Hong Kong Premier League

The BOC Life Hong Kong Premier League is Hong Kong's top flight, created in 2014 and separate from mainland China's leagues. Eleven clubs play in 2026-27. The champion (and usually the cup winner) enter the AFC Champions League Two. Kitchee won 2025-26 - their seventh HKPL title.

History of Football in Hong Kong

Football in Hong Kong dates back to the late 19th century under British colonial rule.

Hong Kong Football Club was founded in 1886, making it one of the oldest existing football clubs in Asia. The Hong Kong football league began in 1908, establishing one of the oldest continuous top-flight football league systems in Asia. The Football Association of Hong Kong, China (HKFA) was established in 1914, while legendary players such as Lee Wai-tong helped shape both Hong Kong and Chinese national teams during the pre-war era.

The Golden Era (1950s-1980s)

The HKFA joined FIFA and became a co-founder of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) in 1954. Hong Kong hosted the inaugural AFC Asian Cup in 1956 and finished in third place. Football enjoyed enormous popularity during the 1970s and 1980s, with clubs such as South China AA and Seiko SA attracting tens of thousands of supporters. One of the greatest moments in Hong Kong football history came in 1985, when the national team recorded a famous 2-1 victory over China in Beijing during the 1986 World Cup qualifiers.

Modern Era (1990s-Present)

In 2014, the top division was restructured and replaced by the Hong Kong Premier League, helping to modernise the domestic game and bring it closer to AFC standards. More recently, the national team enjoyed a resurgence by qualifying for the AFC Asian Cup in 2023, marking its first appearance at the tournament in more than 50 years and renewing local interest in international football.

Clubs

Kitchee

The league's modern powerhouse, with seven HKPL titles and 13 Hong Kong championships in all. Home games are at Mong Kok (6,600 capacity) and Tseung Kwan O (3,500).

Tai Po

New Territories club with titles in 2018-19 and 2024-25; runners-up last season. They play at Tai Po Sports Ground (3,200 capacity) and reached ACL Two again via the FA Cup.

Lee Man

Paper-backed club founded in 2017; first champions in 2023-24, third last season. Among the league's highest scorers. They share Mong Kok Stadium with Kitchee and Eastern.

Eastern

Historic side from 1932; won the 2015-16 HKPL and five Hong Kong titles overall. Finished fourth last season at Mong Kok which they share with Kitchee and Lee Man. During the 1981-82 season, the club was managed by former England captain and 1966 World Cup winner Bobby Moore. Under his leadership, the team won the 1981-82 Hong Kong Senior Shield. Moore returned to the club as manager in August 1982 but left in March 1983. The club also attracted several notable English players during the early 1980s, including 1966 World Cup winner Alan Ball and former Norwich City and West Ham United player Graham Paddon.

North District

Promoted in 2023 and now a stable mid-table side; fifth in 2025-26. Based at North District Sports Ground.

Kowloon City

Up in 2024-25; finished sixth in their second top-flight season. Play at Sham Shui Po Sports Ground. The one stand has a capacity of 2,194.

Southern

Aberdeen club in the HKPL since 2015-16, still without a title. Seventh last season; home is Aberdeen Sports Ground.

Eastern District

Debutants in 2025-26 who stayed up in eighth. Separate from Eastern SC; play at 11,981-capacity Siu Sai Wan. The Sports Ground is a concrete structure built on a single level with a running track.

Rangers

Tsing Yi club founded in 1958; never HKPL champions but a long-running professional side. Ninth last season. They play at the 1,500 capacity, multi-purpose Tsing Yi Sports Ground.

Hong Kong FC

The league's oldest club (1886), based at their own Happy Valley ground, Hong Kong Football Club Stadium nicknamed 'The Jungle' (2,750 seats). Finished last of ten in 2025-26 but remained in the top flight.