The AFC Champions League 2024–25 season concluded with incredible drama and high-level football. But beyond glory and silverware, how much prize money did the winner and runner-up take home?
In this blog, we break down the official cash rewards awarded to both finalists of Asia’s biggest club competition — along with bonuses and comparisons to other leagues. If you’re curious about the financial side of Asian football, you’re in the right place.
💰 AFC Champions League 2025 Prize Money Breakdown
As per the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) official announcement:
- 🥇 Winner: $4 million (USD)
- 🥈 Runner-up: $2 million (USD)
These figures were confirmed on the official AFC website, and reflect the AFC’s mission to raise the prestige and competitiveness of Asian football on a global scale.
📌 Note: These amounts are exclusive of bonuses, matchday revenue, and sponsorship deals.
🏟️ Why the Prize Money Matters
The AFC Champions League’s prize structure is designed to help clubs grow financially and compete with elite teams worldwide. Winning the tournament doesn’t just bring continental fame — it also gives clubs:
- Huge boosts in sponsorship
- Automatic qualification for the FIFA Club World Cup
- Visibility for players and staff in global markets
📈 Comparison with Other Leagues
| Competition | Winner Prize Money | Runner-up |
|---|---|---|
| UEFA Champions League | ~$20M (Excl. bonuses) | ~$15M |
| AFC Champions League | $4M | $2M |
| CAF Champions League | ~$2.5M | ~$1.25M |
Asian clubs are catching up fast in terms of prize incentives, especially with rising investments in leagues like the Saudi Pro League and Indian Super League.
📌 Real Example: AFC Final 2025
In the 2025 final, let’s assume al-ahli saudi defeated kawasaki — that means:
- Al-ahli saudi took $4 million in prize money.
- Kawasaki received $2 million as runner-up.
Both clubs also earned millions more through gate revenue and sponsorships, making this one of Asia’s richest football fixtures.
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🏁 Conclusion
The AFC Champions League winner takes home $4 million, and the runner-up gets $2 million — a clear signal that Asian club football is on the rise financially and competitively. With the stakes growing higher each year, we can expect even greater rewards and performances in seasons to come.
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