The club's history includes promotion battles, league titles, relegation, major foreign players, international competition and several different coaching eras. Changchun Yatai also became one of the Chinese clubs to compete in the AFC Champions League, reaching the group stage in 2008 and returning to the competition in 2010.
After finishing second in the Chinese Super League in 2009, the club experienced a long period of mixed results. It was eventually relegated in 2018, won China League One in 2020 and returned to the top flight in 2021. After several seasons back in the Super League, Changchun Yatai was relegated again in 2025 and began the 2026 season in China League One.
Changchun Yatai at a glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Club | Changchun Yatai FC |
| Chinese name | 长春亚泰足球俱乐部 |
| Founded | 6 June 1996 |
| City | Changchun, Jilin, China |
| Home stadium | Changchun Stadium |
| Current league | China League One |
| Chinese Super League titles | 1 |
| Super League title | 2007 |
| Super League runners-up | 2009 |
| China League One titles | 2 |
| League One titles | 2003, 2020 |
| AFC Champions League | Group stage in 2008 and 2010 |
History
 |
| Changchun Yatai FC and its history in Chinese football, from its 1996 foundation to the Chinese Super League title and modern China League One era. |
Foundation and early years
Changchun Yatai Football Club was officially established on 6 June 1996. The club was created during the period when Chinese football was developing rapidly under the country's professional football system.
Unlike many clubs that later moved between cities or repeatedly changed their identity, Changchun Yatai has maintained its connection with Changchun throughout its history. The club therefore became closely associated with football in Jilin Province and the northeastern region of China.
Changchun Yatai entered national competition in 1997, playing in the lower levels of Chinese football. The early seasons were about building the club and progressing through the divisions rather than competing for major honours.
1997 to 1999 - Beginning in the lower divisions
Changchun Yatai's first competitive years came in the third level of Chinese football. The club played its first national league campaign in 1997 and continued developing during the following seasons.
The 1997 campaign was short, with Changchun Yatai recording one win, one draw and three defeats. By 1999, the club had become more competitive, winning six of its 12 league matches and finishing fifth.
These early years established the foundation for the club's move into the second tier.
| Season | Level | Position |
|---|---|---|
| 1997 | Third tier | 6th |
| 1998 | Did not have a recorded league campaign | — |
| 1999 | Third tier | 5th |
2000 to 2003 - Rise to the second tier and first league title
Changchun Yatai entered the second tier in 2000 and immediately established itself as a competitive side. The club finished fifth in the league and also reached the quarter-finals of the Chinese FA Cup.
In 2001, Changchun Yatai finished second after winning 12 of 22 league matches. The result looked like promotion progress, but the club did not immediately move into the top division because the promotion situation was affected by disciplinary issues surrounding the competition.
The club finished eighth in 2002 before producing a much stronger campaign in 2003. Changchun Yatai won 15 of 26 matches, scored 51 goals and conceded only 15 as it finished first and won the Jia-B title.
The 2003 championship was Changchun Yatai's first major league title and confirmed that the club was ready to challenge at a higher level.
2004 to 2005 - Building towards the Chinese Super League
Changchun Yatai finished fifth in the second tier in 2004. The following season brought a major breakthrough.
In 2005, the club won 20 of 26 league matches, scored 71 goals and conceded only 22. Changchun Yatai finished second behind Xiamen Blue Lions and earned promotion to the Chinese Super League.
The promotion marked the end of almost a decade of development through the lower divisions. Changchun Yatai had gone from a newly established club in 1996 to a top-flight team within nine years.
2006 - First season in the Chinese Super League
Changchun Yatai made an immediate impression after reaching the Chinese Super League. The club won 13 of 28 matches and finished fourth with 46 points.
A fourth-place finish in the first season showed that the club was capable of competing against China's established top-flight sides. It also created the platform for the most successful season in the club's history.
2007 - Chinese Super League champions
The 2007 season remains the defining era in Changchun Yatai history.
Under head coach Gao Hongbo, the team won 16 of 28 league matches, drew seven and lost only five. Changchun Yatai scored 48 goals and conceded 25 to finish first with 55 points.
The championship made Changchun Yatai Chinese Super League champions for the first and, so far, only time.
The title was particularly significant because it came only two seasons after the club had been promoted from the second tier. Changchun Yatai had gone from a newly promoted team in 2006 to China's best league team one year later.
The 2007 championship players
Several players became strongly associated with the title-winning side. Chinese internationals and long-serving Changchun players such as Du Zhenyu, Wang Dong, Wang Wanpeng and Zhang Xiaofei were important parts of the team.
Du Zhenyu was particularly influential. Playing mainly from midfield, he scored 10 league goals in the 2007 campaign and later received the Chinese Footballer of the Year award. Foreign players also played an important role, including Honduran striker Elvis Scott, who scored 12 league goals.
| Player | 2007 league goals |
|---|---|
| Elvis Scott | 12 |
| Du Zhenyu | 10 |
| Wang Dong | 6 |
| Cao Tianbao | 2 |
2008 - AFC Champions League debut
Winning the 2007 Chinese Super League gave Changchun Yatai its first opportunity to compete in the AFC Champions League.
The club was drawn into Group E alongside Adelaide United of Australia, Pohang Steelers of South Korea and Bình Dương of Vietnam.
Changchun Yatai performed strongly in the group. The club remained unbeaten in all six matches, recording three wins and three draws. It scored 10 goals and conceded only three.
One of the most memorable results came in Vietnam, where Changchun Yatai defeated Bình Dương 5-0. The team also recorded a 1-0 home victory over Pohang Steelers and a 2-1 home victory over Bình Dương.
Changchun Yatai finished second behind Adelaide United and advanced from the group stage. This was one of the most important international achievements in the club's history.
| Match | Result |
|---|---|
| Changchun Yatai vs Bình Dương | 2-1 |
| Adelaide United vs Changchun Yatai | 0-0 |
| Changchun Yatai vs Pohang Steelers | 1-0 |
| Pohang Steelers vs Changchun Yatai | 2-2 |
| Bình Dương vs Changchun Yatai | 0-5 |
| Changchun Yatai vs Adelaide United | 0-0 |
Despite the impressive group campaign, Changchun Yatai did not progress beyond the group stage because the 2008 competition structure did not provide a knockout place for the second-placed team from its group.
2009 - Super League runners-up
After winning the championship in 2007, Changchun Yatai remained one of the leading teams in Chinese football.
The 2009 season became the club's second-best Super League campaign. Changchun Yatai won 14 of 30 matches, drew eight and lost eight. The team scored 38 goals and conceded 31.
With 50 points, Changchun Yatai finished second and became Chinese Super League runners-up.
The result confirmed that the 2007 title had not been a one-season accident. Changchun Yatai had established itself as a genuine contender at the top of Chinese football.
2010 - Second AFC Champions League appearance
Changchun Yatai returned to the AFC Champions League in 2010 after its strong domestic performance.
The second continental campaign was more difficult than the first. The club was unable to reproduce the unbeaten group-stage run from 2008 and exited during the group stage.
The 2010 domestic campaign also marked the beginning of a more inconsistent period. Changchun Yatai finished ninth in the Super League.
2011 to 2012 - Mid-table stability
Changchun Yatai finished seventh in 2011 and sixth in 2012. The club remained in the top division and was still capable of competing in the upper half of the table, but the team was no longer challenging consistently for the championship.
The 2012 season was one of the better performances of this period. Changchun Yatai finished sixth with 44 points and reached the quarter-finals of the Chinese FA Cup.
2013 to 2014 - Difficult years
The club's results declined in 2013. Changchun Yatai won only eight of 30 league matches, lost 14 and finished 14th with 32 points.
The 2014 season produced another 13th-place finish. Although the club avoided relegation, the results showed how far Changchun Yatai had moved from its title-winning period.
During these seasons, the club went through several coaching changes as it attempted to rebuild its squad and return to a more competitive level.
2015 to 2017 - Recovery and another strong campaign
Changchun Yatai finished 10th in 2015 and 12th in 2016. The 2016 season was particularly difficult, with 15 defeats from 30 matches.
The team improved considerably in 2017. Changchun Yatai won 12 matches, scored 46 goals and finished seventh with 44 points.
One of the major attacking figures of this period was Odion Ighalo. The Nigerian striker scored 15 league goals in 2017 and became one of the club's most recognizable foreign forwards.
His goals helped Changchun Yatai produce one of its strongest campaigns since the 2009 runners-up finish.
2018 - Relegation from the Super League
The improvement of 2017 was followed by a major setback in 2018.
Changchun Yatai won eight of 30 matches, drew eight and lost 14. The team scored 45 goals but conceded 56 and finished 15th with 32 points.
The result meant relegation from the Chinese Super League.
Relegation ended an uninterrupted top-flight period that had begun with promotion in 2005. It also started a rebuilding phase for the club.
2019 - Rebuilding in China League One
Changchun Yatai began life in China League One in 2019. Rather than struggling near the bottom, the club immediately challenged near the top.
The team won 15 of 30 matches, scored 52 goals and finished fifth with 53 points.
The season demonstrated that the club had retained enough quality to compete strongly in the second tier.
2020 - China League One champions
The 2020 season became another major turning point.
Changchun Yatai won the China League One title after an excellent campaign. The club recorded 10 wins, four draws and only one defeat in the league stage, scoring 28 goals and conceding just seven.
The championship gave Changchun Yatai an immediate return to the Chinese Super League.
The 2020 title was the club's second second-tier championship after the 2003 Jia-B title.
2021 - Return to the top four
Changchun Yatai made an extraordinary return to the top flight in 2021.
The club won 11 of 22 league matches, drew six and lost only five. It scored 31 goals and conceded 20 to finish fourth with 39 points.
Brazilian striker Júnior Negrão was the main attacking figure, scoring 14 league goals.
The fourth-place finish was Changchun Yatai's best league result since the 2009 runners-up campaign and showed that the club could compete immediately after promotion.
2022 - Difficult season
Changchun Yatai finished 13th in the 2022 Chinese Super League. The club won 11, drew 11 and lost 12, collecting 44 points from 34 matches.
The season was played under unusual circumstances as Chinese football continued to deal with the effects of the COVID-19 period and changes to competition arrangements.
2023 - Ninth place
Changchun Yatai improved to ninth in 2023. The team finished with 10 wins, nine draws and 11 defeats, scoring 44 goals and conceding 48.
Tan Long remained an important attacking player and shared the club's league scoring lead with Leo, with both players finishing on 10 goals.
2024 - Another mid-table season
Changchun Yatai finished ninth again in 2024. The club won eight matches, drew eight and lost 14, collecting 32 points.
Robert Berić was the team's leading league scorer with 13 goals, while Peter Žulj contributed five goals and seven assists. Tan Long and Serginho also scored eight league goals each.
The season was notable for another coaching change. Chen Yang left the position in April and former Dalian Professional manager Xie Hui took charge.
2025 - Relegation from the Chinese Super League
The 2025 season was one of the most difficult campaigns in Changchun Yatai's modern history.
The team won only four of its 30 league matches, drew seven and lost 19. Changchun Yatai scored 26 goals and conceded 52, giving the club a goal difference of minus 26.
The club finished 16th with 19 points and was relegated to China League One.
Tan Long was the leading league scorer with nine goals, while Ohi Omoijuanfo scored six. The season also included appearances from experienced defenders such as Stoppila Sunzu and Lazar Rosić.
Ricardo Soares was appointed during the 2025 season but left at the end of the campaign.
2026 - Changchun Yatai in China League One
After relegation, Changchun Yatai entered the 2026 season in China League One. The club appointed Yan Feng as head coach at the beginning of the season.
The 2026 squad includes experienced players such as Tan Long and Ohi Omoijuanfo alongside Chinese players including Xu Yue, Tudi Dilyimit and others.
By late September, Changchun Yatai had experienced an inconsistent campaign. The club recorded notable wins including a 6-0 victory over Foshan Nanshi, a 2-0 victory over Ningbo Professional and a 1-0 victory over Jiangxi Dingnan United. It also suffered defeats against Guangdong GZ-Power, Shaanxi Union, Suzhou Dongwu and Nantong Zhiyun.
The 26 September 2026 away match against Nantong Zhiyun ended in a 2-0 defeat. With the season still continuing, the final 2026 position should be updated after the remaining fixtures are completed.
Major eras in Changchun Yatai history
The foundation era: 1996 to 1999
This was the period in which Changchun Yatai was established and began competing nationally. The club developed its identity in the lower divisions of Chinese football.
The rise to the top flight: 2000 to 2005
Changchun Yatai became a regular second-tier competitor, won the 2003 Jia-B championship and earned promotion to the Chinese Super League after finishing second in 2005.
The championship era: 2006 to 2009
This was the greatest period in club history. Changchun Yatai finished fourth in its first Super League season, won the national championship in 2007, reached the AFC Champions League in 2008 and finished Super League runners-up in 2009.
The decline era: 2010 to 2018
After the 2009 runners-up finish, Changchun Yatai gradually moved away from the title race. The club experienced several coaching changes and eventually finished 15th in 2018, resulting in relegation.
The rebuilding era: 2019 to 2020
Changchun Yatai rebuilt quickly in China League One. After finishing fifth in 2019, the club won the second tier in 2020 and returned to the Super League.
The revival era: 2021 to 2024
The club's return to the top flight was highly successful at first. Changchun Yatai finished fourth in 2021 and remained in the Super League for four consecutive seasons.
The latest rebuilding era: 2025 to 2026
Relegation in 2025 forced another rebuild. Changchun Yatai entered the 2026 China League One season with the objective of recovering from the setback and competing for a return to the top flight.
Notable Changchun Yatai coaches
Changchun Yatai has worked with a long list of Chinese and foreign coaches. The most important coaching periods include the following:
| Coach | Period | Notable period |
|---|---|---|
| Tang Pengju | 1997-1998 | Early club era |
| Yin Tiesheng | 1999-2004 | Development and rise |
| Chen Jingang | 2004-2006 | Preparation for top flight |
| Gao Hongbo | 2007-2008 | 2007 Super League title |
| Li Shubin | 2008-2009 | Post-title period |
| Shen Xiangfu | 2010-2011 | Post-championship era |
| Svetozar Šapurić | 2011-2012, 2013-2014, 2019 | Several coaching spells |
| Lee Jang-soo | 2016-2017 | 2017 seventh-place campaign |
| Samvel Babayan | 2019-2020 | Promotion title period |
| Chen Yang | 2020-2024 | 2020 promotion and 2021 fourth place |
| Xie Hui | 2024-2025 | Mid-2020s Super League period |
| Ricardo Soares | 2025 | Final Super League season before relegation |
| Yan Feng | 2026-present | China League One rebuild |
Important players in Changchun Yatai history
 |
| Changchun Yatai China Football Players |
Du Zhenyu
Du Zhenyu became one of the most important players of the club's championship generation. He joined Changchun Yatai in 2001, developed into a first-team regular and played a major role in the club's rise to the Super League.
He scored 10 league goals during the 2007 championship season and was subsequently recognised as Chinese Footballer of the Year.
Wang Dong
Wang Dong was another important member of the 2007 championship generation. A central midfielder, he contributed six league goals during the title-winning campaign and was also involved with the Chinese national team.
Wang Wanpeng
Wang Wanpeng developed through the club and became a key defender. He was part of the team that won promotion and later helped Changchun Yatai win the 2007 Chinese Super League title.
Cao Tianbao
Cao Tianbao spent many years with Changchun Yatai and became one of the club's long-serving forwards. Across his Changchun career, he made more than 250 league and other competitive appearances for the club and scored more than 50 goals.
Elvis Scott
Honduran forward Elvis Scott was one of the important foreign attackers of the championship era. He scored 12 league goals in 2007 and remained with the club into the following season.
Odion Ighalo
Nigerian striker Odion Ighalo became one of Changchun Yatai's most recognisable foreign players in the 2010s. He scored 15 league goals in 2017 and 21 in the 2018 campaign despite the club's relegation.
Júnior Negrão
Brazilian striker Júnior Negrão led the scoring for Changchun Yatai during the 2021 return to the Super League. He scored 14 league goals as the club finished fourth.
Tan Long
Tan Long became one of the most enduring attacking figures of the modern club. The Chinese international remained with Changchun Yatai through several different eras and continued to score important goals after the club's return to the top division.
Serginho
Serginho became an important attacking midfielder and forward during the club's modern Super League period. He was among Changchun Yatai's leading contributors during the 2024 season.
Robert Berić
Slovenian striker Robert Berić was one of the club's most productive forwards in 2024. He scored 13 league goals that season and provided a major part of Changchun Yatai's attacking output.
Major wins and important results
| Year | Match or achievement |
|---|---|
| 2003 | Won the Jia-B league championship |
| 2005 | Finished second in China League One and earned promotion |
| 2007 | Won the Chinese Super League |
| 2008 | Beat Bình Dương 5-0 in the AFC Champions League |
| 2009 | Finished Chinese Super League runners-up |
| 2020 | Won China League One and earned promotion |
| 2021 | Finished fourth in the Chinese Super League |
| 2026 | Beat Foshan Nanshi 6-0 in China League One |
Major defeats and setbacks
Changchun Yatai's history has also included several difficult periods. The club experienced relegation from the Chinese Super League in 2018 after finishing 15th. Its return to the top flight in 2021 was followed by another relegation in 2025 after a 16th-place finish.
The 2025 season was particularly difficult because the club won only four of 30 league matches and conceded 52 goals.
In the 2026 rebuilding season, Changchun Yatai also suffered heavy defeats, including a 5-1 home loss to Wuxi Wugo and a 3-0 away defeat to Guangdong GZ-Power.
Changchun Yatai league history
| Season | Competition | Position | Record |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1997 | Third tier | 6th | 1W 1D 3L |
| 1999 | Third tier | 5th | 6W 3D 4L |
| 2000 | Jia-B | 5th | 7W 10D 5L |
| 2001 | Jia-B | 2nd | 12W 6D 4L |
| 2002 | Jia-B | 8th | 8W 4D 10L |
| 2003 | Jia-B | 1st | 15W 8D 3L |
| 2004 | China League One | 5th | 13W 12D 7L |
| 2005 | China League One | 2nd | 20W 4D 2L |
| 2006 | Chinese Super League | 4th | 13W 7D 8L |
| 2007 | Chinese Super League | 1st | 16W 7D 5L |
| 2008 | Chinese Super League | 6th | 12W 9D 9L |
| 2009 | Chinese Super League | 2nd | 14W 8D 8L |
| 2010 | Chinese Super League | 9th | 10W 8D 12L |
| 2011 | Chinese Super League | 7th | 11W 12D 7L |
| 2012 | Chinese Super League | 6th | 12W 8D 10L |
| 2013 | Chinese Super League | 14th | 8W 8D 14L |
| 2014 | Chinese Super League | 13th | 8W 8D 14L |
| 2015 | Chinese Super League | 10th | 8W 11D 11L |
| 2016 | Chinese Super League | 12th | 10W 5D 15L |
| 2017 | Chinese Super League | 7th | 12W 8D 10L |
| 2018 | Chinese Super League | 15th | 8W 8D 14L |
| 2019 | China League One | 5th | 15W 8D 7L |
| 2020 | China League One | 1st | 10W 4D 1L |
| 2021 | Chinese Super League | 4th | 11W 6D 5L |
| 2022 | Chinese Super League | 13th | 11W 11D 12L |
| 2023 | Chinese Super League | 9th | 10W 9D 11L |
| 2024 | Chinese Super League | 9th | 8W 8D 14L |
| 2025 | Chinese Super League | 16th | 4W 7D 19L |
| 2026 | China League One | Season ongoing | Season ongoing |
Changchun Yatai honours
| Competition | Achievement | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Chinese Super League | Champions | 2007 |
| Chinese Super League | Runners-up | 2009 |
| China League One / Jia-B | Champions | 2003 |
| China League One | Champions | 2020 |
| China League One / Jia-B | Runners-up | 2001, 2005 |
Changchun Yatai in the AFC Champions League
Changchun Yatai has represented China in the AFC Champions League twice.
The first appearance came in 2008 after the club won the 2007 Chinese Super League. Changchun Yatai finished second in Group E with three wins, three draws and no defeats.
The club returned to the AFC Champions League in 2010. That campaign was more difficult and ended during the group stage.
The 2008 competition remains the club's strongest continental campaign, particularly because of the unbeaten group record and the 5-0 away victory over Bình Dương.
Changchun Yatai's identity and legacy
Changchun Yatai's history is different from that of many Chinese clubs because the club has remained associated with the same city since its formation. Its story is built around long-term competition in the Chinese professional league system rather than a single short period of investment.
The 2007 championship is the central achievement of the club's history. The title established Changchun Yatai as Chinese champions and opened the door to Asian competition.
The club's repeated promotions and relegations also form an important part of its identity. Changchun Yatai has demonstrated the ability to rebuild after difficult periods, most notably in 2020 when it won China League One after being relegated from the top division in 2018.
Conclusion
Changchun Yatai has built one of the more distinctive histories in Chinese football since its foundation in 1996. The club progressed from the lower divisions to the Chinese Super League, won the national championship in 2007 and reached the AFC Champions League.
The 2007 title remains the greatest achievement in the club's history, while the 2009 runners-up finish and 2008 continental campaign represent two other major highlights.
Changchun Yatai later experienced a long period of inconsistency, relegation in 2018, promotion as China League One champions in 2020 and an impressive fourth-place Super League finish in 2021. After returning to the top flight for four seasons, the club was relegated again in 2025.
In 2026, Changchun Yatai is competing in China League One under Yan Feng as it begins another rebuilding period. Its long-term objective is to return to the Chinese Super League and eventually recreate the success achieved during its historic championship era.
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