'Asia Top 10': Three Japanese teams, one K League team... Ulsan upheld its pride with a '6th place' ranking. Praised for "consistency on the international stage," with Al Hilal at No. 1

*This content was translated by AI.

Traditional powerhouse Ulsan HD of the K League has secured the 6th spot among the strongest teams in Asia today, upholding the pride of Korean football.

India's 'Sports Dunya' released its '2026 Asia Football Club Top 10' list on the 22nd (local time), based on recent performance, squad quality, and results in league and continental competitions.

Al Hilal of Saudi Arabia claimed the top spot as Asia's best club. Al Hilal achieved a treble by sweeping the 2024 Saudi Pro League, King's Cup, and Super Cup. With an all-star lineup including Karim Benzema and Ruben Neves, the club is widely regarded as having built the most dominant force in Asia.

The 2nd place was taken by Al Ahli of Saudi Arabia, the winner of this season's ACL Elite (ACLE). The 3rd place went to Al Ain (UAE), 4th to Urawa Red Diamonds (Japan), and 5th to Yokohama F. Marinos (Japan).

Following them, 6th place was Ulsan, 7th Kawasaki Frontale (Japan), 8th Al Nassr, 9th Al Ittihad (both Saudi Arabia), and 10th Central Coast Mariners (Australia) made the list.

By country, the dominance of the Saudi league, backed by 'oil money,' was prominent. Saudi Arabia placed four teams in the top 10, including No. 1 Al Hilal. Japan's J League followed with three teams, while one team each from South Korea's K League, the UAE, and the Australian league secured spots.

The media evaluated Ulsan as "a pioneer representing the K League on the global stage." It further stated, "Ulsan maintained its dominance in 2025 following its 2024 K League 1 title. In particular, its consistent performance on the international stage, including participation in the FIFA Club World Cup and reaching the quarterfinals of the AFC Champions League Elite (ACLE), earned high praise." Key players highlighted included defender Kim Young-gwon and goalkeeper Cho Hyun-woo.

It continued, "While clubs from Saudi Arabia, backed by massive capital, currently lead Asian football, traditional powerhouses from South Korea and Japan are maintaining strong competitiveness through consistent results."

Al Nassr, led by 'superstar' Cristiano Ronaldo, recorded the 8th position. Al Nassr finished 2nd and 3rd in its domestic league over the past two seasons and was eliminated in the quarterfinals of the ACLE. Despite Ronaldo's valiant efforts in the 2024-25 season, the club remained without a trophy.

However, the media predicted, "Given Al Nassr's solid squad and firm ambition, it is expected to soon overcome the disappointment of going trophyless and lift the championship trophy."

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*This content was translated by AI.