Ironmen promoted to the Super League! After 2928 days, Liaoshen football returns to the Chinese Super League.

Special Contributor/Shen Jun Amid continuous cheers of “Liaoning promotion,” the parade float carrying the Liaoning Ironmen players made a lap around Tiexi Stadium, heightening the festive mood celebrating Liaoshen football’s success. On October 26, 2025, Liaoning Ironmen defeated Nantong Zhiyun 1-0 at home, securing the 2025 China League One championship two rounds ahead and earning promotion. After 2928 days, Liaoshen football finally returns to the top tier of Chinese men’s football!

Before this round, Liaoning Ironmen led third-placed Guangzhou Leopards by 8 points and second-placed Chongqing Tongliang Dragons by 6 points, holding the advantage in head-to-head matches against both teams. Therefore, earning just 1 point this round would guarantee promotion, and winning all 3 points would secure the League One title early.

Throughout the first half, the Ironmen created multiple scoring chances but lacked finishing precision, resulting in a goalless halftime. Just three minutes into the second half, Gao Jiarun delivered a through ball, and Bang Benyiyu charged to the edge of the box to unleash a fierce shot that curled into the top corner, breaking the deadlock. Nantong Zhiyun launched a strong counterattack afterward, but the Ironmen stood firm to protect their goal. The match ended with Liaoning Ironmen defeating Nantong Zhiyun for the first time in history, achieving promotion two rounds early. This also marked the team’s second league title since winning the 2019 China League Two championship.

Following their successful championship and promotion, Tiexi Stadium transformed into a sea of joy. The big screen displayed “Riding the winds and waves, we will come to the Super League,” while fans held giant banners reading “We’re back in the Super League” and “We are champions.” Some supporters also showcased a large flag thanking Zhuang Yi, the club’s investor, for his tremendous contributions to Liaoshen football.

Amid the cheers of 25,189 fans chanting “Liaoning promotion,” head coach Li Jinyu, with tears in his eyes, ran onto the field to celebrate with the players individually, many shedding tears of happiness. Li Jinyu played an indispensable role in the Ironmen’s promotion success. The players surrounded their key contributor, repeatedly tossing him into the air in celebration.

To celebrate the early championship and promotion, Liaoning Ironmen Club carefully arranged a parade with two elaborately decorated floats carrying the players around the stadium, expressing gratitude to the loyal Liaoshen fans. Li Jinyu and the players continuously waved to the crowd. Fans lit up the stadium with their phone flashlights, turning Tiexi Stadium into a sea of lights illuminating a brighter future for Liaoning Ironmen.

Although the weather was cold on promotion day in Shenyang, over 25,000 fans at Tiexi Stadium were burning with passion. Zhou Yi, a member of the Liaoshen Fans Club, even proposed to his girlfriend during halftime. The fan couple chose this joyous day of Liaoning Ironmen’s promotion to hold their engagement ceremony, making it a day of double happiness!

He Dapeng, president of the Liaoshen Fans Club, said: “In 2017, when Liaoning Hongyun was relegated from the Super League, I felt deeply saddened. Eight years later, with Liaoshen football returning to the Super League, we are immensely proud. Liaoning Ironmen are thriving, and Liaoning football is undergoing a comprehensive revival. Next year in the Super League, Liaoning fans will give even stronger support to our beloved team.”

At the post-match press conference, Li Jinyu was visibly emotional, stating that the match needed no lengthy commentary because the victory belonged to the people of Liaoning: “We have waited a long time for this day. It is a great gift from Liaoning Ironmen to their hometown, as well as a proud moment for Liaoning Province and Shenyang City.” Expressing gratitude for the support behind the scenes, Li first thanked the entire team and club investor Zhuang Yi, admitting he once worried about disappointing Liaoshen fans when bearing heavy responsibilities. “We didn’t have much capital; it was all grit that carried us through. Honestly, the promotion process was not easy—we overcame many difficulties to get here. Thanks to everyone who supported us.”

Li Jinyu also specially thanked relevant departments of Liaoning Province and Shenyang City for their strong support of the club: “Against the backdrop of revitalizing the three major sports in Liaoning, football holds significant importance. Without government backing, Liaoning Ironmen would not be where they are today. This support is key to the team’s success.”

Amid the joy, Li Jinyu remained clear-headed: “Tonight, we can celebrate fully and not leave sober, but other matters will wait until tomorrow. However, we must realize this is only a small step in the revival of Liaoshen football.” He openly acknowledged the team still faces many challenges, and next year’s Super League will be both an opportunity and a test for the club.

When asked about the difference between the current Liaoning Ironmen’s promotion and the 1998 promotion of the “Liao Xiao Hu” from Jia B to Jia A, Li Jinyu said: “The team’s foundation now is not as strong as during the ’99 Liao Xiao Hu era, and there is a gap in talent reserves.” Regarding the future, Li has a clear plan: “For Liaoning Ironmen to establish themselves in the Super League, we must operate the team at full strength next season, enhance the squad through strong signings, strive for good results, and gain more fan support.”