Super League (China) 2026/27

The Chinese Super League stands as the premier professional football competition in China. Established in 2004 by the Chinese Football Association, it succeeded the Chinese Jia-A League as the top division of the national game. The structure relies on a double round-robin system where each of the sixteen participating clubs plays every opponent twice, generating a total of 240 matches throughout the campaign. This schedule typically spans from late winter into early winter, concluding in November or December without the intervention of playoff rounds for the title.

The path to glory is determined solely by final standings, with no additional knockout stages for the championship. Success in the league grants the victor a place in the AFC Champions League Elite, distinguishing its primary prize from that of the domestic cup competition. The competitive pyramid includes mechanisms for movement between tiers: the two lowest-placed sides are relegated to China League One, while the leaders of that second division earn promotion to the top flight. This balance has been maintained since the number of teams stabilised at sixteen in 2009.

Historical dominance in the tournament belongs to Guangzhou F.C., which secured eight titles between 2011 and 2019. Individual achievements also mark the history of the league, with Wu Lei recognised as the all-time leading scorer. While the competition has seen various commercial names, including periods sponsored by Pirelli and Wanda Plaza, it remains the central stage for Chinese football. The current season features clubs such as Beijing Guoan and Chengdu Rongcheng, alongside others vying for position in the table.