Despite the Chinese national soccer team’s repeated failure to qualify for the World Cup and the ongoing struggles of its top clubs in Asian competitions, there are signs of hope for the sport in China. The 2025 Chinese Super League season concluded on a positive note, with Shanghai Port poised to retain the title if they secure a draw in their final match against Dalian. Should they falter, city rivals Shanghai Shenhua could seize the opportunity. The season has seen an average attendance of 26,000 per match, the highest among top Asian leagues and a significant improvement from a decade ago when Chinese clubs splurged on international stars like Oscar, Tevez, and Hulk, and renowned coaches such as Marcello Lippi and Manuel Pellegrini. Today, the league lacks such high-profile names, and clubs face financial difficulties, but the passion for soccer remains undiminished. Simon Chadwick, a professor of AfroEurasian Sport at Emlyon Business School in France, noted that a dedicated fan base persists in China, undeterred by recent challenges. While the sustainability of this resurgence is uncertain, Chadwick believes the seeds of a new era in Chinese soccer are beginning to sprout. This revival extends beyond the professional level, with amateur regional leagues flourishing across the country. The Jiangsu Football City League, launched in May 2025, has been particularly successful, drawing an average attendance of 30,000 and culminating in a final that attracted 62,000 spectators in Nanjing. The league’s success has inspired other provinces to establish similar competitions, marking a shift from top-down initiatives to grassroots, community-driven growth. Taizhou coach Zhou Gaoping emphasized the league’s role in rediscovering the essence of soccer, transcending mere victories and defeats. As Taizhou prepares for the 2026 season with overwhelming player interest, the future of Chinese soccer appears promising, even as the national team remains absent from the World Cup. If this trend continues, soccer could experience unprecedented growth in one of the world’s most populous nations.