Football in Laos has a relatively short history compared to other countries in the region, but the sport has made significant strides in recent years. The first recorded football match in Laos was played in 1930, between French colonists and local Lao players.
However, it wasn't until the 1950s and 1960s that football began to gain popularity in Laos, with the formation of the Lao Football Federation in 1951 and the establishment of the national league in 1965. The national team made its international debut in 1961, playing against Thailand in a friendly match.
In the following years, the sport continued to grow, with the construction of new stadiums and the establishment of youth academies to develop young talent. However, political instability in the country in the 1970s and 1980s hindered the growth of football, and progress was slow.
It wasn't until the 1990s that football in Laos began to see significant growth again, with the country's participation in regional and international competitions. In 1995, Laos hosted the Southeast Asian Games and made it to the semi-finals of the football tournament, a significant achievement for the country.
In recent years, football in Laos has continued to grow, with the national team qualifying for the AFF Suzuki Cup in 2010 and 2018. The Lao Premier League was established in 2010, and there has been a significant increase in the number of youth academies and football schools.
Despite the challenges faced by football in Laos, including a lack of funding and infrastructure, the sport has continued to grow, and the future looks bright for Lao football. With the continued support of the government, fans, and football organizations, Laos has the potential to become a significant player in the region and beyond.
