The 2025/26 season marks a new chapter in ASEAN football. The latest rankings show Buriram United (Thailand) and Johor Darul Ta’zim (Malaysia) leading the way as the region’s most valuable clubs, each boasting a market value of over €14 million.
This phenomenon is more than just numbers, it reflects financial strength, international appeal, and sharp strategies in building competitive squads. This article serves as an in-depth, data-driven guide to understanding the landscape of ASEAN’s elite clubs.
The ASEAN Club Value Map
The latest figures from Transfermarkt reveal a fascinating picture of the regional rangkings.
Thailand leads the way with three clubs on the list. Malaysia, Indonesia, and Vietnam follow with two each. Meanwhile, Singapore contributed one representative, highlighting the region's growing competitiveness.
Regional Trends and the Role of Domestic Leagues
In terms of leagues, Thai League 1 remains the most valuable overall, with a total market value of €76.84 million ($89.58 million). It is followed by the Indonesian Super League at €71.54 million ($83.38 million) and Vietnam’s V.League 1 at €53.74 million ($62.63 million).
This surge is largely driven by heavy investments in foreign players. For example, Nam Dinh FC (Vietnam) now holds a value of €9.81 million ($11.4 million), making it not only one of the most attractive clubs in Asia but also a member of the top 10 most valuable clubs in the AFC Champions League Two for the 2025–2026 season.
The Foreign Player Strategy: A Key to Value and Competitiveness
One of the most striking patterns among ASEAN’s top clubs is their reliance on international talent. On average, major teams roster between 10–16 foreign players. Buriram United and Johor Darul Ta’zim—the two most valuable clubs in the region—each have 16 foreign players.
Recruiting international players does more than strengthen performance on the pitch. It boosts global visibility, attracts sponsorship deals, and significantly increases overall market value—solidifying these clubs’ status as ASEAN’s football powerhouses.
Special Insights: Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore
1. Thailand – The Most Valuable League in Southeast Asia
Thailand leads the region’s football scene with a league market value of around €76.84 million. At the top stands Buriram United, the most valuable club in ASEAN with an estimated valuation of €15.25 million.
Together with BG Pathum United and True Bangkok United, these three clubs alone contribute nearly 40% of the league’s total value.
This concentration of wealth, talent, and success benefits Thailand at the continental level—allowing its top teams to compete with Asian giants. However, it also creates the risk of widening inequality within the domestic league.
2. Malaysia – JDT’s Domination Backed by a World-Class Stadium
In Malaysia, Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) reigns supreme. The club secured its 11th consecutive league title in 2025, with a market value of approximately €14.40 million.
One of JDT’s biggest strengths is the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium, a 40,000-seat venue built at a cost of around RM200 million. More than just an architectural landmark, the stadium generates significant revenue through ticket sales, hospitality, and sponsorships.
When combined with Selangor FC (€6.56 million), the two clubs control about 41% of the league’s total market value.
It’s no surprise JDT has become the “locomotive” of Malaysian football, but their dominance also leaves the league feeling unbalanced, forcing other clubs to find alternative strategies to remain competitive.
3. Singapore – Lion City Sailors as the Driving Force
The Singapore Premier League has a total market value of around €18.86 million. Within it, the Lion City Sailors (LCS) stand out with an estimated valuation of €9.15 million, nearly half of the entire league.
LCS is also notable as Singapore’s first privatized football club, acquired by Sea Limited in 2020. They went on to establish the LCS Training Centre, a modern facility worth about S$10 million that not only develops young players but also elevates the club’s image regionally.
Though the league is relatively small, Singapore offers a clear example of how modern management, privatization, and infrastructure investment can empower a local club to compete on the international stage.
