Though Libya has not achieved big on both International and Club level, Libyans are known to be skillful, having produced such talented players such as TarIk El-Taib, Jehad Muntasser, Ahmed Saad, and Fawzi Al-Issawi.

The first championship was held in 1963, and was won by Al Ahly Tripoli (see: Libyan Premier League 1963–64).

In the past, the runners-up of the Libyan Premier League were named the domestic cup champions.

They had one of their most successful periods in the 1980s, when such players as Salim Abu Jarrad, Fawzi Al-Issawi and Ali Al-Beshari almost led the side to silverware.

In 1982, Libya hosted the 1982 African Cup of Nations, a competition in which they came second, losing 7-6 to Ghana on penalty kicks.

The team was also very close to qualifying for the 1986 FIFA World Cup, where they lost 3-1 to Morocco over two legs.

Two years later, the side did get to its second Nations tournament, having finished fourth in their 2006 FIFA World Cup qualification group.

The side did well in their group, which did contain the two finalists, Ivory Coast and the winners Egypt, as well as the 2004 African Cup of Nations runners-up Morocco.

The side suffered disappointing away defeats against Ethiopia and Namibia, which ruined their chances of qualifying.