Core Viewpoint - The white paper indicates that Chinese football is experiencing continuous improvement in five key areas: infrastructure, commercial development, professional growth, public opinion, and culture, with significant support from technology [1][3][4]. Group 1: Infrastructure Development - The construction of football infrastructure in China has rapidly improved, with the total number of football fields increasing from 117,300 in 2019 to 161,000 in 2024, a net increase of 43,700 fields, surpassing the previously set standard of 0.9 fields per 10,000 people [5]. - Sponsorship from sports event sponsors has enriched the infrastructure and increased the popularity of football [5]. Group 2: Commercial Environment - The enthusiasm for football events is recovering, with the total number of attendees at the Chinese Super League exceeding 4.66 million in 2024, averaging nearly 20,000 spectators per match [6]. - Over 60% of respondents believe that the application of VAR technology has enhanced the fairness of matches, with Hisense playing a significant role as the first official VAR partner of FIFA [6]. Group 3: Youth and Professional Development - The development of youth football in China is accelerating, with a noticeable trend towards younger professional players. In 2024, the total number of professional players reached 2,740, with the average age of male players decreasing by 2.4 years to 27.3 years [8]. - The public's participation and interest in football are increasing, with the 2023 season of the Chinese Super League attracting 4.76 million attendees and 1.12 billion live views [8]. Group 4: Technological Integration - Technology's contribution to football has significantly increased, with domestic brands enhancing viewer experiences through advanced display technologies and AI applications [10][11]. - Hisense's AI football intelligence enhances fan engagement by providing real-time data and match summaries, reflecting the growing integration of technology in the football industry [13]. Group 5: Future Outlook - The white paper envisions a promising future for Chinese football, suggesting that with the right policies and market dynamics, it can transition from merely returning to the field to achieving significant breakthroughs [14].

Core Viewpoint - The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup has seen significant developments in Chinese football, with improvements in infrastructure, commercial environment, and youth engagement, as highlighted in the "China Football Environment and Future Development White Paper (2025)" [1][2][8] Group 1: Infrastructure Development - China's football infrastructure has rapidly improved, with the total number of football fields increasing from 117,300 in 2019 to 161,000 by 2024, a net increase of 43,700 fields, surpassing the previous policy standard of 0.9 fields per 10,000 people [3] - Sponsorship and donations from market players have enriched the infrastructure, enhancing the popularity of football [3] Group 2: Commercial Environment - The attendance for the Chinese Super League (CSL) exceeded 4.66 million in 2024, with an average of nearly 20,000 spectators per match, indicating a revival in event popularity [4] - Over 60% of respondents believe that the application of VAR technology has improved fairness in matches, with Hisense being a key player in this technological advancement [4] Group 3: Youth and Professional Development - The number of professional football players in China reached 2,740 in 2024, with a noticeable trend towards younger players, as the average age of the men's national team decreased by 2.4 years to 27.3 years [4] - The improvement in the quality of referees and coaches is also noted, contributing to a better professional environment [4] Group 4: Public Engagement and Cultural Environment - The 2023 CSL season saw a total of 4.76 million live spectators and 1.12 billion live views, making it the leading league in Asia [5] - Social media engagement has surged, with the CSL topic on Douyin accumulating over 18.3 billion views, indicating a growing interest in football among the public [5] Group 5: Technological Integration - The integration of technology in football has significantly enhanced the viewing experience, with companies like Hisense leading in display technology and AI applications [7] - Hisense's AI football smart assistant provides real-time data and analysis, improving fan engagement during matches [7] Group 6: Sponsorship Growth - The enthusiasm of Chinese sponsors for football is increasing, with Hisense being recognized as the most memorable sponsor among fans [8] - The collaboration between sponsors and football events has deepened, showcasing a model for sports marketing that benefits both parties [8]