The Twin Kirin

The club’s unique nickname, “The Twin Kirin,” is more than just a name—it’s a symbol of its spirit and identity. The Kirin (or Qilin) is a mythical, revered creature in East Asian culture, often associated with good omens, prosperity, and integrity.

The club’s crest features two Kirin, representing a powerful and unified force. They stand for the club’s fighting spirit, integrity, and its journey to success, embodying the strength and unity of the team and its supporters.

The Rise

A new era began in 2007 when the club was renamed Muangthong Nongjok United and led by sports media tycoon Mr. Rawi Lohtong. The team was entered into the Division 2 league with a strong youth development policy, which brought future stars like Kawin Thamsatchanan and Teerasil Dangda onto the squad. Unbelievably, The Twin Kirin won the championship and earned a promotion to Division 1.

Momentum

The forward momentum continued. With an aggressive, attacking style of play, Muangthong became more widely known. The team also welcomed new, colorful players from abroad, astonishing Thai football fans with the powerful play of Dagno Siaka and the fluid movements of Yaya Soumahoro, two Ivorian players. The team’s dazzling performance led to an incredible achievement: winning the Division 1 championship in their very first year after promotion.

2009: 3 Years, 3 Championships

Muangthong continued to seriously develop their team. Upon promotion to the top league, they secured national team players such as Pakasit Saensuk, Jesada Jitsawad, Nattaporn Phanrit, Hattaporn Suwan, Piyachart Thamaphan, Thanapat Na Thareua, and Pichitpong Choeichiu. With the return of Teerasil Dangda from his experience at Manchester City, combined with the growing popularity of football, the “Twin Kirins” became a major club that attracted a huge amount of public interest. They went on to win the Thai Premier League title for the first time, proudly proclaiming their ‘3 Years, 3 Championships’ legacy.

2010: Building on Success

The football trend continued to climb, and Muangthong did not stop building on its success. Players from the national team, such as Datsakorn Thonglao, Panupong Wongsa, Jakraphan Kaewprom, Narongchai Wachiraban, and Kittipol Papunga, stepped into the Thunder Dome. They led the team to the semifinals of the 2010 AFC Cup and also won the Thai Premier League for the second consecutive season.

2011: The Fowler Deal

While 2011 may not have been Muangthong United’s best season on the pitch, with a third-place finish in the Thai Premier League and an FA Cup runner-up title, their off-field marketing performance was unmatched. The club made a world-shocking deal by signing Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler, who donned the number 9 shirt at the Thunder Dome. This move brought global recognition to the club and later attracted many other skilled players to the country.

2012: First Undefeated Champions

Muangthong cemented its status as the country’s most valuable club when the Siam Cement Public Company Limited (SCG) signed on as the team’s main sponsor with a massive contract worth over 600 million baht, with a goal of reaching the continental level. The Kirins then brought in a player who would elevate the league: Mario Gjurovski. The investment paid off, as they went on to become Thai Premier League champions in 2012 with an undefeated record. While they didn’t win the league again in the following three seasons, they consistently placed near the top of the table, finishing second in 2013 and 2015, and third in 2014.

2016: The Triple Crown

The 2016 season brought many changes, especially with the addition of national team players such as Chanathip Songkrasin, Tanaboon Kesarat, and Tristan Do. The club also sealed a historic deal by bringing in Theerathon Bunmathan, a player who was a symbol of Buriram United, in the second leg. These players helped Muangthong win the Thai League and the League Cup. More importantly, they defeated the “Thunder Castle” for the first time, and did so for three consecutive matches, bringing long-awaited joy to the Kirin fans.

2017: Making History in Asia’s Biggest Cup

The 5-year contract between SCG and Muangthong United expired in 2016, but both football partners shared a common goal: to develop Thai football to an Asian level. They extended the contract for another 5 years, a deal worth over 600 million baht, to build on their success. The results were immediate, as the Twin Kirin advanced to the knockout stage (Round of 16) of the AFC Champions League 2017 for the first time in their history. In the group stage, they convincingly defeated teams from Japan, South Korea, and Australia.

2022: The Mario Way

While the season ended without a trophy, Muangthong United earned the deep respect of Thai football fans for its renewed focus on youth development. The club’s policy of nurturing young talent began to pay off, with the team achieving a record-tying eight-game winning streak, matching a feat previously held by Buriram United. This success was led by coach Mario Gjurovski, a club legend who returned to the Thunder Dome to guide the team and continue its development under his distinct philosophy.

2024: A New Era

The season started poorly for the Twin Kirin, with three losses in the first four games. Coach Mario Gjurovski decided to leave to take responsibility for the team’s performance. However, thanks to a strong youth structure and the board’s hard work, Muangthong gradually returned to form. The team went on an impressive eight-game winning streak (across all competitions), paving the way to the 2023-24 League Cup final. Unfortunately, they were narrowly defeated by BG Pathum United with a score of 0-1.