The clearest positive signal is the reported growth below the professional level. The Chinese Football Association is said to have almost one million registered players and around 40,000 amateur teams, with participation nearly doubling in a year.
That growth appears closely linked to the Jiangsu Football City League, known as “Suchao”. Launched in May 2025, the competition reportedly attracted more than 2.43 million spectators and generated two billion online views during its first season.
Its appeal is straightforward: local identity, competitive matches and an atmosphere closer to community football than corporate entertainment. Similar leagues are now appearing in other provinces, giving the sport a broader weekly presence.
The grassroots boom cannot hide the failures of China’s professional structure. A previous development plan targeted 70,000 pitches and 30 million schoolchildren, but the national team has reportedly fallen from 81st to 91st in the rankings over the past decade.
The Chinese Super League has also endured corruption, weak administration and dependence on property investment. Guangzhou FC, twice Asian Champions League winners, dissolved in 2025 after the collapse of its major backer.
That contrast matters. A country can produce attention around football without building a reliable pathway from schoolyards and amateur leagues to elite clubs and the national team.
There are still reasons for measured optimism. China’s under-17 side reportedly qualified for the next youth World Cup, while the under-23 team reached the Asian Cup final last year.
The next test will be whether the new local leagues survive beyond their first surge of popularity. If participation remains high and clubs improve coaching, facilities and youth competition, China may finally build the football culture its senior side has so far failed to reflect.