Culture Insider: China, birthplace of football

6. The most offbeat football player "transfer" event

In the Song Dynasty, cuju organizations were set up in large cities called Qi Yun She or Yuan She - now known as the earliest professional cuju club - whose members were either cuju lovers or professional performers. The Northern Song Dynasty's rival, the Jurchens, established the Jin Dynasty (1115-1234) where cuju was also popular.

In 1127, Jin forces ransacked Kaifeng, capital of the Northern Song Dynasty, capturing both Emperor Qinzong and his father, Emperor Huizong. Five Song's professional cuju players were captured.

This is probably the most offbeat football player "transfer" in the history of the game.

Cuju was favored by emperors of the Song Dynasty when it reached its prime time.  [Photo/ cathay.ce.cn]