Co9S8 has attracted much attention as a potential alternative to graphite anode material for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). Hollow core–shell structured microspheres of Co9S8 nanosheets@mesoporous carbon with Co9S8 nanosheets embedded in mesoporous carbon hollow spheres (abbr. Co9S8 HCSM) were successfully fabricated through a facile process, which includes two parts: (1) the hydrothermal synthesis of Co9S8 nanosheets; and (2) the construction of mesoporous carbon shell by a sol–gel process. The as-prepared samples were characterized by XRD, XPS, SEM, TEM, and N2 adsorption techniques, respectively. Their electrochemical performance, based on the Co9S8 HCSM as an anode material, was also investigated. Results showed that Co9S8 HCSM composites had a unique core–shell structure, which not only promoted electrolyte penetration and electron/ion transfer to improve the electrochemical performance of LIBs, but also prevented the aggregation of Co9S8 nanosheets and alleviated mechanical strains during the charge/discharge process, enhancing their cycling stability. The Co9S8 HCSM composites exhibited excellent electrochemical performance, such as a relatively high discharge specific capacity (1144.4 mAh g−1 at a current density of 0.1 A g−1 after 45 cycles), and long-term cycle stability at a high rate (502.6 mAh g−1 for 900 cycles at 2.0 A g−1). The present study provides a new idea for developing low-cost and high-performance anode materials for LIBs.