The quest for Asia’s Most Popular Football Club culminated with Indonesia’s Persija Jakarta and Malaysia’s Johor Darul Ta’zim qualifying for the final, each demonstrating substantial fan support through significant voting percentages. Persija Jakarta secured 32.5% of the total votes, while Johor Darul Ta’zim garnered 29%. These two clubs will face off against the Islamic Republic of Iran’s Tractor SC and Persepolis FC, who recently emerged as frontrunners in the combined Central and South Asia poll. Additionally, participants from East Asia, including Shanghai Shenhua from China and Suwon Samsung Bluewings from Korea Republic, have advanced to the final as well.
The race for the West region concludes on Saturday, with the final event scheduled for Sunday. Noteworthy nominees from the ASEAN region include:
**Persija Jakarta**
Founded in 1928, Persija Jakarta is a prominent institution in Indonesian football, with a remarkable record of eleven league championships. Their avid fan base, known as “The Jakmania,” is celebrated for creating a magnificent atmosphere at matches, particularly at the Gelora Bung Karno Stadium, which set a record attendance of 62,198 for an AFC Cup match in 2018.
**Persib Bandung**
A close rival to Persija Jakarta, Persib Bandung has a staggering following, boasting nearly 10 million Facebook fans and 4.4 million on Instagram. With seven league championships, Persib is considered one of the most frequently followed clubs globally.
**Johor Darul Ta’zim FC**
Johor Darul Ta’zim FC, the dominant team in Malaysian football, has remarkably secured the last seven Super League titles and also claimed the prestigious 2015 AFC Cup, marking a significant achievement as the first Malaysian club to win a continental title. They received a commendable 34% of the votes in our August survey, solidifying their status as Malaysia’s most popular club.
**Perak FA**
With a rich history dating back nearly a century, Perak FA has earned a strong loyal following and has celebrated significant success, having won eight Malaysia Cups since its inception. They were recognized as the second-most popular club during the recent polling.
**Hanoi FC**
Emerging as a contemporary powerhouse in Vietnam, Hanoi FC has secured five V.League 1 titles, establishing itself as a formidable club in just 14 years. Their influence extends significantly into the national team, with eight players representing Hanoi FC in the most recent national squad.
**Hoang Anh Gia Lai FC**
Despite their limited recent successes, Hoang Anh Gia Lai retains a passionate fan base and was recognized as the second-most popular club in Vietnam. Founded in 2001, they were champions in 2003 and 2004, but have been searching for renewed success in recent years.
**Buriram United**
Buriram United represents a resounding success story in Thailand, having won a total of 21 domestic trophies and established a loyal following that appreciates the club’s performance on and off the field. Their impressive achievements include reaching the knockout stages of the AFC Champions League.
**Western Sydney Wanderers**
Founded in 2012, the Wanderers have quickly become a favorite among supporters and have set an A-League attendance record with over 61,000 fans at a derby match. Their triumph in the AFC Champions League in 2014 further elevates their status in the international arena.
**Persebaya Surabaya**
Persebaya Surabaya, representing Indonesia’s second-largest city, showcases its rich heritage and support with a substantial average attendance. They finished second in the Liga 1 season and are recognized for drawing high crowds, reflecting their significant following.
**Arema FC**
Another prominent Jaavan club, Arema FC, rounds out the list, having successfully attracted impressive voter support. They have a history of participating in the AFC Champions League and engaged a significant number of fans during the Liga 1 season.
It is important to note that fans have the opportunity to cast their votes once daily until the poll concludes at 12:00 (UTC+8) on December 25, providing a platform for continued engagement and support for their beloved clubs.
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