Top 5 Footballers in China’s CSL in 2021

Founded in 2004 after rebranding the pre-existing football association in China, the Chinese Super League quickly found success as a popular and lucrative league. The number of teams has grown from 12 to 16, and attendance soared to an average of 24,000 in 2018. Even so, the CSL faces challenges while filling rosters

Much like other young leagues, like North America’s MLS, one issue is finding local talent to fill rosters. Around the world, top leagues finance their own academies where they can recruit budding stars and transition them to their own roster. Not only does this help teams recruit talent, but it’s also a focal point for analysts who provide insight and wagers on top sports leagues.

For example, the Premier League currently has two players, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli of Arsenal, who spent time in the club’s youth academy. Pundits have closely followed both players for their quality of play and potential, but only the CSL’s Shanghai Port and Shandon Taishan clubs have been able to draft more than ten former academy players.

Most of the eastern league’s top players transferred from European associations, others hail from around the world—including Nigeria’s Odion Ighalo, who played in the CSL from 2017-2021. With big money salaries and a chance to accrue championship titles, there’s a clear appeal in jet-setting to join the CSL.

Let’s take a look at five of the league’s top footballers and where they transferred from.

Oscar

Attacking Midfielder, Shanghai Port

In 2017, Oscar shocked the sporting world when he announced his move to Shanghai Port. Prior to moving to the CSL, Oscar built a reputation with the Premier League club Chelsea, where the young player was known for his dynamic and technical skill in the midfield. As an attacking midfielder, Oscar was a pivotal part of Chelsea’s offense.

The Brazilian footballer cited finances when asked why he chose to leave the start of an illustrious career in European clubs. And, given that he transferred while in the early years of his career, there’s a strong likelihood Oscar will return to play in Europe once his contract ends with Shanghai Port.

Paulinho

Midfielder, Guangzhou FC

Prior to joining one of the world’s richest and most renowned clubs, FC Barcelona, Paulinho spent two years with Guangzhou Evergrande. Though contracted on four-year terms, Barcelona paid €40 million for the CSL superstar. Though he made waves as a key playmaker for the La Liga club, he returned to Guangzhou the following season.

Since then, Paulinho has resigned with his CSL club and he’s considered one of the league’s most dangerous players.

Cédric Bakambu

Forward, Beijing Guoan 

Prior to signing on with CSL squad Beijing Guoan in 2018, Bakambu was busy building his reputation in Spain’s La Liga with Villareal. During his time in La Liga, the French player (who has roots in DR-Congo) became known for his striking abilities and aggressive style of play.

After a stop-and-go period of negotiations between Villareal and Beijing Guoan, Bakambu became his club’s leading goal scorer and helped take home the Chinese FA Cup.

Talisca

Attacking Midfielder/Forward, Guangzho FC

After spending five years with Benfica in Portugal’s Primeira Liga, the Brazilian attacker spent two seasons on loan in Turkey’s Süper Lig. Talisca was then sent on loan to Guangzhou Evergrande, where he joined fellow Brazilian Paulinho. Since there, he’s found great success as a striker

Talisca represents one of the CSL’s biggest success cases. Since joining Guangzhou, he’s been able to learn from Paulinho along with others in the league, like Yaya Touré.

Marko Arnautović

Forward/Winger, Shanghai Port

Prior to moving to Shanghai Port in 2019, Arnautović spent time in the Premier League with West Ham United. There, he was one of the team’s top goal scorers, having put away 11 goals in his last season with the club.

Rather than continue building his career in the Premier League, Arnautović asked West Ham to accept offers made by Shanghai Port. Only two weeks after signing his contract with the CSL, he scored in his debut match. The duration of his contract with Shanghai is unknown.