Regrettably, Guangzhou Leopards are gearing up for the next season.

Reporter Wang Wei reports. On the afternoon of November 8, during the final round of the 2025 China League One season, Guangzhou Leopards and Chongqing Tongliang Dragons competed remotely for the last promotion slot. Guangzhou Leopards secured a 3-1 home victory over Nantong Zhiyun, and Chongqing Tongliang Dragons won 2-0 away against Shanghai Jiading Huilong. However, Guangzhou Leopards ranked third due to an inferior head-to-head record and failed to achieve promotion, while second-placed Chongqing Tongliang Dragons succeeded in moving up.

After the match, all coaches and players of Guangzhou Leopards went to the stands to thank the fans for their encouragement and support throughout the year. Brazilian foreign player Nikon knelt on the grass at Yuexiu Mountain Stadium, reluctant to leave for a long time. "It’s very regrettable and sad. Everyone loves football deeply. Our clear goal was promotion, which we didn’t achieve this year. It’s a bit disappointing, but life goes on, and so do the games," Nikon said.

In fact, Guangzhou Leopards performed excellently in the last 13 rounds. Feng Feng took charge of the team just before the away game against Liaoning Ironmen, leading the team to a record of 9 wins, 3 draws, and 1 loss in those 13 matches, earning 30 points. Although finishing third and missing promotion, they accumulated 60 points, setting a record for third place in China League One.

After the game, Feng Xingya, Party Secretary, Chairman, and General Manager of GAC Group, visited the Guangzhou Leopards' locker room to meet the players and staff who had competed all season. "Everyone worked hard. Today’s match was played very well. Your fighting spirit and performance were excellent. We achieved our goal of earning 60 points this season," Feng Xingya encouraged the team. "Regardless of the final outcome, we met our target and showed our true character. We thank you all, and the people of Guangzhou will also be grateful! We hope to achieve even better results next season."

Zhou Mingxian, the second-level inspector of Guangzhou Sports Bureau and Chairman of Guangzhou Football Association, also sent encouragement to the team: "Thanks to GAC Group, the club board, all coaches, players, and staff. Although promotion was not achieved this time, Guangzhou Leopards have already created a miracle in this year’s China League One. We hope for an even better performance next year!"

Feng Feng expressed gratitude for the support from all sectors of society: "Achieving such results is not easy. We demonstrated the spirit of Guangzhou Leopards, playing with speed and passion. Thanks to the entire team for their dedication and effort."

Feng Feng said: "At the end of the season, both we and Tongliang Dragons had 60 points. It’s a bit regrettable that we didn’t secure promotion, but during the 13 matches I coached, we earned 30 points, the highest among all teams in that stretch. This experience revealed the team’s strengths, improving cohesion, unity, and team spirit. We are a team that keeps improving with every game. I appreciate the players’ hard work."

Regarding narrowly missing promotion, Feng Feng commented: "This is all part of football. At the moment, it might be hard to accept and you might think ‘if only things had been different,’ but I don’t see it that way because it’s part of the game’s nature and charm. Going through these ups and downs is valuable experience, and I believe the players have shown their worth. I think the fighting spirit and determination of Guangzhou Leopards have made this year’s China League One more intense and exciting, which is also our gain."