Yunnan Yukun FC General Manager: Fight Every Game in the Chinese Super League, Aim for Survival Next Year
Yuxi, Yunnan Province, China– Yunnan Yukun Football Club, a privately-owned team, has made history by securing a spot in the Chinese Super League (CSL) for the2025 season. This marks the return of professional football to Yunnan Province after a 21-year absence.
The club’sjourney to the CSL has been a remarkable one. Founded in July 2021, Yukun quickly climbed the ranks of Chinese football, winning the Chinese Football Association (CFA) Member Association Championship League (Zhongguan) in 2022and earning a spot in the China League Two (Zhongyi) the following year. In 2023, they finished third in the league and secured a promotion to the China League One (Zhongjia) through a supplemental qualification.
This year, Yukun set their sights on the CSL. Our goal last year was to reach the China League One, and this year, our primary goal was to secure promotion to the Chinese Super League, said Guo Guangqi, the club’s general manager. To achieve this, we increased our investment byapproximately 30 million yuan and brought in several players with experience in the CSL.
The club’s investment paid off. Yukun finished the 2024 China League One season with an impressive record of 18 wins, 6 draws, and 2 losses, accumulating 60 points –12 points ahead of the second-place team. Under normal circumstances, we only need one more point in the remaining four rounds to win the China League One championship, Guo added.
The club’s success can be attributed to a strategic combination of experienced players and a strong coaching staff. Former Chinese nationalteam striker Li Jinyu was appointed head coach and brought in seasoned players like striker Mu Shekui, Zhao Yuhao, Luo Jing, Cui Ming’an, Yi Teng, Li Peng, Ruan Jun, and Dilimuladi, who have all played in the CSL and China League One.
Yukun’s return to the top tier of Chinese football is a significant moment for Yunnan Province. The province has been without a professional club in the CSL since the Yunnan Hongta club transferred its CSL qualification in 2003.
We are proud to represent Yunnan Province in the Chinese Super League, Guo said. We know it will be a challenging journey, but we are prepared to fight every game and strive for survival in the league next year.
Yukun’s success story is a testament to the club’s ambition, investment, and strategic planning. As they prepare for the 2025 CSL season, theclub is focused on building a strong foundation for long-term success and re-establishing Yunnan Province as a force in Chinese football.
References:
- 封面新闻. (2024, October 8). 专访云南玉昆足球俱乐部总经理：打好中超每一场比赛，争取明年保级成功. Retrieved from https://www.thecover.cn/news/detail/16939
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