. Hapoel Haifa F.C.

• Founded: 1924
• Accolades: Israeli cup -4, League -1

The team, nicknamed “The Sharks,” calls the Sammy Ofer Stadium in Haifa their home ground.

They’ve played there since leaving Kiryat Eliezer Stadium in 2014 and Kiryat Haim’s Thomas D’Alesandro Stadium in 1955. Sammy Ofer Stadium, shared with rivals Maccabi Haifa, is the second-largest in Israeli football, holding up to 30,942 fans.

The team’s home kit is red, while their away kit consists of white shirts, black shorts, and socks.

Hapoel Haifa’s roots trace back to a local organization established in 1924 in Haifa, then part of the Mutasarrifate of Jerusalem (now Israel). This organization aimed to create Palestine’s first labor football club.

On April 24, 1924, during Passover, 36 representatives gathered for an inaugural meeting, led by Yehoshua Sherpstein and Yair Aharony.

Their first match took place on May 1, 1924, Labor Day, when Hapoel Haifa defeated the Haifa train workers 3-1.

Initially, the club played friendly matches against teams from Palestine, Europe, and the Middle East, as formal matches were yet to be established by the Football Association. Initially part of the Maccabi Union, Hapoel Haifa later left to join the new Hapoel Union two years later.

11. FC Dinamo Tbilisi

• Founded: 1925
• Accolades: Erovnuli Lig -19, Georgian Cup -13, Georgian Super Cup -9

Dinamo Tbilisi stands tall as one of the Soviet Union’s footballing powerhouses, making its mark almost immediately upon its establishment in 1936.

Their crowning moment came in 1981 when they won the Cup Winners’ Cup, triumphing over FC Carl Zeiss Jena in a historic final in Düsseldorf. This victory remains unparalleled in Georgia’s football history, marking Dinamo Tbilisi as the sole Georgian club to lift a European trophy.

Throughout its journey, Dinamo Tbilisi nurtured a galaxy of stars, including iconic Soviet players like Boris Paichadze, Avtandil Gogoberidze, and Mikheil Meskhi.

Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, the club continued its legacy by grooming top-notch Georgian talents such as Temur Ketsbaia and Shota Arveladze.

Under the guidance of legendary coach Nodar Akhalkatsi, Dinamo Tbilisi soared to new heights, securing the Soviet title in 1978 and clinching two Soviet Cups (in 1976 and 1979) along with the UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup in 1981.

Akhalkatsi’s leadership extended to the international stage, where he co-coached the Soviet Union national team during the 1982 FIFA World Cup.

12. Al Nahda SC

• Founded: 1926
• Accolades: Lebanese Premier League – 5, Lebanese FA Cup -4

Al Nahda SC, also known as Renaissance in French, was a football club located in the Mar Elias district of Beirut, Lebanon. Established in 1926, it holds the distinction of being Lebanon’s first-ever football club, with strong support from the Orthodox community.

Throughout its history, Nahda achieved notable successes, including winning the inaugural Lebanese Premier League in the 1933–34 season and clinching the first edition of the Lebanese FA Cup in 1937–38. They were pioneers in Lebanese football, being the first team to accomplish a domestic double during the 1946–47 season. In total, Nahda secured five league titles and four FA Cups during the 1930s and 1940s.

However, the club faced challenges in later years, particularly in the 1990s when financial difficulties led to bankruptcy. Despite their illustrious history, Nahda was forced to fold as a result.

The club’s legacy, nonetheless, remains significant, with its pioneering role in Lebanese football and its early dominance in domestic competitions.

13.  Al-Ittihad Club (Jeddah)

• Founded: 1927
• Accolades: Pro League – 9, King Cup-9. Crown Prince Cup-8, AFC Champions League-2

Al-Ittihad is a football club in Saudi Arabia that has always played in the top league, known as the Saudi Pro League. They’ve been very successful, winning 50 championships, with 39 of them being officially recognized.

The team plays their matches at the King Abdullah Sports City stadium in Jeddah, which is the second-largest stadium in Saudi Arabia and can hold up to 62,345 fans. One of the biggest games for Al-Ittihad is against their rival, Al-Hilal, which is known as the Saudi El Clasico. This match is hugely popular and watched by many football fans in Saudi Arabia.

Established in 1927, Al-Ittihad is the oldest surviving sports club in Saudi Arabia.

Their most successful period was during the 1990s and 2000s when they won numerous titles domestically, regionally, and even globally. In 2005, they made history by finishing 4th in the FIFA Club World Championship in Japan.

Al-Ittihad has also had success at the continental level, winning the AFC Champions League twice in a row, which only three Asian teams have achieved, making them the first to do so.

They’ve also won the Asian Cup Winners’ Cup, the GCC Champions League, and the Arab Champions League once each. Domestically, they are the second most successful club in Saudi Arabia, behind Al-Hilal, winning nine league titles, nine King’s Cup titles, eight Crown Prince Cup titles, three Saudi Federation Cup titles, and one Saudi Super Cup.

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14. Hapoel Kfar Saba F.C.

• Founded: 1928
• Accolades: League – 1, State Cup -3, Super Cup -1

The club was founded in 1928 and quickly rose through the ranks of Israeli football. In 1951–52, they secured promotion to Liga Alef, then the top division, after winning the South Division of Liga Bet.

Despite a tough start, they retained their spot in Liga Leumit (formerly Liga Alef) after winning promotion/relegation play-offs in 1954–55.

However, their stay in Liga Leumit was short-lived, as they were relegated in the following season, 1955–56. They bounced back immediately, returning to Liga Leumit for the 1956–57 season.

Despite finishing at the bottom in 1957–58, they avoided relegation as no teams were sent down that season. Unfortunately, they couldn’t escape the drop the next season and were relegated once again.

It wasn’t until 1968 that Hapoel made another comeback to Liga Leumit.

In 1975, they reached the State Cup final for the first time, securing victory against Beitar Jerusalem with a 1-0 scoreline. Following a series of mid-table finishes, they were relegated at the end of the 1976–77 season.

However, they quickly regained their spot in the top division, finishing third in Liga Artzit, the new second tier.

Their highlight came in 1980 when they won the State Cup again, defeating Maccabi Ramat Amidar 4–1. The following season, under the management of Dror Kashtan, they clinched their first and only league title.

Unfortunately, their joy was short-lived as they finished bottom the next season, resulting in another relegation to Liga Artzit.

15. Al-Muharraq SC

• Founded: 1928
• Accolades: Bahraini Premier League -34, Bahraini King’s Cup – 33, Bahraini FA Cup – 5

Dating back to 1928, Al-Muharraq SC stands as one of Bahrain’s oldest and most successful football clubs. Over the years, it has earned numerous domestic and regional awards, becoming a beacon of sporting excellence and community pride.

The club has nurtured talents like Mohamed Salmeen, captain of the Bahraini National Team, along with other notable players such as Rashid Al Dossary, Alisa, Ali Hassan, Ali Amer, and Ebrahim Al Mishkhas.

Furthermore, Al-Muharraq’s youth academy has been instrumental in developing promising players like Abdullah Al Dekheel, Mahmood Abdulrahman, Fahad Showalter, Hussam Humood Sultan, and Abdullah Al-Kaabi.

The club has also enlisted foreign professionals on occasion, including notable names like Brazilian forward Leandson Dias da Silva (Rico), Adnan Sarajlic, Juliano de Paola, and Jamal Ebraro. Rico, in particular, earned recognition as the top scorer worldwide in 2008 with 19 goals.

In a remarkable 2008 season, Al-Muharraq Sports Club achieved a quadruple triumph, clinching the Bahraini League, King’s Cup, Crown Prince Cup, and the AFC Cup. This historic feat marked them as the first Bahraini club to secure a continental championship.

16. Hokkaido Consadole Sapporo

• Founded: 1935
• Accolades: Japan Soccer League Division 2 – 6, All Japan Senior Football Championship – 1, JSL Cup -1

Hokkaido Consadole is a professional soccer team from Sapporo, Japan, located on the island of Hokkaido. They play in the J1 League, which is the highest level of soccer in Japan.

Their main home stadium is the Sapporo Dome, but sometimes they have to play games at the Sapporo Atsubetsu Stadium because the Sapporo Dome is shared with the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters baseball team.

The club’s history goes back to 1935 when it was founded as the Toshiba Horikawa-cho Soccer Club in Kawasaki, Kanagawa. Over the years, they moved up the ranks, eventually reaching the Japan Soccer League Division 1 in 1989.

However, they decided to step back from the top division in 1992 because they weren’t prepared for the new J.League system. They played in the Japan Football League until 1995.

Wanting to become a professional club, the team’s owner, Toshiba, decided to relocate from Kawasaki to Sapporo.

This move was because they felt Kawasaki couldn’t support two big clubs, especially with Verdy Kawasaki already established there.

The local government and community in Sapporo were eager to welcome a professional soccer team, and with the completion of the Sapporo Dome in 2001, the Hokkaido Consadole found their new home.

Ownership of the club was transferred from Toshiba to Hokkaido Football Club plc. before the 1996 season.

17. Al-Ahli Saudi FC

• Founded: 1937
• Accolades: Saudi Professional League – 3, King Cup -13, Crown Prince Cup -6, Saudi Federation Cup -3

Al-Ahli, a top-tier football club from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, has a rich history in the sport. Since its founding in 1937, the club has amassed an impressive collection of 34 championships.

In Saudi football, Al-Ahli stands out with three Saudi Professional League titles and a host of other domestic trophies, including 13 Kings Cups, six Crown Prince Cups, one General League Shield, and one Super Cup. Internationally, they’ve made their mark with three GCC Champions League titles and one Arab Club Championship.

Al-Ahli has been a constant presence in the Saudi Pro League since its inception, except for the 2021–22 season. They hold the record for the longest unbeaten streak in the league, going 51 matches without a loss from 2014 to 2016.

Home games are held at the King Abdullah Sports City, a massive stadium with a capacity of around 63,000 fans. The club was founded by four forward-thinking individuals in 1937, and it has become a beacon of sports in Jeddah.

Prince Khalid bin Abdullah bin Abdulaziz played a significant role in the club’s leadership, contributing to its success. Legendary Brazilian coach Telê Santana led the team to victory in the 1980s, securing two major titles.

Al-Ahli’s dominance extends to the King Cup, where they’ve appeared in eighteen finals, winning thirteen of them.

Other Oldest Football Clubs In Asia

• Al-Ahli Club (Manama) – 1936
• FC Samtredia -1936
• Beitar Jerusalem F.C. -1936
• Hapoel Ra’anana A.F.C.
• Bnei Yehuda Tel Aviv F.C. – 1936
• Esteghlal Ahvaz F.C. -1941
• Hidd SCC -1945
• Busaiteen Club – 1945
• Bargh Shiraz F.C. -1946
• Esteghlal F.C. -1945

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