The Twin Kirin: A Symbol of Identity

The club’s nickname, “The Twin Kirin,” is central to its identity. The Kirin (or Qilin) is a mythical creature in East Asian culture, associated with prosperity, integrity, and good fortune. This symbolism is a cornerstone of the club’s philosophy.

The Muangthong United logo features two Kirin, representing a powerful, unified force. They embody the club’s fighting spirit, its commitment to fair play, and its ambitious journey, reflecting the strength of the team and its supporters.

2007: The Beginning of the Rise

A new era began in 2007 under the ownership of Siam Sport Syndicate chairman, Mr. Rawi Lohtong. Rebranded as Muangthong Nongjok United, the club entered the Division 2 league with a strong policy of youth development, which included future club legends Kawin Thamsatchanan and Teerasil Dangda. In their inaugural season, The Twin Kirin won the championship and earned promotion to Division 1.

2008: Back-to-Back Promotions

The club’s momentum continued into the next season. Bolstered by the arrival of key Ivorian players Dagno Siaka and Yaya Soumahoro, the team developed an aggressive, attacking style of play that earned widespread recognition. In a remarkable achievement, Muangthong United won the Division 1 championship in their very first year, securing a second consecutive promotion and a place in Thailand’s top flight.

2009: Three Years, Three Championships

Upon promotion to the Thai Premier League, Muangthong United signaled its ambition with a series of major signings, including national team players like Nattaporn Phanrit, Jesada Jitsawad, and Pichitpong Choeichiu. With Teerasil Dangda returning from a training stint at Manchester City, the club solidified its status as a top-tier team with a rapidly growing fanbase. They went on to win the Thai Premier League title at their first attempt, completing a historic “3 Years, 3 Championships” journey from Division 2 to the pinnacle of Thai football.

2010: Defending the Crown & Continental Debut

To build on its success, Muangthong recruited more of the nation’s top talent, including Datsakorn Thonglao and Panupong Wongsa. The strengthened squad successfully defended its Thai Premier League title, winning for the second consecutive season. The club also made its mark on the continental stage, reaching the semifinals of the 2010 AFC Cup in a notable debut performance.

2011: A Landmark Signing

While the 2011 season concluded with a third-place league finish and an FA Cup runner-up title, the club made a landmark move off the pitch. The signing of Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler was a pivotal moment, bringing unprecedented global attention to Muangthong United and the Thai league, and setting a new benchmark for foreign talent in the country.

2012: The First “Invincibles”

The club’s stature grew with a major sponsorship deal from Siam Cement Group (SCG), a partnership valued at 600 million baht. The investment aimed to elevate the club to a continental level, and the signing of Macedonian playmaker Mario Gjurovski was a key part of this vision. The impact was immediate, as Muangthong United stormed to the 2012 Thai Premier League title with an undefeated record, becoming the first team in league history to do so.

2016: A Historic Double

The 2016 season marked a significant squad overhaul with the arrival of top national team players, including Chanathip Songkrasin, Tanaboon Kesarat, Tristan Do, and a historic mid-season transfer for Theerathon Bunmathan. This formidable lineup led Muangthong to a historic domestic double, winning both the Thai League and the League Cup. The season was also memorable for defeating rivals Buriram United for the first time.

2017: Breakthrough in Asia

With the SCG partnership renewed, the club focused on achieving success at the Asian level. The results were immediate, as the Twin Kirin advanced to the knockout stage (Round of 16) of the AFC Champions League for the first time in club history. Their impressive group stage performance included victories over established clubs from Japan, South Korea, and Australia.

2022: The Gjurovski Philosophy

Under the leadership of returning club legend Mario Gjurovski as head coach, the club re-emphasized its commitment to youth development. This new philosophy yielded impressive results on the pitch, as the team achieved a club-record-tying eight-game winning streak. While the season concluded without a trophy, it was marked by an exciting, attacking style of play and the successful promotion of numerous academy talents to the first team.

2024: Resilience and a Cup Final

After a difficult start to the 2023-24 season, a mid-season coaching change saw the team’s fortunes revive. Displaying significant resilience, the squad, built on a core of young talent, embarked on an eight-game winning streak across all competitions. This impressive run of form propelled the team to the 2023-24 League Cup final, where they were narrowly defeated by BG Pathum United.