Wikipedia

Myanmar National League

Myanmar National League (Burmese: မြန်မာနေရှင်နယ်လိဂ်) often referred to as MNL, is the highest level of the Myanmar football league system. Contested by 12 clubs, it operates on a system of promotion and relegation with the MNL-2. Seasons typically run from August to May, with each team playing 22 games.[1]

Myanmar National League
Organising bodyMFF
Founded16 May 2009; 17 years ago (16 May 2009)
First season2009
CountryMyanmar
ConfederationAFC
Number of clubs12
Level on pyramid1
Relegation toMNL-2
Domestic cupMNL League Cup
International cup(s)AFC Challenge League
ASEAN Club Championship
Current championsShan United (7th title)
(2025-26)
Most championshipsShan United
(7 titles)
Most appearancesDavid Htan (336)
Top scorerCézar Augusto (118)
Broadcaster(s)MRTV-4
Channel 7
Readers Channel
Pyone Play Sports
Websitewww.themnl.com
Current: 2025–26 Myanmar National League

History

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Origins

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In the past, professional football competition in Myanmar has only existed in a limited form. Premier leagues have been made up of Yangon-based clubs, most of which were affiliated with government ministries. It was only after 1996 when the Premier League (Burmese: ပထမတန်း) was relaunched as the Myanmar Premier League that non-government clubs were invited. Still, the league was based only in Yangon.

The Myanmar Football Federation sought approval from the government to launch a nationwide league in February 2008, and finally received permission to set up private clubs in December of the same year. Each club was permitted to sign at most five foreign players and one foreign coach. The government granted tax exemptions for an initial three-year period, while each club owner must provide a minimum initial investment of Ks 200 million.[2] The investment covered costs such as salaries, transportation, and equipment, but does not include the club stadiums, which are all nationalized.[3]

Myanmar League

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In 2009, the league replaced the Myanmar Premier League with eight professional clubs representing different regions across the nation.[2] On 16 May 2009, the league launched its inaugural two-month tournament, the Myanmar National League Cup 2009, in preparation for the first full season.[4] Despite its national ambitions, the league held the MNL Cup 2009 matches in the country's two main stadiums in Yangon due to the lack of adequate facilities elsewhere. On 5 July 2009, Yadanabon FC defeated Yangon United FC in the MNL Cup final to become the first-ever MNL champion.

The league added three clubs for the 2010 season,[5] and one more club joined for the 2011 season, bringing the total to twelve clubs.[6] Two more clubs representing Chin and Shan states participated in the MNL season starting in January 2012.[7][8]

Shan United dominance (2020s)

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Results of the 'Big Four' during the 2020s
SeasonHTUSHUYGUYDB
20202145
20223126
202331210
2024-253126
Top four4440
Top six4443
out of 6

Starting from the 2019 season, Shan United established themselves as the most powerful force in the Myanmar National League (MNL). In 2020, they secured their third league title, finishing ahead of Hantharwady United in a season affected by the global pandemic. This victory was the spark that started their long-running dynasty in Burmese football.

After a break in the league in 2021, Shan United returned for the 2022 season and pulled off a historic achievement: they finished the entire season undefeated. By winning 15 matches and drawing 3, they proved to be far ahead of their competition. Their defense was particularly strong during this run, giving up only 9 goals in 18 games.

In the 2023–24 season, the club continued to stay at the top, winning their fifth league title. Their home matches at Taunggyi Stadium became legendary for being nearly impossible for away teams to win. During this period, Shan United also became a regular name in Asian continental football, representing Myanmar in the AFC Cup and the AFC Challenge League.

By the end of the 2024-25 season, Shan United made history by winning their sixth league title. More importantly, they became the first club in the professional era of Myanmar football to win four consecutive league titles (2020, 2022, 2023, and 2024–25).

While other big clubs like Yangon United and rising teams like Thitsar Arman have tried to challenge them, Shan United’s financial backing and consistent squad building have kept them at the top of the pyramid throughout the mid-2020s.

Competition format

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Competition

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There are 12 clubs in the Myanmar National League. During the course of a season (usually from January to September), each club plays the others twice (a double round-robin system), once at their home stadium and once at that of their opponents, for a total of 22 games. Teams receive three points for a win and one point for a draw. No points are awarded for a loss.

Teams are ranked by total points, then goal difference, and then goals scored. If teams are still equal, the head-to-head record between the tied teams is used as the tie-breaker. If a tie persists for the championship or relegation, a play-off match may be organized by the Myanmar Football Federation to decide the final ranking.

Promotion and relegation

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A system of promotion and relegation exists between the Myanmar National League and the MNL-2 (Second Division). At the end of the season, the two lowest-placed teams in the MNL are relegated to MNL-2, while the top two teams from MNL-2 are promoted to the top flight for the following season.

The number of clubs in the league has fluctuated since its founding in 2009. While it began with 8 clubs, it expanded to 12 clubs for much of the 2010s. In recent years, particularly following the 2023 season, the league has worked to stabilize the number of participating clubs at 12 to ensure a competitive balance and sustainable club licensing standards.

Champions

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(For Burmese champions before 2009, see Myanmar Premier League)

# Year Champions Runners-up
1 2009 Yadanarbon Delta United (now Ayeyawady United)
2 2010 Yadanarbon Zeyar Shwe Myay
3 2011 Yangon United Ayeyawady United
4 2012 Yangon United Kanbawza FC(now Shan United)
5 2013 Yangon United Nay Pyi Taw
6 2014 Yadanarbon Yangon United
7 2015 Yangon United Yadanarbon
8 2016 Yadanarbon Yangon United
9 2017 Shan United Yangon United
10 2018 Yangon United Shan United
11 2019 Shan United Ayeyawady United
12 2020 Shan United[9] Hanthawaddy United
13 2021 Season cancelled due to 21 coup d'état
14 2022 Shan United Yangon United
15 2023 Shan United Yangon United
16 2024-25 Shan United Yangon United
17 2025-26 Shan United [10] Yangon United

Wins by club

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ClubChampionsRunners-upWinning seasonsRunners-up seasons
Shan United
7
2
2017, 2019, 2020, 2022, 2023, 2024-25, 2025-26 2012, 2018
Yangon United
5
6
2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2018 2014, 2016, 2017, 2022, 2023 , 2025-26
Yadanarbon
4
1
2009-10 , 2010, 2014, 2016 2015
Ayeyawady United
0
3
2009, 2011, 2019
Nay Pyi Taw
0
1
2013
Zeyar Shwe Myay
0
1
2010
Hantharwady United
0
1
2020

The Invincibles

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Undefeated champions:

Clubs

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2025–26 season

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Twelve clubs are competing in the 2025–26 season – top tenth from the previous season and two promoted from the MNL-2.

2025–26
Club		 2024–25
Position		 First season in
National League		 Seasons
in National
League		 No. of seasons
of current spell
in National League		 Top
division
titles		 Most
recent top
division title
Ayeyawady United9th200916160-
Dagon Port 10th2024-25220-
Dagon Star4th2022440-
Hantharwady United3rd200915110-
ISPE7th2020660-
Mahar United5th2018770-
Rakhine United11th201411110-
Shan United1st2009161662024-25
ThitSar Arman FC8th2024330-
Yadanarbon6th2009161642016
Yangon United2nd2009161652018
Yarmanya United2nd (MNL-2)2025-26110-

Seasons in Myanmar National League

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There are 24 teams that have taken part in 16 Myanmar National League championships that were played from the 2009 season until the 2025–26 season. The teams in bold compete in the Myanmar National League currently. The year in parentheses represents the most recent year of participation at this level.

International competitions

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Qualification for the 2025–26 AFC Competitions

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The number of teams from the Myanmar National League participating in Asian Football Confederation (AFC) competitions is determined by Myanmar's position in the AFC Club Competitions Ranking. For the 2025–26 season, Myanmar is ranked 14th in the East Region, which grants the league two spots in the AFC Challenge League (Asia's third-tier continental competition). League Champions: The winner of the 2024–25 Myanmar National League qualifies automatically for the AFC Challenge League group stage. Cup Winners / League Runners-up: The winner of the MNL League Cup (or the league runners-up if the same team wins both) earns a spot in the AFC Challenge League qualifying play-offs.

Current ranking

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The ranking below takes into account of each association's performance in Asian competitions over the past eight seasons, with the 2025–26 season underway. The final ranking at the end of the 2025–26 season will be used to determine the slot allocation for the 2027–28 AFC club competitions.

As of 20 February 2026, the ranking is as follows:[11]

Ranking Member association
(L: League, C: Cup)		 Club points Total Active teams[a] 2027–28 Competition Slot Allocation
(direct+indirect)
2025–26 2024–25MvmtRegion 2017
(×0.3)		 2018
(×0.4)		 2019
(×0.5)		 2021
(×0.6)		 2022
(×0.7)		 2023–24
(×0.8)		 2024–25
(×0.9)		 2025–26
(×1.0)		 ACLE ACL2 ACGL Total
27 27Same position —E12Philippines Philippines (L, C) 8.120 5.843 4.782 2.600 0.300 0.600 3.667 4.250 16.965 1/2 0 0+1 0+1 2
29 312 +2E13Chinese Taipei Chinese Taipei (L) 0.000 0.000 0.333 2.000 0.000 5.145 6.050 3.600 14.528 0/2
30 30Same position —E14Myanmar Myanmar (L, C) 1.300 4.062 1.600 0.000 0.000 1.640 7.150 2.050 12.612 0/2
32 341 +1E15Mongolia Mongolia (L, C) 0.000 0.100 0.100 0.000 0.100 5.080 2.200 3.600 9.804 0/2

Records

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All-time top scorers

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As of 31 May 2024
Myanmar League
Rank Player Period Goals Apps
1 Brazil Cezar Augusto 2012–2015, 2017 118 111
2 Myanmar Soe Min Oo 2009–2019 109 267
3 Liberia Keith Nah 2014, 2015–2016, 2019–2021 93 127
4 Myanmar Kyaw Ko Ko 2010–2019 91 182
5 Guinea Sylla Sekou 2014–2019, 2023 85 140
6 Myanmar Win Naing Soe 2015–2021 77 142
7 Ivory Coast Donald Bissa 2016, 2017, 2019–2020 64 74
8 Nigeria Charles Obi 2010–2013 58 63
9 Myanmar Yan Kyaw Htwe 2013– 51 127
10 Nigeria Christopher Chizoba 2016–2018 42 72

Figures for active players (in bold).

All-time appearances

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As of 16 August 2024
Rank Player Position Apps Goals
1 Myanmar David Htan 2009– 336 11
2 Myanmar Zaw Min Tun 2009–2018 271 8
3 Myanmar Soe Min Oo 2009–2018 267 109
4 Myanmar Thiha Sithu 2009–2020 254 0
5 Myanmar Aung Zaw 2009–2021 252 0
6 Myanmar Yan Aung Kyaw 2009–2020 246 3
7 Myanmar Nanda Kyaw 2013– 231 22
8 Myanmar Lar Din Maw Yar 2011–2025 221 3
9 Myanmar Thet Naing 2009– 220 35
10 Myanmar Thein Than Win 2009– 211 8

Figures for active players (in bold).

Player statistics

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Prize money

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  • Champion: Ks. 100,000,000
  • Runner-up: Ks. 70,000,000
  • Third place: Ks. 50,000,000

Awards

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Coach of the year

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Season Coach Club
2024-25 Japan Ono Hiriki Shan United
2023 Myanmar Han Win Aung Shan United
2022 Myanmar Han Win Aung Shan United
2020 Myanmar Aung Naing Shan United
2019 MyanmarAung Naing Shan United
2018 MyanmarMyo Min Tun Yangon United
2017 MyanmarSoe Myat Min Shan United
2016 BelgiumRené Desaeyere Yadanarbon
2015 Serbia Saric Yangon United
2014 Myanmar U Khin Maung Tint Yadanarbon
2013 Australia Eric Williams Yangon United
2012 Bulgaria Ivan Venkov Kolev Yangon United
2011 Australia Eric Williams Yangon United
2010 France Yoan Girard Yadanarbon
2009 France Yoan Girard Yadanarbon

Player of the Year

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Titles won

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Winning coaches

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Sponsorship

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Period Sponsor Name
2009–2010Grand RoyalGrand Royal Myanmar National League
2010–2014MyanmarMyanmar National League
2015–2016OoredooOoredoo Myanmar National League
2017Max CementMax Cement Myanmar National League
2018–2022MPTMPT Myanmar National League
2023–2024Myanmar National League

Notes

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  1. ↑ Number of teams still active from association in AFC Champions League Elite, AFC Champions League Two or AFC Challenge League.

References

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  1. ↑ "MNL TO INTRODUCE PROMOTION-RELEGATION SYSTEM BY 2014". ASEAN Football. 7 May 2011. Archived from the original on 12 January 2012. Retrieved 9 January 2012.
  2. 1 2 Han Oo Khin (March 9–15, 2009). "New era for football". The Myanmar Times. Archived from the original on February 15, 2012.
  3. ↑ Min Lwin (2009-04-20). "Burmese Soccer League an Election Ploy?". The Irrawaddy. Archived from the original on 2012-03-14. Retrieved 2009-04-26.
  4. ↑ Han Oo Khin (March 30 – April 5, 2009). "MFF announces May domestic cup competition". The Myanmar Times. Archived from the original on February 14, 2012.
  5. ↑ "MNL season opens in style". Myanmar Times. 2010. Archived from the original on 5 October 2010. Retrieved 9 June 2011.
  6. ↑ "MNL expands ahead of 2011 season launch". Myanmar Times. January 2011. Archived from the original on 7 June 2012. Retrieved 9 June 2011.
  7. ↑ "၂၀၁၂ ပြိုင်ပွဲတွင် ချင်းကိုယ်စားပြု အသင်းတစ်သင်း ပါဝင် ယှဉ်ပြိုင်မည်". Soccer Myanmar. Archived from the original on 4 October 2011. Retrieved 2 October 2011.
  8. ↑ "MNL TO INTRODUCE PROMOTION-RELEGATION SYSTEM BY 2014". ASEAN Football. 7 May 2011. Archived from the original on 12 January 2012. Retrieved 9 January 2012.
  9. ↑ "2020 MNL Title won". themnl.com. 2020. Archived from the original on 7 October 2020. Retrieved 1 October 2020.
  10. ↑ Thein Zaw, Friday (18 March 2026). "Myanmar National League 2025-26 ပြိုင်ပွဲတွင် ရှမ်းယူနိုက်တက်အသင်းဗိုလ်စွဲအမှတ်ပေးချန်ပီယံဆုကို (၇) ကြိမ်မြောက်ရရှိခြင်းဖြစ်". Global New Light of Myanmar.
  11. ↑ "AFC Club Competitions Ranking 2026". FootyRankings. 20 February 2026. Retrieved 21 February 2026.
  12. ↑ "2020 Top Scorer". themnl.com. 2020. Archived from the original on 31 October 2020. Retrieved 1 October 2020.
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