Beijing, December 21, 2024 – The Europe Today: As 2024 comes to an end, Chinese football reflects on a year marked by both turbulence and promising strides toward growth. The men’s national team faced a tumultuous journey, starting with an early exit at the Asian Cup, followed by fluctuating performances in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Despite setbacks, the team demonstrated resilience under head coach Branko Ivankovic, highlighted by a shift toward younger players and an offensive revival. Meanwhile, the women’s national team, led by Australia’s Ante Milicic, showed potential despite limited international matches, focusing on squad development and preparation for future competitions.
In the domestic sphere, the Chinese Super League (CSL) celebrated a record-breaking season as Shanghai Port defended its title with unprecedented dominance, setting new benchmarks in points, goals, and consecutive wins. Star players like Wu Lei and Oscar delivered exceptional performances, while fan engagement surged with over 4.66 million attendees across CSL matches. However, the sport continued its crackdown on corruption, with significant investigations, bans, and sentences shaping the year. These efforts aim to lay a foundation for a fairer and more transparent future for Chinese football, as the nation aspires to reclaim its standing on the international stage.
