A traditional giant of the Chinese game, Beijing were last crowned champions in 2009 – a season that saw a teenage Zhang make his debut for the side – but they have endured numerous near misses since, with three runners-up finishes and twice coming third in the past decade.

The last two years, however, have seen Beijing lift the FA Cup in 2018 and run Guangzhou Evergrande close to the 2019 CSL title, finishing just two points adrift of the Guangdong club after a pulsating title race that saw Beijing achieve a record points tally of 70.

The 2020 season was originally scheduled to begin in late February but postponed before a ball was kicked; however, a rejigged version with two groups of eight teams will begin on Saturday, with Group A based in Dalian and Group B in Suzhou.

Each side will play the other teams in their group twice before those finishing in the top four progress to a knockout round Championship Stage to decide the 2020 Chinese Super League winners, with the bottom four entering into a Relegation Stage where they will face off in a bid to avoid dropping into the second tier.

The CSL was launched in 2004 and has since attracted numerous world-renowned superstars as the league has grown into one of the strongest in Asia and among the most watched anywhere on the planet. The country's clubs, meanwhile, have become big hitters in the AFC Champions League.

Based on both domestic and Continental success, below are five candidates for China's most popular club. Review the teams and don't forget to vote for your favourite in the poll at the bottom of the article.

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The Islamic Republic of Iran star scored once for the league champions in Wednesday's 2-1 win over Rostov in the season finale to take his tally to 17 goals.

Ozu Moreira was named the new head coach of the Japanese beach soccer national team on Thursday, taking over from Ruy Ramos.

The 45-year-old replaces fellow Spaniard Juanma Lillo, who left newly promoted Qingdao last month to become Pep Guardiola's assistant at Manchester City.

With Lillo at the helm and veteran former City star Yaya Toure in midfield, the club from China's northeast won last season's China League One title to gain promotion to the CSL. The 37-year-old Toure has also since left.