As of 2026 season, there are four clubs in the
Chinese Super League,
China League One and
China League Two that play in Dalian: •
Dalian Young Boy F.C. (Super League) •
Dalian K'un City F.C. (League One) •
Dalian Young Boy B (League Two) •
Dalian Kewei (League Two)
Dalian Shide F.C., established in 1983, was a former professional football club based in Dalian with the longest history in the city, other former football clubs based in Dalian in the highest league include
Dalian Professional F.C. (CSL 2012–2014, 2018–2023).
Dalian Yiteng F.C.(Jia-B 1995),
Dalian Shunfa F.C.(Jia-B 1996),
Liaoning F.C.(Jia-B 1998),
Dalian Sidelong F.C.(Jia-B 2002),
Dalian Changbo F.C.(China League One 2004−2005),
Dalian Transcendence F.C. (China League One 2016−2018) were formerly in the second-tier league. == Shide-Aerbin Derbies ==