The 2021 Chinese Super League season officially started on April 20, 2021. This marked the beginning of the 18th season of China\“s top professional football league. The season was originally scheduled to begin earlier but was delayed due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and related restrictions.
The league featured 16 teams competing in a modified format, with the initial phase being played in centralized venues in Guangzhou and Suzhou. Guangzhou Evergrande Taobao （now Guangzhou FC） was the defending champion entering the season. The 2021 season introduced several changes to adapt to the pandemic situation, including reduced foreign player quotas and strict health protocols.
Shandong Taishan ultimately won the 2021 Chinese Super League championship, claiming their fifth top-flight title. The season concluded on January 4, 2022, after being extended due to various postponements. The 2021 campaign was significant for being the first season under the league\“s new name, Chinese Super League, after dropping the previous “Chinese Football Association Super League“ designation. |
