Chinese football cannot do without Zhu Jun

The stagnant Chinese football scene experienced a resurgence in 2009. Various gimmicks both on and off the field attracted more attention. This fusion of entertainment-like culture and football is entirely thanks to Zhu Jun, the boss!

Football is a sport where athletes showcase their abilities and skills to entertain the audience—a statement that might seem strange to some. But upon reflection, it's not so odd at all, because sports are a form of entertainment, enriching people's leisure time in times when basic needs weren't a concern. Compared to the entertainment industry, the sports world is closer to the lives of ordinary people; almost everyone can participate. It is precisely because of this that its entertainment value is often overlooked.

After taking over Shenhua, Mr. Zhu transformed the club into a respectable and professional organization. Driven by his passion for football, he continuously Europeanized Shenhua. This Europeanization required a large amount of financial investment, but it is undeniably the right path for a football club.

A single, reputable club cannot attract a large number of fans. After a good meal and drinks, people need something entertaining to enrich their leisure time. Chinese football is rife with match-fixing and gambling, and viewers increasingly find themselves being entertained, naturally leading to a decline in viewership. Who would be enthusiastic about something that constantly manipulates its own image?

The stagnant domestic football scene has been transformed by the "maverick" owner, Zhu. His every word and action has generated considerable buzz and greatly entertained Chinese football, allowing people to experience the allure of a "professional league" beyond the competitive matches. The number of spectators has gradually increased, and the off-field aspects have become topics of conversation. If this is coupled with an improvement in the league's entertainment value, football can be revitalized!

Although I don't like Zhu Jun in some ways, and I'm not a Shenhua fan, it's undeniable that he has contributed to the development of Chinese football. His influence may be small, but if there were more owners who love football like him, the foundation of Chinese football would gradually improve.