Players in bold are currently playing in the Chinese Super League.
Naturalized players Chinese-descent Nico Yennaris, Chinese name Li Ke (2019–2024 Beijing Guoan, 2024– Shanghai Shenhua) John Hou Sæter, Chinese name Hou Yongyong (2019–2022 Beijing Guoan, 2025– Yunnan Yukun) Alexander N'Doumbou, Chinese name Qian Jiegei (2019–2022 Shanghai Shenhua, 2023– Zhejiang) Tyias Browning, Chinese name Jiang Guangtai (2019–2022 Guangzhou, 2022– Shanghai Port) Denny Wang, Chinese name Wang Yi (2021–2022 Shanghai Shenhua, 2023– Wuhan Three Towns) Chico Chen, Chinese name Chen Jiayu (2021 Hebei) Dai Wai Tsun, Chinese name Dai Weijun (2022–2023 Shenzhen, 2023–2024, 2025 Shanghai Shenhua, 2024, 2026– Shenzhen Peng City) Ming-yang Yang, Chinese name Yang Mingyang (2023–2024 Nantong Zhiyun, 2025– Chengdu Rongcheng) David Wang, Chinese name Wang Jiahao (2023 Nantong Zhiyun) Arturo Cheng, Chinese name Zheng Tuluo (2024–2025 Beijing Guoan) Alex Yang, Chinese name Yang Xi (2025 Qingdao West Coast, 2026– Shanghai Port) Marcel Petrov, Chinese name Wang Hanlong (2025 Shanghai Shenhua) Zheng Jiacheng, Chinese name Zheng Jiacheng (2026– Liaoning Tieren) Tatsuryu Natsu, Chinese name Xia Dalong (2026– Shenzhen Peng City)
Non-Chinese-descent Elkeson, Chinese name Ai Kesen (2013–2015, 2019–2021 Guangzhou, 2016–2019 Shanghai Port, 2023–2024 Chengdu Rongcheng) Aloísio, Chinese name Luo Guofu (2014–2016 Shandong Taishan, 2016–2017 Hebei, 2020–2021 Guangzhou) Ricardo Goulart, Chinese name Gao Late (2015–2021 Guangzhou, 2020 Hebei) Alan, Chinese name A Lan (2015, 2016–2018, 2021 Guangzhou, 2019 Tianjin Tianhai, 2020 Beijing Guoan, 2024 Qingdao West Coast) Fernandinho, Chinese name Fei Nanduo (2015–2019, Chongqing Liangjiang Athletic, 2020–2021 Guangzhou, 2023–2024 Shandong Taishan, 2024 Shanghai Shenhua) Pedro Delgado, Chinese name Deerjiaduo (2018, 2021, 2024, 2026 Shandong Taishan, 2025 Chengdu Rongcheng, 2026– Dalian Yingbo) Serginho, Chinese name Sai'erjini'ao (2020–2024 Changchun Yatai, 2025– Beijing Guoan)
Africa – CAF Algeria Karim Benounes (2008 Zhejiang)
Angola Quinzinho (2006–2007 Xiamen Blue Lions) Johnson Macaba (2008 Shenzhen) Nando Rafael (2014 Henan) Fábio Abreu (2023– Beijing Guoan) Lucas João (2023 Shanghai Port) Nelson da Luz (2024– Qingdao West Coast)
Burkina Faso Abdoul-Aziz Nikiema (2009 Qingdao Hainiu)
Cameroon Clément Lebe (2004–2007 Liaoning) Albert Baning (2005 Shanghai United) Didier Njewel (2005 Shanghai United) Daniel Wansi (2006 Shenzhen) Aboubakar Oumarou (2007–2008 Guangzhou City) Patrick Mevoungou (2007–2008 Dalian Shide) Jean-Paul Ndeki (2008 Qingdao Hainiu) William Modibo (2009 Beijing Guoan) Jean Michel N'Lend (2010 Shanghai Shenhua, 2011 Liaoning) Modeste M'bami (2011 Changchun Yatai, 2012 Dalian Pro) Stéphane Mbia (2016–2017 Hebei, 2019, 2021 Wuhan Zall, 2020 Shanghai Shenhua) Christian Bassogog (2017–2020 Henan, 2021–2023 Shanghai Shenhua) Olivier Boumal (2017 Liaoning) Benjamin Moukandjo (2017 Jiangsu, 2018 Beijing Chengfeng) Christian Bekamenga (2017 Liaoning) Franck Ohandza (2019 Henan) John Mary (2019–2020 Shenzhen, 2024 Meizhou Hakka) Joseph Minala (2020 Qingdao) Donovan Ewolo (2022–2023 Zhejiang) Michael Ngadeu-Ngadjui (2023–2025 Beijing Guoan, 2026– Chongqing Tonglianglong) Serge Tabekou (2023 Qingdao Hainiu) Rooney Eva Wankewai (2024 Meizhou Hakka) Jerome Ngom Mbekeli (2025 Meizhou Hakka) Michael Cheukoua (2025 Meizhou Hakka) Didier Lamkel Zé (2025 Qingdao Hainiu) Basile Yamkam (2026 Wuhan Three Towns)
Cape Verde Ricardo (2011 Shandong Taishan) Dady (2013 Shanghai Shenhua) Hildeberto Pereira (2023 Henan)
Central African Republic Lobi Manzoki (2022–2023 Dalian Pro)
Congo Thievy Bifouma (2020 Shenzhen) Guy Mbenza (2026– Liaoning Tieren)
Congo DR Delain Sasa (2008 Liaoning) Alain Masudi (2009 Dalian Shide) M'peti Nimba (2010 Guangzhou City) Jeremy Bokila (2015 Guangzhou City) Gaël Kakuta (2016 Hebei) Assani Lukimya-Mulongoti (2016–2017 Liaoning) Cédric Bakambu (2018–2021 Beijing Guoan) Oscar Maritu (2020–2024 Cangzhou Mighty Lions, 2025– Yunnan Yukun) Mayingila Nzuzi Mata (2024 Nantong Zhiyun)
Côte d'Ivoire Guillaume Dah Zadi (2007–2008 Changchun Yatai) Bamba Moussa (2007 Shenzhen) Dramane Kamaté (2007 Shenzhen) Sékou Tidiane Souaré (2008 Chengdu Tiancheng) Mariko Daouda (2008 Tianjin Jinmen Tiger, 2010 Chongqing Liangjiang Athletic) Didier Drogba (2012 Shanghai Shenhua) Davy Claude Angan (2013–2016 Zhejiang) Jean Evrard Kouassi (2015–2016 Shanghai Port, 2019–2021 Wuhan Yangtze River, 2023–2025 Zhejiang) Franck Boli (2015 Liaoning) Gervinho (2016–2018 Hebei) Kévin Boli (2018 Guizhou)
Egypt Mohsen Abo Gresha (2008 Zhejiang) Ali Ghazal (2017 Guizhou)
Equatorial Guinea Luís Asué (2025, 2026– Shanghai Shenhua)
Gabon Malick Evouna (2016 Tianjin Jinmen Tiger) Aaron Boupendza (2025 Zhejiang)
Gambia Arthur Gómez (2007 Henan) Bubacarr Trawally (2016–2017 Yanbian Funde, 2018 Guizhou)
Ghana Kwame Ayew (2004–2006 Beijing Chengfeng) Moses Sakyi (2009 Zhejiang) Lee Addy (2012 Dalian Pro) Chris Dickson (2013 Shanghai Port) Ransford Addo (2013–2014 Shanghai Port) Asamoah Gyan (2015–2016 Shanghai Port) Frank Acheampong (2017–2020 Tianjin Jinmen Tiger, 2021–2023 Shenzhen, 2024–2025 Henan, 2026– Dalian Yingbo) Richmond Boakye (2018 Jiangsu) Emmanuel Boateng (2019–2021 Dalian Pro) Mubarak Wakaso (2020 Jiangsu, 2021–2022, 2023 Shenzhen) Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu (2021 Qingdao) Abdul-Aziz Yakubu (2023 Wuhan Three Towns, 2025– Qingdao West Coast) Yaw Yeboah (2026– Qingdao Hainiu) Prince Ampem (2026– Shanghai Port)
Guinea Ousmane Bangoura (2006 Guangzhou City) Lonsana Doumbouya (2021 Shanghai Shenhua) José Kanté (2022 Cangzhou Mighty Lions)
Guinea-Bissau Edigeison Gomes (2015–2017 Henan) Romário Baldé (2023 Nantong Zhiyun, 2024 Wuhan Three Towns)
Kenya Michael Olunga (2017 Guizhou) Ayub Masika (2018–2019 Beijing Chengfeng)
Mali Boubacar Diarra (2010 Liaoning) Mourtala Diakité (2010 Shandong Taishan) Frédéric Kanouté (2012–2013 Beijing Guoan) Seydou Keita (2012–2013 Dalian Pro) Garra Dembélé (2013 Wuhan Yangtze River) Mohamed Sissoko (2015 Shanghai Shenhua) Mamadou Traoré (2024 Beijing Guoan, 2025– Dalian Yingbo) Boubacar Konté (2026– Beijing Guoan)
Mauritania Oumar Camara (2023 Nantong Zhiyun)
Morocco Nabil Baha (2013 Dalian Pro) Abderrazak Hamdallah (2014–2015 Guangzhou City) Issam El Adoua (2015 Chongqing Liangjiang Athletic) Ayoub El Kaabi (2018–2019 Hebei) Zakaria Labyad (2025 Dalian Yingbo) Ahmed El Messaoudi (2026 Qingdao Hainiu)
Mozambique Simão Mate Junior (2012 Shandong Taishan) Zainadine Júnior (2016 Tianjin Jinmen Tiger)
Niger Moussa Maâzou (2015 Changchun Yatai)
Nigeria Kola Adams (2004–2005 Beijing Chengfeng) Prince Ikpe Ekong (2004 Guangzhou City) Sam Ayorinde (2004 Guangzhou City) Benedict Akwuegbu (2006 Tianjin Jinmen Tiger, 2007 Qingdao Hainiu) Henry Makinwa (2006 Tianjin Jinmen Tiger) Gabriel Melkam (2006–2007 Xiamen Blue Lions, 2008–2009 Changchun Yatai, 2011–2013 Qingdao Hainiu) Ortega Deniran (2006 Chongqing Liangjiang Athletic) Garba Lawal (2007 Guangzhou City) Obi Emmanuel Moneke (2008–2010 Henan) Edison Joseph (2009 Beijing Chengfeng) Pascal Kondaponi (2009 Qingdao Hainiu) Ernest Jeremiah Chukwuma (2009 Zhejiang) Alfred Emuejeraye (2010 Tianjin Jinmen Tiger) Akanni-Sunday Wasiu (2010 Guangzhou City) Victor Agali (2010 Jiangsu) Obiora Odita (2011 Tianjin Jinmen Tiger) Peter Utaka (2012–2013 Dalian Pro, 2013–2014 Beijing Guoan, 2014 Shanghai Shenxin) Yakubu (2012–2013 Guangzhou City) Bentley (2013 Wuhan Yangtze River) Aaron Samuel Olanare (2014–2015 Guangzhou City) Derick Ogbu (2014–2015 Liaoning) Daniel Chima Chukwu (2015 Shanghai Shenxin) Obafemi Martins (2016–2018, 2020 Shanghai Shenhua, 2020 Wuhan Yangtze River) Anthony Ujah (2016–2017 Liaoning) Mikel John Obi (2017–2018 Tianjin Jinmen Tiger) Odion Ighalo (2017–2018 Changchun Yatai, 2019 Shanghai Shenhua) Brown Ideye (2017 Tianjin Jinmen Tiger) Sone Aluko (2019 Beijing Chengfeng) Samuel Adegbenro (2022–2023, 2024 Beijing Guoan) Chisom Egbuchulam (2022–2023 Meizhou Hakka) Izuchukwu Anthony (2024 Nantong Zhiyun) Viv Solomon-Otabor (2024 Cangzhou Mighty Lions)
Senegal Mouchid Iyane Ly (2009 Shenzhen) Amado Diallo (2010 Henan) Adama François Sene (2011–2012 Beijing Guoan) Ladji Keita (2011 Beijing Guoan) Jacques Faty (2013 Wuhan Yangtze River) Demba Ba (2015–2016, 2018 Shanghai Shenhua) Ibrahima Touré (2016 Liaoning) Mbaye Diagne (2016–2017 Tianjin Jinmen Tiger) Papiss Cissé (2016–2018 Shandong Taishan) Makhete Diop (2018–2019 Beijing Chengfeng) Cheikh M'Bengue (2019 Shenzhen) André Senghor (2021 Cangzhou Mighty Lions) Cherif Ndiaye (2022 Shanghai Port) Makhtar Gueye (2026– Shanghai Shenhua)
Sierra Leone Mohamed Kallon (2010 Beijing Chengfeng) Aluspah Brewah (2010 Jiangsu) Gibril Sankoh (2014 Henan) Mohamed Buya Turay (2020 Hebei, 2021–2022 Henan) Issa Kallon (2022–2023 Shanghai Port, 2024 Nantong Zhiyun, 2025 Chengdu Rongcheng)
South Africa Bennett Mnguni (2005 Tianjin Jinmen Tiger) Dino Ndlovu (2022 Changchun Yatai)
Togo Djima Oyawolé (2004–2005 Shenzhen) Massamasso Tchangai (2009 Shenzhen) Kodjo Aziangbe (2026– Shanghai Port)
Tunisia Imed Ben Younes (2007 Henan) Enis Hajri (2012 Henan) Bassem Boulaâbi (2015 Zhejiang) Imed Louati (2015 Zhejiang)
Uganda Andrew Mwesigwa (2010 Chongqing Liangjiang Athletic)
Zambia James Chamanga (2008–2012 Dalian Shide, 2013–2017 Liaoning) Billy Mwanza (2009 Guangzhou City) Christopher Katongo (2011–2012 Henan) Isaac Chansa (2012 Henan) Stoppila Sunzu (2015 Shanghai Shenhua, 2020–2022, 2024 Cangzhou Mighty Lions, 2024–2025 Changchun Yatai) Jacob Mulenga (2015–2016 Cangzhou Mighty Lions) Evans Kangwa (2023–2024 Qingdao Hainiu)
Zimbabwe Nyasha Mushekwi (2018–2019 Dalian Pro, 2022–2023 Zhejiang)
Asia – AFC Australia Ryan Griffiths (2007–2008 Liaoning, 2009–2010 Beijing Guoan) Joel Griffiths (2009–2011 Beijing Guoan, 2012 Shanghai Shenhua, 2013 Qingdao Hainiu) Matt McKay (2009, 2013 Changchun Yatai) Mark Milligan (2009 Shanghai Shenhua) Mark Bridge (2009 Tianjin Jinmen Tiger) Jonas Salley (2009–2010 Beijing Chengfeng, 2011 Chengdu Tiancheng, 2012 Shanghai Shenxin, 2013–2014 Beijing Chengfeng) Brendon Santalab (2009, 2011 Chengdu Tiancheng) Chris Coyne (2010 Liaoning) Adam Griffiths (2010–2011 Zhejiang) Adam Kwasnik (2011 Chengdu Tiancheng) Alex Wilkinson (2011 Jiangsu) Bruce Djite (2011 Jiangsu) Dean Heffernan (2011 Liaoning) Dino Djulbic (2011–2012 Beijing Chengfeng) Mile Sterjovski (2012 Dalian Pro) Rostyn Griffiths (2012–2013 Guangzhou City) Milan Susak (2012 Tianjin Jinmen Tiger) Daniel Mullen (2012–2013 Dalian Pro) Ryan McGowan (2013–2014 Shandong Taishan, 2016 Henan, 2017 Guizhou) Michael Marrone (2013 Shanghai Shenxin) Erik Paartalu (2013 Tianjin Jinmen Tiger) Bernie Ibini-Isei (2013 Shanghai Port) Daniel McBreen (2013–2014 Shanghai Port) Eddy Bosnar (2013 Guangzhou City) Adam Hughes (2014 Shaoxing Keqiao Yuejia) Billy Celeski (2014 Liaoning) Josh Mitchell (2014–2015 Liaoning) Tim Cahill (2015 Shanghai Shenhua, 2016 Zhejiang) Adrian Leijer (2015 Chongqing Liangjiang Athletic) Matthew Spiranovic (2015–2016 Zhejiang) Michael Thwaite (2016 Liaoning) Trent Sainsbury (2016, 2017 Jiangsu) James Troisi (2016 Liaoning) Aleksandar Jovanović (2016 Tianjin Jinmen Tiger) Apostolos Giannou (2016–2017 Guangzhou City) Dario Vidošić (2016 Liaoning) James Holland (2017 Liaoning) Robbie Kruse (2017 Liaoning) Aaron Mooy (2020–2022 Shanghai Port) Alex Grant (2024 Tianjin Jinmen Tiger)
Chinese Taipei Xavier Chen (2013–2015 Beijing Chengfeng) Chen Po-liang (2014 Shanghai Shenhua, 2015–2016 Zhejiang, 2021 Changchun Yatai, 2024–2025 Qingdao West Coast) Ko Yu-ting (2015–2017 Changchun Yatai) Yaki Yen (2016–2017 Changchun Yatai, 2020 Qingdao, 2022 Wuhan Three Towns)