AFC Champions League is the biggest annual continental club football competition in Asia. Currently, 40 clubs from all around Asia compete in the tournament, and the winners of the AFC Champions League directly qualifies for the FIFA Club World Cup.
The tournament began in 1967 as the Asian Champion Club Tournament and has been renamed twice, with its current name AFC Champions league, adapted in 2002. Ever since its inception, the AFC Champions League has witnessed several winners. Here’s the list of all AFC Champions League winners.
AFC Champions League Winners List
| Year | Winner | Country |
| 2020 | Ulsan Hyundai | South Korea |
| 2019 | Al Hilal | Saudi Arabia |
| 2018 | Kashima Antlers | Japan |
| 2017 | Urawa Red Diamonds | Japan |
| 2016 | Jeonbuk FC | South Korea |
| 2015 | Guangzhou Evergrande | China |
| 2014 | Western Sydney Wanderers | Australia |
| 2013 | Guangzhou Evergrande | China |
| 2012 | Ulsan Hyundai | South Korea |
| 2011 | Al Sadd | Qatar |
| 2010 | Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma | South Korea |
| 2009 | Pohang Steelers | South Korea |
| 2008 | Gamba Osaka | Japan |
| 2007 | Urawa Red Diamonds | Japan |
| 2006 | Jeonbuk FC | South Korea |
| 2005 | Al Ittihad | Saudi Arabia |
| 2004 | Al Ittihad | Saudi Arabia |
| 2003 | Al-Ain FC | UA Emirates |
| 2002 | Suwon Bluewings | South Korea |
| 2001 | Suwon Bluewings | South Korea |
| 2000 | Al Hilal | Saudi Arabia |
| 1999 | Júbilo Iwata | Japan |
| 1998 | Pohang Steelers | South Korea |
| 1997 | Pohang Steelers | South Korea |
| 1996 | Cheonan Ilhwa Chunma | South Korea |
| 1995 | Thai Farmers Bank | Thailand |
| 1994 | Thai Farmers Bank | Thailand |
| 1993 | Pas Tehran | Iran |
| 1992 | Al Hilal | Saudi Arabia |
| 1991 | Esteghlal | Iran |
| 1990 | Liaoning FC | China |
| 1989 | Al Sadd | Qatar |
| 1988 | Nippon Kokan | Japan |
| 1987 | JR East Furukawa FC | Japan |
| 1986 | Daewoo Royals | South Korea |
| 1971 | Maccabi Tel Aviv | Israel |
| 1970 | Taj | Iran |
| 1968 | Maccabi Tel Aviv | Israel |
| 1967 | Hapoel Tel Aviv | Israel |
Who is the current defending champion of the AFC Champions League?
Ulsan Hyundai is the defending champion after winning the tournament in 2024.
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Which is the most successful AFC Champions League team?
Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal and South Korean club Pohang Steelers are the most successful clubs in the tournament’s history, with 3 titles each to their name.