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History of the Chinese Super league
The Chinese Super League’s history is intertwined with the evolution of professional football in China. While professional football existed in China prior to 2004, the establishment of the CSL marked a significant turning point, ushering in a new era of investment, reform, and ambition.
Early years and reorganisation
Prior to the CSL, the top tier of Chinese football was known as the Jia-A League. However, this league faced various issues, including match-fixing scandals and financial instability. In an effort to professionalise and revitalise the sport, the Chinese Football Association (CFA) decided to restructure the league system, leading to the birth of the CSL in 2004.
The initial years of the CSL were marked by experimentation and growth. The league aimed to attract greater investment, improve the quality of play, and increase fan engagement. However, it also faced challenges, including financial difficulties for some clubs and ongoing concerns about match-fixing.
Growth and investment
In the late 2000s and early 2010s, the CSL began to attract more significant investment, particularly from wealthy corporations and businesses. This influx of capital allowed clubs to sign high-profile foreign players and coaches, raising the league’s profile and attracting greater media attention. The league also saw improvements in infrastructure, with new stadiums being built and existing facilities being upgraded.
The “golden era” and beyond
The mid-2010s to the late 2010s are often considered the “golden era” of the CSL During this period, the league reached its peak in terms of spending, with clubs paying exorbitant transfer fees and salaries for star players from around the world. This period saw a surge in popularity and media coverage, both domestically and internationally.
However, this period of rapid expansion also proved unsustainable. In recent years, the CSL has faced new challenges, including financial difficulties for some clubs due to overspending and changes in investment policies. The league has also undergone further reforms aimed at promoting sustainable development and curbing excessive spending. Despite these challenges, the CSL remains a significant force in Asian football, and continues to strive for growth and improvement.
How the Chinese Super league works
The Chinese Football Association Super League—commonly known as the Chinese Super League (CSL) or simply the CSL, and currently referred to as the China Resources Beverage Chinese Football Association Super League for sponsorship purposes—is the highest tier of professional football in China. Operated by the Chinese Professional Football League (CFL) under the auspices of the Chinese Football Association (CFA), the league was established in 2004 following the rebranding of the former top division, the Chinese Jia-A League.
Regular season
Since its inception, the CSL has evolved significantly. In its inaugural season, the league featured 12 teams; however, it has expanded over the years and now features 16 clubs (with 16 teams set to compete in the 2025 season). During the regular season, the league operates on a double round-robin format. This means each team plays every other team twice—once at home and once away—resulting in a total of 30 matches per club and 240 matches over the course of the season.
Matches are generally scheduled between February or March and November or December, which distinguishes the CSL from many European leagues that typically run from August to May. Games are usually held on weekends and selected weekdays, allowing clubs to balance domestic fixtures with international commitments.
Points system and tiebreakers
The league standings are determined using the standard points system:
– Win: 3 points
– Draw: 1 point
– Loss: 0 points
If two or more teams finish the season with the same number of points, the following tiebreakers are applied in order:
- Head-to-head points: Highest number of points accumulated in matches between the teams concerned.
- Head-to-head goal difference: Highest goal difference in matches between the teams concerned.
- Head-to-head goals scored: Highest number of goals scored in matches between the teams concerned.
- Reserve league performance: Highest points accumulated by the clubs’ reserve teams in the reserve league.
- U19 league performance: Highest points accumulated by the clubs’ U19 teams in the U19 league.
- Overall goal difference: Highest goal difference across all matches in the season.
- Overall goals scored: Highest number of goals scored across all matches.
- Fair-play points: Fewer disciplinary points (with deductions of 1 point for a yellow card and 3 points for a red card).
- Draw of lots: If all other criteria fail to break the tie.
Promotion and relegation
The CSL is linked to China League One through a promotion and relegation system. At the end of each season, the two lowest-placed teams in the CSL are relegated to China League One. Conversely, the top two teams from China League One are promoted to the CSL for the following season.
Key teams in the Chinese Super league
The Chinese Super League (CSL) has experienced a dynamic evolution over its history. Some clubs have established themselves as perennial contenders through strong investment and consistent on-field success, while others have experienced fluctuations due to changes in financial backing and management. Recent shifts in the financial landscape have also altered the spending habits of many clubs, leading to adjustments in the traditional power balance. Among the teams that have played pivotal roles in shaping the CSL are:
– Guangzhou FC: Guangzhou FC, previously known as Guangzhou Evergrande, emerged as a dominant force in Chinese football during the 2010s. The club won numerous league titles (with eight titles recorded in its history) and secured multiple AFC Champions League trophies, largely driven by significant investment and the recruitment of high-profile foreign players. In recent years, however, Guangzhou FC has encountered financial challenges and regulatory pressures that have affected its spending levels and on-field dominance.
– Shanghai Port: Originally known as Shanghai SIPG, Shanghai Port is another major contender in the CSL. The club has invested substantially in star players and has consistently been at or near the top of the league standings. Renamed to Shanghai Port in recent years, the club has built a reputation for competitive spirit and has claimed league titles while also competing in continental competitions. They are the reigning champions of the CSL
– Beijing Guoan: One of the oldest and most historically significant clubs in Chinese football, Beijing Guoan has a passionate and large fan base. Known for its consistent performances, the club has long been considered a staple of the CSL. Their history, deep roots in Chinese football, and loyal support have ensured that Beijing Guoan remains a central figure in the league.
– Shandong Taishan: Shandong Taishan is another club in the Chinese league with a rich tradition in Chinese football. The team has secured multiple league titles over the years and is well-regarded for its emphasis on youth development. Shandong Taishan’s ability to produce and nurture local talent has contributed both to their domestic success and to the overall growth of the CSL.
– Shenzhen FC: Shenzhen FC has experienced both notable successes and financial difficulties throughout its history. The club has had periods where it was among the league’s more ambitious sides, investing in competitive squads and challenging for top honors, but it has also had to contend with economic constraints that have impacted its consistency.
Famous players in the Chinese Super league
The Chinese Super League has attracted a diverse array of players from around the globe throughout its history, including some recognisable names from top European leagues. While the league’s spending has become more controlled in recent years, it still boasts a mix of talented domestic players and international stars.
Here are some examples of players who have made a significant impact in the CSL:
Notable international players (past and present)
– Hulk: The Brazilian forward, known for his powerful physique and explosive shot, joined Shanghai SIPG from Zenit St. Petersburg in 2016 at the age of 29. He played in the CSL for five seasons, becoming a fan favorite and scoring many goals. While he didn’t win the CSL title, he did help Shanghai SIPG win the Chinese FA Super Cup in the 2018/2019 season
– Oscar: Another Brazilian star, Oscar, joined Shanghai SIPG from English side Chelsea in 2017 at the age of 25. The attacking midfielder became a key figure in their midfield, showcasing his creative playmaking abilities. He won the CSL title with Shanghai SIPG in 2018 and remained with the club till 2024 when he announced that he’d be leaving for Sao Paulo.
– Carlos Tevez: The Argentinian striker, known for his work rate and goalscoring ability, had a less successful stint with Shanghai Shenhua. He joined from Boca Juniors in 2017 at the age of 33 but his time in China was marred by controversy and inconsistent performances. He left the club after just one season.
– Didier Drogba: The Ivorian legend, Drogba, briefly played for Shanghai Shenhua in 2012, joining from Chelsea at the age of 34. His time in the CSL was short-lived due to financial issues at the club.
– Javier Mascherano: The Argentinian defender, known for his tenacity and leadership, played for Hebei China Fortune. He joined from Barcelona in 2018 at the age of 33 and played for two seasons before retiring.
– Graziano Pellè: The Italian striker, Pellè, played for Shandong Luneng. He joined from Southampton in 2016 at the age of 31 and spent several seasons in the CSL, scoring goals and becoming a key player for his team.
Popular local talent
The CSL has also been a platform for the development of talented Chinese players. While it’s difficult to list all the significant domestic players, some who have risen to prominence and played key roles for both their clubs and the Chinese national team include:
– Wu Lei: Wu Lei was a prolific goal scorer in the CSL and a key player for Shanghai SIPG. He joined the club’s youth system and rose through the ranks, becoming their all-time top scorer. He won the CSL title with Shanghai SIPG in 2018. In 2019, at the age of 27, he made a high-profile move to La Liga side Espanyol and stayed there for 3 years before returning to Shanghai Port in 2022.
– Hao Junmin: A long-time stalwart of the Chinese national team, Hao Junmin has been a consistent presence in the CSL. A versatile midfielder, he has played for several clubs, including Schalke 04 in Germany, before returning to China. He has been a key player for both club and country for many years.
– Zhang Xizhe: Zhang Xizhe, a midfielder, has been a key player for Beijing Guoan and the national team. Known for his technical skills and passing ability, he has been a consistent performer in the CSL. He has also had stints with other CSL clubs.
The Chinese Super league and its role in Chinese football
The Chinese Super League (CSL) is the top club competition in China, and it has a big influence on the whole football scene in the country. It not only represents the highest level of the professional game but also helps shape player growth, fan support, and how people see football in China.
– Bettering the professional standards: The CSL has pushed Chinese football to improve its professional standards. Over the years, the league has helped boost things like player salaries, training facilities, stadium quality, and the organisation of matches. In its early days, a wave of investment—often called the “boom” period—led to rapid improvements. Although not all of that spending could last forever, it did help raise the overall quality of the game.
– Improving local talent: Even though the CSL has attracted many famous foreign players, it also gives local Chinese players a chance to shine. The league offers young players a stage to play against tough competition, gain valuable experience, and improve their skills. This extra exposure to international talent helps the players grow faster and can boost the national team’s future. In recent years, reforms have also worked to limit spending on foreigners so that more opportunities are available for local players.
– Making the league more popular: The league has played a major role in making football more popular in China. With well-known players, exciting matches, and growing media coverage, more people are tuning in and supporting their teams. Although keeping a steady crowd at every game can be a challenge, the CSL remains one of the most important sports leagues in the country.
– Acting as a bridge to better leagues: CSL clubs also act as a bridge between Chinese football and the rest of the world. The top teams take part in international competitions like the AFC Champions League, which gives players extra experience and raises China’s profile in Asia and beyond. How well these teams do on the continental stage also influences how people around the world view Chinese football.
– League difficulties and what the future holds: Like any league, the CSL faces its share of challenges. Some clubs have struggled with money issues, and there have been past concerns over match-fixing. In response, the league has gone through several reforms to encourage sustainable spending and promote local talent. Going forward, the CSL is expected to keep working on financial stability, youth development, and overall competitiveness so that it can continue to grow and strengthen Chinese football.
Important football data and Sportmonks coverage
Football data fires up the CSL—it’s how you get the real scoop on those big matches. Sportmonks’ Football API has it covered, tossing out live updates and stats that fans, analysts, and app makers can jump on. You get goals, cards, and subs as Shanghai Port take on Shandong, plus ball possession and shots showing who’s in charge. It’s not just live—past seasons track Guangzhou’s golden days or Beijing’s steady runs. Player stats dig in: goals, assists, pass success, heatmaps showing Wu Lei’s hustle or Oscar’s playmaking. This isn’t just for fans—people building apps or planning love it too. Sportmonks covers over 2,200 leagues, including the CSL, with plans at €39 monthly for the European (27 leagues), €129 monthly for the Worldwide (111 leagues), or a custom-priced Enterprise for everything. Check Sportmonks Football API Plans and dive into China’s football buzz.
FAQ about the Chinese Super League
