Asia experienced its most fascinating football project through the Chinese Super League (CSL) before its rise in the mid-2010s. The league began its operations in 2004 from a small foundation that exploded during the mid-2010s. During 2016, China gained the status of the top destination in the global football transfer market. Additionally, large clubs employed unrivalled deals to draw both players and coaches.
Three clubs, namely Guangzhou Evergrande and Shanghai SIPG, together with Hebei China Fortune, used massive amounts of money to sign prominent footballers from Europe as well as South America. Major signings of leading players arrived in Chinese football during this notable period.
- Oscar from Chelsea to Shanghai SIPG ($60 million)
- Hulk, Paulinho, Jackson Martínez, and Carlos Tevez
- Coaches like Felix Magath, Sven-Göran Eriksson, and Marcello Lippi
The international recognition of Chinese football increased greatly as more international stars joined the league, while enthusiasts started predicting Chinese dominance in football during the 2050s.
Why Chinese Football Clubs Spend So Much
The avoidable high-spending strategy had a deliberate purpose. The initiative supported China's national football plan as established by the government. The CSL gained strategic value for national pride and international soft power through support from President Xi Jinping's football vision.
Real estate developers, along with tech giants, brought money to CSL clubs, which they used for public relations purposes. Three companies, including Evergrande and Suning and Wanda Group, invested billions into building their clubs' facilities as well as establishing new training academies.
This era led to:
- A rise in TV viewership and media deals
- Enhanced stadium infrastructure
- Better domestic league attendance
- International recognition of the CSL
The Turning Point: Financial Collapse and Overregulation
The boom didn’t last forever. The real estate bubble in China led to its sector collapse in the early 2020s, thus impacting the same downfall of the CSL.
Guangzhou FC suffered a major loss after the organisation received a ban from participating in the 2025 season because of unresolved financial debts and licensing issues. The team that dominated Asia had been reduced to a bankrupt organisation.
Jiangsu FC suffered an especially sudden downfall after winning the 2020 championship. Suning Holdings Group lost their financial backing, so Guangzhou FC needed to disband only after winning the championship in three months.
In response, the Chinese Football Association (CFA) introduced sweeping reforms:
- Strict salary caps for domestic and foreign players
- Limitations on transfer fees
- Rules on club naming (removing corporate brand names)
- More focus on local player development
The Current State of the Chinese Super League in 2025
The CSL focuses on rebuilding youth development and long-term growth in 2025. The current state of the league reveals itself as follows:
Leading Clubs in 2025
- Shanghai Port FC – stable finances and strong youth academy
- Shandong Taishan – consistent performers with loyal fan support
- Beijing Guoan – rebuilding with a strong focus on Chinese talent
Challenges
- Falling international interest
- Fewer marquee foreign players
- Struggles to attract new sponsors
- Limited media coverage outside China
Improvements
- More local players starting in matches
- Government-supported training facilities
- Clubs partnering with schools and communities
- Enhanced coaching education programs
What Happened to Guangzhou FC and Jiangsu FC
Guangzhou FC
- 8-time CSL champions
- 2-time AFC Champions League winners
- Denied participation in the 2025 season due to debt and mismanagement
Jiangsu FC
- Won the 2020 title
- Disbanded in early 2021 due to sudden financial issues
- Players and staff left unpaid
The downfall of CSL clubs exposes their dependency on unmarried investor control, preventing community-based and member structures that exist in European leagues.
Can the Chinese Super League Recover?
Yes, but it will take time. The league has steered toward developing sustainable practices that build an independent structure. Rather than pursuing recognisable names, the CSL has adopted a new strategy to develop:
- Domestic stars
- Grassroots academies
- Strong club identities
- Community-based support systems
The CSL improves its systems through cooperative relationships between Chinese clubs and German, Brazilian, and Dutch clubs and their coaching staff. Holding steady with reforms and club development investment from the CFA should slowly help the league rebuild its Asian football standings.
Lessons Learned from the Rise and Fall of CSL
- Financial sustainability matters
- Overdependence on corporations is risky
- Grassroots development is the only long-term solution
The CSL’s journey is a tale of ambition, missteps, and reawakening. While the league’s glamorous chapter may be over, a new one focused on integrity, development, and long-term planning is unfolding. For fans, players, and policymakers, the goal remains the same: to make Chinese football respected, not just rich.
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About the Author:
Akanksha Sinha
I'm Akanksha Sinha, an expert in writing sports blogs, news, and various articles for entertainment and more. I bring a unique flair to my work, providing insightful perspectives on the world of sports.
My articles aim to inform and entertain, making me a go-to source for sports enthusiasts seeking a blend of information and enjoyment. With a passion for storytelling and a keen eye for detail, I consistently deliver compelling narratives that resonate with a diverse audience.
