Shanghai SIPG Football Club was originally founded on December 25, 2005, under its initial identity as Shanghai Dongya (East Asia) Football Club, established by former professional player and coach Xu Genbao before being acquired and heavily backed by the Shanghai International Port Group. Over the years, through progressive corporate restructuring, strategic financial investments, and professional development programs, the club ascended rapidly through lower divisions to cement its permanent status as a dominant contender in elite Chinese professional football.