Myanmar National League


Myanmar National League 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.

History

Origins

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 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. The investment covered costs such as salaries, transportation, and equipment, but does not include the club stadiums, which are all nationalized.

Myanmar League

In 2009, the league replaced the Myanmar Premier League with eight professional clubs representing different regions across the nation. 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. 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, and one more club joined for the 2011 season, bringing the total to twelve clubs.
Two more clubs representing Chin and Shan states participated in the MNL season starting in January 2012.

Champions

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Wins by club

The Invincibles

Undefeated champions:

Clubs

2025

Personnel and sponsoring

Note: Flags indicate national team as has been defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.
ClubHead coachCaptainKit manufacturerShirt sponsor
Ayeyawady United

Records

All-time top scorers

RankPlayerPeriodGoalsApps
1

All-time appearances

RankPlayerPositionAppsGoals
1

Player statistics

Youngest player: Myat Kaung Khant17 years, 6 months Oldest player: Chit Myo Hteik — 41 years Youngest scorer: Myat Kaung Khant — 17 years, 6 months Oldest scorer: Chit Myo Hteik — 38 years Fastest scorer: Myat Kaung Khant - 32 seconds Most consecutive matches scored: Yadanarbon - 21 Longest clean sheet: 630 minutes — Kyaw Zin Htet Most goals in a season: 28 — Cezar Augusto

Prize money

  • Champion: Ks. 100,000,000
  • Runner-up: Ks. 75,000,000
  • Third place: Ks. 50,000,000

Coach of the year

Titles won

NoPlayerClubTimes
1David HtanYangon United, Shan United8
2Hein Thiha ZawShan United6
3Yan Aung KyawYangon United5
3Kyi LinYangon United5
3Pyae Phyo AungYangon United5
3Nanda KyawShan United5
3Sithu AungYangon United, Yadanarbon, Shan United5
4Khin Maung LwinYangon United4
4Ye Min ThuShan United4
5Thiha SithuYadanarbon, Shan United3
5Yan Aung WinYangon United, Yadanarbon3
5Myo Min TunYangon United3
5Hein Phyo WinShan United3
5Kyaw Zin PhyoShan United3

AFC club ranking

Current RankPointsClub
7015.581Yangon United
968.914Shan United
1245.247Yadanarbon