As we enter 2025, the survival status of various clubs has once again become a focal point for external attention, especially several key clubs that have long been the focus of fans' hearts. Although everyone does not wish to see the dissolution of clubs, it is regrettable that we will not see some old friends in the 2025 season. With the release of the Chinese Football Association's entry list, three clubs will not participate in the new season, including the veteran team Guangzhou FC, which has reached the pinnacle of domestic football on multiple occasions. However, due to operational issues, the team has been on a downward trajectory in recent years, struggling in the China League One for the past two seasons.
Looking back at Guangzhou FC's history, it can be traced back to the 1950s, giving the team a 70-year history that has witnessed the development of domestic football. The team became widely known to the outside world in 1993 when the Sun God Group invested in the club, marking the beginning of professional operations. During the Jia-A period, Guangzhou FC's performance was average, mainly in an accumulation phase. Even after entering the Chinese Super League (CSL), Guangzhou FC's presence was not significant, sometimes even playing in the China League One. It wasn't until the 2010 season that Guangzhou FC received massive investment, upgraded its lineup, and achieved the goal of promotion to the CSL in the 2011 season.
Subsequently, Guangzhou FC embarked on a high-end mode with continuous high investment. The club entered a glorious period of "seven consecutive championships," from 2011 to 2017 without letting the championship slip away. They won titles in the FA Cup, Super Cup, and AFC Champions League, even achieving a fourth-place finish in the Club World Cup. As the "eight-time CSL champion," their strength was undeniable, leaving a deep impression on domestic football with an unshakable position as the top team.
However, with the decline in the strength of the investors, the quality of both domestic and foreign players decreased, and national team players gradually left the team, leading to a noticeable drop in the team's strength. Even with Zheng Zhi taking over as head coach, he could not prevent the team's relegation. Despite being relegated to the China League One, Guangzhou FC went through a season of adjustments and gradually found its form, even having the potential to return to the CSL in the 2024 season, ultimately finishing third in the league.
For this young team, such achievements have exceeded external expectations. Just as the outside world was pinning hopes on Guangzhou FC, news of their dissolution came, with the 70-year history of the team about to become history, causing a sigh among outsiders. Of course, rather than struggle, it might be better to have a complete release. Currently, the future of the emerging stars within the team has become a focus for fans, perhaps attracting the interest of CSL clubs.