Chinese Super League crests 2019

March 1, 2019 - December 1, 2019 - The 16th season of the Chinese Super League begins, with Shanghai SIPG aiming to defend their title. China’s premier football competition has seen a remarkable increase in global appeal in recent seasons, with European and South American stars attracted by the lure of higher wages and superstar status.

Founded in 2004, there are currently 16 teams in the Super League. Each team has 18 players, of which up to 4 can be foreign (but only 3 of these can play in a particular match) and 3 domestic players have to be under the age of 23. Belgian midfielder Marouane Fellaini became the latest European-based player to complete a transfer to China when he left Manchester United to join Shandong Luneng in January.

In the opening fixtures, Shanghai SIPG kick off the new season with a clash at local rivals Shanghai Greenland Shenhua, while Guangzhou Evergrande host Tianjin Quanjian, and Shangdong take on Beijing Renhe.

Newly promoted teams Wuhan Zall and Shenzhen, both returning to the top flight after a short absence, begin their campaigns against Beijing Guoan and Hebei China Fortune respectively.