Chinese Super League facts for kids
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| Founded | 2004 |
|---|---|
| Country | China |
| Confederation | AFC |
| Number of teams | 16 |
| Level on pyramid | 1 |
| Relegation to | China League One |
| Domestic cup(s) | Chinese FA Cup Chinese FA Super Cup |
| International cup(s) | AFC Champions League Elite (1st tier) AFC Champions League Two (2nd tier) |
| Current champions | Shanghai Port (2023) |
| Most championships | Guangzhou (8 titles) |
| Most appearances | Wang Song (393 games) |
| Top goalscorer | Wu Lei (146 goals) |
| TV partners | CCTV Migu |
| Chinese Super League | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Simplified Chinese | 中国足球协会超级联赛 | ||||||
| Traditional Chinese | 中國足球協會超級聯賽 | ||||||
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The Chinese Football Association Super League, often called the Chinese Super League or CSL, is China's top professional soccer league. It is run by the Chinese Football Association (CFA). The league started in 2004, taking over from the older Chinese Jia-A League.
When it first began, 12 teams competed. Now, in the 2024 season, 16 teams play. Since 2004, 38 different teams have played in the CSL. Nine of these teams have won the championship. Guangzhou has won the most titles with eight. The current champions are Shanghai Port, who won in 2023.
The Chinese Super League is one of the most popular sports leagues in China. In 2018, about 24,107 fans watched each game. This made it one of the most-watched soccer leagues in the world.
The league is managed by the Chinese Football Association and The CSL Company. This company includes the CFA and all the clubs as owners. Eventually, the clubs plan to take full control of the league's management.
Contents
How the Chinese Super League Works
Playing the Game: Rules and Seasons
The Chinese Super League season starts in February or March. It usually ends in November or December. This is different from many European leagues. Each team plays every other team twice. They play once at home and once away.
With 16 teams, each club plays 30 matches in a season. There are 8 games in each round, making 240 games in total.
At the end of the season, the two teams with the fewest points go down to China League One. The top two teams from League One then move up to the CSL.
If teams have the same number of points, here is how ties are broken:
- The team with more points from games played against each other.
- The team with a better goal difference in games played against each other.
- The team that scored more goals in games played against each other.
- The team with a better overall goal difference.
- The team that scored more goals overall.
- Fair-Play points (teams lose points for yellow or red cards).
- A random draw.
Chinese Clubs in Asian Competitions
Chinese clubs can play in the AFC Champions League, a big competition for Asian teams. China usually gets four spots in this tournament. The top three teams from the CSL qualify. The winner of the Chinese FA Cup also gets a spot. If the FA Cup winner is already in the top three, the fourth-place team in the league qualifies.
Chinese clubs have won the AFC Champions League twice. This shows they are strong competitors in Asia.
Growing the League: Future Plans
The Chinese Super League plans to get even bigger. The goal is to expand to 18 clubs in the future. This will make the league more exciting and competitive.
History of Chinese Soccer
Early Days of Professional Football
Soccer has a long history in China. Organized league play began in 1951. It was first called the Chinese National Football Conference. In 1954, it became the National Football League. By 1957, teams could move between different divisions.
In the 1980s, companies started to sponsor teams. This made the league semi-professional. The top league was renamed the Chinese Jia-A League in 1987. This league became fully professional in 1994.
However, the Jia-A League faced problems. There were issues with gambling and match-fixing. This made fans lose interest. Sponsors also started to leave. Because of these problems, the Chinese Football Association decided to create a new league. This led to the Chinese Super League.
Starting the Chinese Super League
The Chinese Super League was officially announced in 2002. Its first season began in 2004. The goal was to make Chinese soccer more professional. The CSL wanted to learn from successful leagues in Europe.
The CSL set high standards for its teams. Clubs needed to have good management and finances. They also had to create youth development programs. The league also has a reserve league and youth leagues for different age groups. These rules help improve the quality of soccer in China.
Key Moments in CSL History
The first CSL season in 2004 had 12 teams. It faced some challenges from the old league. For a few years, there were no relegations to help the league grow.
In 2006, the league planned to have 16 teams. But some teams left or merged, so it took until 2008 to finally have 16 stable clubs. Since 2009, 16 clubs have competed each year. Two teams are relegated, and two are promoted every season.
Around 2010, there was a big scandal. Many people involved in Chinese football were arrested for match-fixing. This led to some teams being punished.
After this, the league worked hard to improve its image. Teams started to invest in famous foreign players and coaches. Stars like Didier Drogba and Marcello Lippi joined the CSL. This helped make the league more popular.
In 2012, Guangzhou Evergrande became the first team to win the CSL title two years in a row. In 2013, they also won the AFC Champions League. This was a big achievement for a Chinese club.
In 2018, Shanghai SIPG broke Guangzhou Evergrande's winning streak. They won the CSL title, ending Guangzhou's seven-year run.
In 2019, the CSL started using professional referees. This included some international referees. This was done to make games fairer.
The COVID-19 pandemic affected the 2020 Chinese Super League. The season was delayed and played in a special "Group stage + Knockout" format.
Teams in the Chinese Super League
League Champions
Here are the teams that have won the Chinese Super League title:
| Season | Champions | Runners-up |
|---|---|---|
| 2004 | Shenzhen Jianlibao | Shandong Luneng |
| 2005 | Dalian Shide | Shanghai Shenhua |
| 2006 | Shandong Luneng | Shanghai Shenhua |
| 2007 | Changchun Yatai | Beijing Guoan |
| 2008 | Shandong Luneng | Shanghai Shenhua |
| 2009 | Beijing Guoan | Changchun Yatai |
| 2010 | Shandong Luneng | Tianjin TEDA |
| 2011 | Guangzhou Evergrande | Beijing Guoan |
| 2012 | Guangzhou Evergrande | Jiangsu Sainty |
| 2013 | Guangzhou Evergrande | Shandong Luneng |
| 2014 | Guangzhou Evergrande | Beijing Guoan |
| 2015 | Guangzhou Evergrande | Shanghai SIPG |
| 2016 | Guangzhou Evergrande | Jiangsu Suning |
| 2017 | Guangzhou Evergrande | Shanghai SIPG |
| 2018 | Shanghai SIPG | Guangzhou Evergrande |
| 2019 | Guangzhou Evergrande | Beijing Guoan |
| 2020 | Jiangsu Suning | Guangzhou Evergrande |
| 2021 | Shandong Taishan | Shanghai Port |
| 2022 | Wuhan Three Towns | Shandong Taishan |
| 2023 | Shanghai Port | Shandong Taishan |
Current Clubs in the CSL
| Club | Location | Stadium | Capacity | Seasons | Best finish | Worst finish | Current spell | Head coach | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| English name | Chinese name | ||||||||
| Beijing Guoan | 北京国安 | Beijing | Workers' Stadium | 68,000 | 2004 to 2024 | 1st (2009) | 9th (2017) | from 2004 |  Ricardo Soares |
| Cangzhou Mighty Lions | 沧州雄狮 | Cangzhou | Cangzhou Stadium | 31,836 | 2015 to 2016 2020 to 2024 |
7th (2015) | 16th (2016, 2020) | from 2020 |  Zhao Junzhe |
| Changchun Yatai | 长春亚泰 | Changchun | Changchun Stadium | 41,638 | 2006 to 2018 2021 to 2024 |
1st (2007) | 15th (2018) | from 2021 | Xie Hui |
| Chengdu Rongcheng | 成都蓉城 | Chengdu | Chengdu Phoenix Hill Football Stadium | 50,695 | 2022 to 2024 | 4th (2023) | 5th (2022) | from 2022 |  Seo Jung-won |
| Henan | 河南 | Zhengzhou | Zhengzhou Hanghai Stadium | 29,860 | 2007 to 2012 2014 to 2024 |
3rd (2009) | 16th (2012) | from 2014 | Nam Ki-Il |
| Meizhou Hakka | 梅州客家 | Wuhua | Huitang Stadium | 27,000 | 2022 to 2024 | 9th (2022) | 11th (2023) | from 2022 |  Pablo Villar |
| Nantong Zhiyun | 南通支云 | Rugao | Rugao Olympic Sports Center | 14,603 | 2023 to 2024 | 14th (2023) | from 2023 |  Mihajlo Jurasovic |
|
| Qingdao Hainiu | 青岛海牛 | Qingdao | Qingdao Youth Football Stadium | 52,800 | 2004 to 2013 2023 to 2024 |
6th (2011) | 15th (2013) | from 2023 |  Yasen Petrov |
| Qingdao West Coast | 青岛西海岸 | Qingdao | Guzhenkou University City Sports Center Stadium | 20,000 | 2024 | none | from 2024 |  Hisashi Kurosaki |
|
| Shandong Taishan | 山东泰山 | Jinan | Jinan Olympic Sports Luneng Stadium | 56,808 | 2004 to 2024 | 1st (2006, 2008, 2010, 2021) | 14th (2016) | from 2004 | Choi Kang-hee |
| Shanghai Port | 上海海港 | Shanghai | Pudong Football Stadium | 37,000 | 2013 to 2024 | 1st (2018, 2023) | 9th (2013) | from 2013 |  Kevin Muscat |
| Shanghai Shenhua | 上海申花 | Shanghai | Shanghai Stadium | 71,066 | 2004 to 2024 | 2nd (2005, 2006, 2008) | 13th (2019) | from 2004 |  Leonid Slutsky |
| Shenzhen Peng City | 深圳新鹏城 | Shenzhen | Bao'an Stadium | 44,050 | 2024 | none | from 2024 | Jesús Tato |
|
| Tianjin Jinmen Tiger | 天津津门虎 | Tianjin | TEDA Football Stadium | 36,390 | 2004 to 2024 | 2nd (2010) | 14th (2018) | from 2004 | Yu Genwei |
| Wuhan Three Towns | 武汉三镇 | Wuhan | Wuhan Sports Center | 56,201 | 2022 to 2024 | 1st (2022) | 7th (2023) | from 2022 | Ricardo Rodríguez |
| Zhejiang | 浙江 | Hangzhou | Hangzhou Yellow Dragon Sports Center | 51,971 | 2007 to 2016 2022 to 2024 |
3rd (2022, 2023) | 15th (2009, 2016) | from 2022 | Jordi Vinyals |
Famous Team Rivalries
The CSL has several exciting rivalries between teams:
- Jing–Hu rivalry: Beijing Guoan vs. Shanghai Shenhua (since 2004)
- Shanghai derby: Different Shanghai teams have played each other over the years. Currently, it's Shanghai Shenhua vs. Shanghai Port (since 2016).
- Guangzhou derby: Guangzhou vs. Guangzhou City (2012–2022).
- Dalian derby: Dalian Shide vs. Dalian Aerbin (2012).
- Tianjin derby: Tianjin Teda vs. Tianjin Tianhai (2017–2019).
- Beijing derby: Beijing Guoan vs. Beijing Renhe (2018–2019).
- Wuhan derby: Wuhan Yangtze River vs. Wuhan Three Towns (2022).
- Qingdao derby: Qingdao Hainiu vs. Qingdao West Coast (since 2024).
Players in the Chinese Super League
Player Pay and Transfers
Players in the CSL earn good salaries. In 2017, the average salary was over $1 million. This made it one of the highest-paying soccer leagues in the world.
The CSL has two times a year when teams can buy and sell players. These are called transfer windows. One is from January to February, and the other is in June and July.
Teams can have up to 31 players in their squad. This includes 27 Chinese players and 4 foreign players. Only 3 foreign players can play in a game at one time. This rule helps local Chinese players get more playing time.
In recent years, CSL clubs have spent a lot of money on famous foreign players. For example, Oscar joined Shanghai SIPG for €60 million. To control spending, the Chinese Football Association added a "transfer tax." If a club pays a lot for a player, they must also pay the same amount to a youth development fund.
Since 2021, the CSL has a salary cap. This limits how much teams can spend on player wages. It also limits how much individual players can earn.
Foreign Player Rules
The rules for foreign players have changed over time. The league limits the number of foreign players to help Chinese players grow. Currently, teams can have 5 foreign players in their squad. They can use up to 5 foreign players on the field during a match.
| Season | Squad | Match | On-field | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1994–2000 | 3 | 3 | 3 | |
| 2001–2003 | 4 | 4 | 3 | From 2001, foreign goalkeepers were not allowed to play in matches. |
| 2004–2006 | 3 | 3 | 2 | |
| 2007–2008 | 4 | 4 | 3 | |
| 2009–2016 | 4+1 | 4+1 | 3+1 | "+1" means an extra player from another Asian country. |
| 2017 | 4+1 | 3 | 3 | Teams can use three foreign players at most in a match. |
| 2018–2019.7 | 4 | 3 | 3 | The number of foreign players on-field must not be more than the number of young Chinese players (U-23). |
| 2019.7–2019.12 | 4 | 4 | 3 | |
| 2020–2023 | 5 | 5 | 4 | |
| 2024– | 5 | 5 | 5 |
Top Players: Goals and Games
Bold means players still playing in the CSL. |
Bold means players still playing in the CSL. |
Head Coaches
In the past, many coaches from China and Serbia found success in the CSL. Now, more coaches from Western Europe and South America lead CSL teams. Famous coaches like Marcello Lippi and Luiz Felipe Scolari have coached in China.
| Head coach | Club | Wins | Winning years |
|---|---|---|---|
 Marcello Lippi |
Guangzhou Evergrande Taobao | 3 | 2012, 2013, 2014 |
 Luiz Felipe Scolari |
Guangzhou Evergrande Taobao | 2015, 2016, 2017 | |
| Ljubiša Tumbaković |
Shandong Luneng Taishan | 2 | 2006, 2008 |
| Zhu Guanghu |
Shenzhen Jianlibao | 1 | 2004 |
| Vladimir Petrović |
Dalian Shide | 2005 | |
| Gao Hongbo |
Changchun Yatai | 2007 | |
| Hong Yuanshuo |
Beijing Guoan | 2009 | |
 Branko Ivanković |
Shandong Luneng Taishan | 2010 | |
| Lee Jang-soo |
Guangzhou Evergrande | 2011 | |
| Vítor Pereira |
Shanghai SIPG | 2018 | |
| Fabio Cannavaro |
Guangzhou Evergrande Taobao | 2019 | |
 Cosmin Olăroiu |
Jiangsu Suning | 2020 | |
| Hao Wei |
Shandong Taishan | 2021 | |
| Pedro Morilla |
Wuhan Three Towns | 2022 | |
| Javier Pereira |
Shanghai Port | 2023 |
Fan Attendance
The Chinese Super League has the highest average attendance of any soccer league in Asia. Many fans come to watch the games.
Average Attendance Each Season
| Season | Total attendance | Games | Average | Change | High avg. | Team | No. Of Clubs | Relegation Slots |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 1,430,600 | 132 | 10,838 | -63.4% | 23,636 | Shandong Luneng Taishan | 12 | - |
| 2005 | 1,871,700 | 182 | 10,284 | -5.4% | 26,000 | Shandong Luneng Taishan | 14 | - |
| 2006 | 2,228,300 | 210 | 10,611 | +3.2% | 30,679 | Shandong Luneng Taishan | 15 | 1 |
| 2007 | 3,173,500 | 210 | 15,112 | +42.4% | 24,643 | Shanxi Chanba | 15 | 1 |
| 2008 | 3,065,280 | 228 | 13,444 | -12.4% | 26,501 | Shandong Luneng Taishan | 16 | 2 |
| 2009 | 3,854,115 | 240 | 16,059 | +19.5% | 36,805 | Beijing Guoan | 16 | 2 |
| 2010 | 3,499,304 | 240 | 14,581 | -9.2% | 33,342 | Beijing Guoan | 16 | 2 |
| 2011 | 4,236,322 | 240 | 17,651 | +21.1% | 45,666 | Guangzhou Evergrande | 16 | 2 |
| 2012 | 4,497,578 | 240 | 18,740 | +6.2% | 37,250 | Guangzhou Evergrande | 16 | 2 |
| 2013 | 4,456,977 | 240 | 18,571 | -0.9% | 40,428 | Guangzhou Evergrande | 16 | 2 |
| 2014 | 4,556,520 | 240 | 18,986 | +2.2% | 42,154 | Guangzhou Evergrande | 16 | 2 |
| 2015 | 5,326,304 | 240 | 22,193 | +16.8% | 45,889 | Guangzhou Evergrande Taobao | 16 | 2 |
| 2016 | 5,798,135 | 240 | 24,159 | +8.8% | 44,883 | Guangzhou Evergrande Taobao | 16 | 2 |
| 2017 | 5,703,871 | 240 | 23,766 | −1.6% | 45,587 | Guangzhou Evergrande Taobao | 16 | 2 |
| 2018 | 5,785,766 | 240 | 24,107 | +1.4% | 47,002 | Guangzhou Evergrande Taobao | 16 | 2 |
Highest Attendance for a Single Game
| Rank | Home team | Score | Away team | Attendance | Stadium | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jiangsu Sainty | 1–1 | Guangzhou Evergrande | 65,769 | Nanjing Olympic Stadium | 20 Oct 2012 |
| 2 | Jiangsu Sainty | 1–2 | Guangzhou Evergrande | 58,792 | Nanjing Olympic Stadium | 14 Jul 2013 |
| 3 | Beijing Sinobo Guoan | 1–3 | Guangzhou Evergrande Taobao | 57,056 | Worker's Stadium | 11 Aug 2019 |
| 4 | Beijing Sinobo Guoan | 1–1 | Shandong Luneng Taishan | 56,544 | Worker's Stadium | 5 Aug 2018 |
| 5 | Guangzhou Evergrande | 1–0 | Guangzhou R&F | 56,300 | Tianhe Stadium | 25 Aug 2013 |
| 6 | Beijing Sinobo Guoan | 2–2 | Guangzhou Evergrande Taobao | 56,211 | Worker's Stadium | 22 Apr 2018 |
| 7 | Beijing Guoan | 4–0 | Hangzhou Greentown | 54,116 | Worker's Stadium | 31 Oct 2009 |
| 8 | Beijing Sinobo Guoan | 2–0 | Guangzhou Evergrande Taobao | 54,018 | Worker's Stadium | 10 Jul 2017 |
| 9 | Beijing Sinobo Guoan | 2–2 | Shandong Luneng Taishan | 53,906 | Worker's Stadium | 5 Aug 2017 |
| 10 | Beijing Guoan | 2–2 | Shanghai Port | 53,898 | Worker's Stadium | 5 Apr 2024 |
Awards and Recognition
The CSL gives out awards each year to top clubs, players, coaches, and referees.
The Fire-god Trophy
The official trophy for the CSL champions is called the Fire-god trophy. It was designed in 2004. The trophy is made of pure gold and has a jade base. The bottom looks like a part of the Great Wall. On top, there's a soccer ball wrapped by the Earth. The base has the names of all the past CSL winners. The trophy is very heavy, weighing about 5.5 kg. It is 52 cm tall.
Winning teams get to keep the real trophy for one year. They also receive a copy of the trophy to keep forever.
Player of the Year
This award is also known as the "Most Valuable Player."
| Year | Footballer | Club | Nationality |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | Zhao Junzhe | Liaoning Zhongyu | China |
| 2005 | Branko Jelić | Beijing Guoan | Serbia |
| 2006 | Zheng Zhi | Shandong Luneng Taishan | China |
| 2007 | Du Zhenyu | Changchun Yatai | |
| 2008 | Emil Martínez | Shanghai Shenhua |  Honduras |
| 2009 | Samuel Caballero | Changchun Yatai | |
| 2010 | Duvier Riascos | Shanghai Shenhua |  Colombia |
| 2011 | Muriqui | Guangzhou Evergrande | Brazil |
| 2012 | Cristian Dănălache | Jiangsu Sainty | Romania |
| 2013 | Darío Conca | Guangzhou Evergrande |  Argentina |
| 2014 | Elkeson | Brazil |
|
| 2015 | Ricardo Goulart | Guangzhou Evergrande Taobao | |
| 2016 | |||
| 2017 | Eran Zahavi | Guangzhou R&F |  Israel |
| 2018 | Wu Lei | Shanghai SIPG | China |
| 2019 | Paulinho | Guangzhou Evergrande Taobao | Brazil |
| 2023 | Wu Lei | Shanghai Port | China |
Golden Boot Award: Top Scorer
This award goes to the player who scores the most goals in the league each year.
| Year | Top scorer | Club | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 |  Kwame Ayew |
Inter Shanghai | 17 |
| 2005 | Branko Jelić |
Beijing Guoan | 21 |
| 2006 | Li Jinyu |
Shandong Luneng Taishan | 26 |
| 2007 | 15 | ||
| 2008 | Éber Luís |
Tianjin Teda | 14 |
| 2009 | Hernán Barcos Luis Ramírez |
Shenzhen Asia Travel / Shanghai Shenhua Guangzhou GPC |
17 |
| 2010 | Duvier Riascos |
Shanghai Shenhua | 20 |
| 2011 | Muriqui |
Guangzhou Evergrande | 16 |
| 2012 | Cristian Dănălache |
Jiangsu Sainty | 23 |
| 2013 | Elkeson |
Guangzhou Evergrande | 24 |
| 2014 | 28 | ||
| 2015 | Aloísio |
Shandong Luneng Taishan | 22 |
| 2016 | Ricardo Goulart |
Guangzhou Evergrande Taobao | 19 |
| 2017 | Eran Zahavi |
Guangzhou R&F | 27 |
| 2018 | Wu Lei |
Shanghai SIPG | 27 |
| 2019 | Eran Zahavi |
Guangzhou R&F | 29 |
| 2020 |  Cédric Bakambu |
Beijing Guoan | 14 |
| 2021 | Júnior Negrão |
Changchun Yatai | 14 |
| 2022 | Marcão |
Wuhan Three Towns | 27 |
| 2023 | Leonardo |
Changchun Yatai and Zhejiang | 19 |
There is also an award for the top Chinese goalscorer of the season.
| Year | Top scorer | Club | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Yu Hanchao | Liaoning FC | 12 |
| 2012 | Wang Yongpo | Shandong Luneng Taishan | 10 |
| 2013 | Wu Lei | Shanghai East Asia | 15 |
| 2014 | 12 | ||
| 2015 | Shanghai SIPG | 14 | |
| 2016 | 14 | ||
| 2017 | 20 | ||
| 2018 | 27 | ||
| 2019 | Wei Shihao | Guangzhou Evergrande Taobao | 11 |
| 2020 | 8 | ||
| 2021 | Guo Tianyu | Shandong Taishan | 10 |
| 2022 | Zhang Yuning | Beijing Guoan | 19 |
| 2023 | Wu Lei | Shanghai Port | 18 |
Manager of the Year
| Year | Manager | Club | Standings | Nationality |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | Zhu Guanghu | Shenzhen Jianlibao | Chinese Super League champions | China |
| 2005 | Vladimir Petrović | Dalian Shide | Chinese Super League champions; Chinese FA Cup winners | Serbia |
| 2006 | Ljubiša Tumbaković | Shandong Luneng Taishan | Chinese Super League champions; Chinese FA Cup winners | Serbia |
| 2007 | Gao Hongbo | Changchun Yatai | Chinese Super League champions | China |
| 2008 | Ljubiša Tumbaković | Shandong Luneng Taishan | Chinese Super League champions | Serbia |
| 2009 | Tang Yaodong | Henan Jianye | Chinese Super League third place | China |
| 2010 | Branko Ivanković | Shandong Luneng Taishan | Chinese Super League champions | Croatia |
| 2011 | Ma Lin | Liaoning Whowin | Chinese Super League third place | China |
| 2012 | Dragan Okuka | Jiangsu Sainty | Chinese Super League runners-up | Serbia |
| 2013 | Marcello Lippi | Guangzhou Evergrande | Chinese Super League champions; AFC Champions League winners | Italy |
| 2014 | Gregorio Manzano | Beijing Guoan | Chinese Super League runners-up | Spain |
| 2015 | Luiz Felipe Scolari | Guangzhou Evergrande Taobao | Chinese Super League champions; AFC Champions League winners | Brazil |
| 2016 | Luiz Felipe Scolari | Guangzhou Evergrande Taobao | Chinese Super League champions; Chinese FA Cup winners | Brazil |
| 2017 | Fabio Cannavaro | Tianjin Quanjian | Chinese Super League 3rd place | Italy |
| 2018 | Li Xiaopeng | Shandong Luneng Taishan | Chinese Super League 3rd place | China |
| 2019 | Li Xiaopeng | Shandong Luneng Taishan | Chinese Super League 3rd place | China |
| 2023 | Choi Kang-hee | Shandong Taishan | Chinese Super League 2nd place | South Korea |
Youth Player of the Year
This award recognizes the best young player in the league.
| Year | Footballer | Club | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | Chen Tao | Shenyang Ginde | |
| 2005 | Hao Junmin | Tianjin Teda | |
| 2006 | Wang Dalei | Shanghai Liancheng | |
| 2007 | Hao Junmin | Tianjin Teda | |
| 2008 | Huang Bowen | Beijing Guoan | |
| 2009 | Deng Zhuoxiang | Jiangsu Sainty | |
| 2010 | Zheng Zheng | Shandong Luneng Taishan | |
| 2011 | Song Wenjie | Qingdao Jonoon | |
| 2012 | Zhang Xizhe | Beijing Guoan | |
| 2013 | Jin Jingdao | Shandong Luneng Taishan | |
| 2014 | Liu Binbin | Shandong Luneng Taishan | |
| 2015 | No award given | ||
| 2016 | Li Xiaoming | Henan Jianye | |
| 2017 | Hu Jinghang | Henan Jianye | |
| 2018 | Huang Zichang | Jiangsu Suning | |
| 2019 | Zhu Chenjie | Shanghai Greenland Shenhua | |
| 2023 | Shahsat Hujahmat | Shenzhen | |
Goalkeeper of the Year
| Year | Footballer | Club |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 | Deng Xiaofei | Jiangsu Sainty |
| 2013 | Zeng Cheng | Guangzhou Evergrande |
| 2014 | Wang Dalei | Shandong Luneng Taishan |
| 2015 | Zeng Cheng | Guangzhou Evergrande Taobao |
| 2016 | ||
| 2017 | Yan Junling | Shanghai SIPG |
| 2018 | ||
| 2019 | ||
| 2023 | Wang Dalei | Shandong Taishan |
Sponsors and Partners
Main Sponsors
The Chinese Super League has a main sponsor that gives the league its official name. Since 2024, the main sponsor is C'estbon. The league is officially called the China Resources C'estbon Chinese Football Association Super League.
| Season | Sponsor | Annual value | Official league name |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | Siemens Mobile | €8 million | Siemens Mobile Chinese Super League |
| 2005 | No sponsor | Chinese Football Association Super League | |
| 2006 | IPhox | €6 million | Iphox Chinese Super League |
| 2007 | Kingway Beer | ¥36 million | Kingway Beer Chinese Super League |
| 2008 | ¥38 million | Kingway Beer Chinese Super League | |
| 2009 | Pirelli | €5 million | Pirelli Chinese Super League |
| 2010 | €5 million | Pirelli Chinese Super League | |
| 2011 | Wanda Plaza | ¥65 million | Wanda Plaza Chinese Super League |
| 2012 | ¥65 million | Wanda Plaza Chinese Super League | |
| 2013 | ¥65 million | Wanda Plaza Chinese Super League | |
| 2014 | Ping An Insurance | ¥150 million | Ping An Chinese Super League |
| 2015 | ¥165 million | Ping An Chinese Super League | |
| 2016 | ¥181.5 million | Ping An Chinese Super League | |
| 2017 | ¥199.65 million | Ping An Chinese Super League | |
| 2018 | ¥200 million | Ping An Chinese Super League | |
| 2019 | Ping An Chinese Super League | ||
| 2020 | Ping An Chinese Super League | ||
| 2021 | Ping An Chinese Super League | ||
| 2022 | Ping An Chinese Super League | ||
| 2023 | Ping An Chinese Super League | ||
| 2024 | China Resources C'estbon | China Resources C'estbon Chinese Super League |
Other Official Partners
The CSL also has many other official partners and suppliers. These companies help support the league. For example, Nike has been the official equipment supplier since 2005.
| Company | Duration |
|---|---|
| Nike | 2020–2029 |
| China Mobile (Migu) | 2024- |
| C'estbon | 2023- |
| Chevron | 2023- |
| Guoquan | 2023- |
| EA Sports | 2018- |
| Mengniu Dairy | 2020–2022 |
| SAIC Motor | 2018–2022 |
| Fengkuang.cn | 2017–2022 |
| Tsingtao Laoshan Beer | 2017–2022 |
| Ganten | 2017–2022 |
| DHL | 2014–2022 |
| Tmall | 2018–2020 |
| Absen LED | 2017–2020 |
| Eastroc Super Drink | 2018–2019 |
| ImagineChina | 2017–2019 |
| TAG Heuer | 2016–2019 |
| Shell | 2014–2019 |
| JD.com | 2010, 2013–2017 |
| Red Bull | 2015–2017 |
| Ford | 2014–2017 |
| Yanghe | 2017 |
| Ledman Solar | 2011–2016 |
| Carlsberg | 2013–2016 |
| Samsung | 2013–2014 |
| Huiyuan Juice | 2014 |
| China Auto Rental | 2013 |
| SDLG | 2011–2013 |
| Harbin Beer | 2011–2012 |
| Shinery Motor | 2009–2010 |
| Frestech | 2010 |
| Canon | 2004–2008 |
| CP-Freda | 2004–2006 |
| Hengyuanxiang | 2004–2006 |
| Hyundai Motors | 2004–2005 |
Media Coverage
Broadcasting in China
The Chinese Super League games are shown on TV and online. CCTV has broadcast the games since 2012.
Since 2016, the league sells its TV rights as a group. This means the money from broadcasting is shared among the clubs. This helps all CSL clubs financially.
Broadcasting Around the World
Outside of China, the CSL is broadcast in many countries. IMG holds the global media rights. The league is now shown in 96 countries worldwide.
| Country/Region | Network |
|---|---|
| Australia |
SBS |
 Austria |
DAZN |
 Germany |
|
| Italy |
OneFootball |
 Switzerland |
DAZN |
Balkan countries
|
SportKlub |
| Brazil |
ESPN |
 United States |
|
| Latin America | |
 Canada |
OneSoccer |
Eurasia countries
|
Setanta Sports Eurasia |
 Georgia |
Silknet |
 Hong Kong |
TVB |
 India |
FanCode |
| Israel |
Sport 1 |
 Macau |
TDM |
 Philippines |
Tap Sports |
 Poland |
Polsat Sport |
| Portugal |
Sport TV |
 Singapore |
Singtel |
| Spain |
GOL PLAY |
Sub-Saharan Africa
|
StarTimes |
 Turkey |
S Sport |
- other matches also available on Sportdigital
Youth Development in Chinese Soccer
Reserve and Elite Leagues
The CSL has a reserve league where reserve teams from CSL clubs play. This league helps young players get more experience. It usually plays games the day after the main league matches.
From 2014 to 2017, there was also an elite league. This league was for players aged 17 to 19.
| Season | Reserve Champions | Elite Champions |
|---|---|---|
| 2004 | Shanghai Shenhua | Not Held |
| 2005 | Not Held | Not Held |
| 2006 | Shandong Luneng Taishan | Not Held |
| 2007 | Tianjin Teda | Not Held |
| 2008 | Wuhan Guanggu | Not Held |
| 2009 | Not Held | Not Held |
| 2010 | Shandong Luneng Taishan | Not Held |
| 2011 | Shandong Luneng Taishan | Not Held |
| 2012 | Shandong Luneng Taishan | Not Held |
| 2013 | Shandong Luneng Taishan | Not Held |
| 2014 | Shandong Luneng Taishan | Shanghai Shenhua |
| 2015 | Shandong Luneng Taishan | Hangzhou Greentown |
| 2016 | Shanghai SIPG | Jiangsu Suning |
| 2017 | Shandong Luneng Taishan | Guangzhou Evergrande Taobao |
| 2018 | Jiangsu Suning | Not Held |
| 2019 | Shandong Luneng Taishan | Not Held |
| 2020 | Not Held | Not Held |
Youth Super League
The Chinese Football Association wants all CSL clubs to have strong youth development programs. Clubs must invest at least 15% of their budget into these programs. They need to have youth teams for different age groups, from U13 to U19. Clubs also need to work with local schools and football groups to find new talent.
In 2017, the youth league system was renamed the Youth Super League (YSL). It includes youth teams from professional clubs and football academies. The U19 YSL has 36 clubs that play home and away games. There is also promotion and relegation in the youth leagues.
There are other tournaments for youth teams too. These include the Youth Championship, Youth FA Cup, and Youth Champions Cup.
Images for kids
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Chinese Super League logo
