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20 of the Best Chinese soccer players

Originally published by Brian in July 2022 and Updated by Ian S in May 2024.

Chinese Footballer of the Year is an annual association football award organized and presented by Titan Sports. It includes two titles presented to the best Chinese male player and the best female player in the past calendar year respectively.

Eligible are Chinese players who hold a Chinese passport, whether they play in China or overseas. Our highlighted players in the article includes the Chinese footballer, Zheng Zhi. He is an ex-Celtic, ex-Charlton Athletic, and ex-Guangzhou Evergrande midfielder. Currently, he is a Chinese football manager.

1. Wu Lei

Wu Lei photo by El Loko Foto –

Wu Lei was born on 19 November 1991. He is a Chinese professional footballer. Wu Lei plays as a forward for La Liga club Espanyol and the China national team. Wu is the all-time top goalscorer for Shanghai SIPG with 169 goals. He mostly wears football squad number 7.

He is the second all-time top goalscorer in Chinese Super League history with 102 goals. Wu Lei also holds the record for being the youngest player to have appeared in a Chinese professional league match aged 14 years and 287 days.

2. Tyias Charles Browning

A photo of Tyias Browing by Степиньш Ольга –

Tyias Charles Browning was born on 27 May 1994. He is also known as Jiang Guangtai. Jiang Guangtai is a professional footballer who plays as a defender for the Chinese Super League club Guangzhou F.C.

Born in Liverpool, England to a mother of Cantonese descent. Charles Browning has represented the China national team since 2021. Also, Browning can play as a right-back apart from the center-back position.

Browning joined Everton in 2004 at age ten. After progressing through the youth team for Everton, Browning began to play in the club’s reserve, where he became a regular. He helped Everton Reserves win the U18 Premier League title in the 2010–11 season.

Charles Browning has been on many spells though. He has played for teams like Sunderland, Wigan Atletic, Preston North End, Everton, and Guangzhou Evergrande which is his current team.

3. Dai Wai Tsun

Dai Wai Tsun was born on 25 July 1999. He is also known as Tsun Dai in the United Kingdom and Hong Kong and as Dai Weijun in Mainland China. Dai Wai Tsun is a Hong Kong-born Chinese professional footballer who currently plays for Chinese

Super League club Shenzhen F.C. and the China national team.
ai Tsun has played for teams such as; Bury (2017-17 season), Oxford (2018), FC Utrecht ( 30 January 2019), Wolverhampton Wanderers (10 July 2019), and Shenzhen F.C. (16 July 2020). Dai holds both a Hong Kong and British passport and is therefore eligible to represent Hong Kong or England internationally.

4. Tan Long

A photo of Long Tan by wwongbc –

Tan Long was born on April 1, 1988. His former name was Tan Xin. Tan Long is a Chinese professional footballer. He currently plays for the Chinese Super League club Changchun Yatai. Tan started playing football when he was six.

Tan made his debut for the Chinese national team on March 26, 2018. They lost 4–1 against the Czech Republic which was in the third-place match of the 2018 China Cup. On 12 June 2021, Tan scored his first international goal in a 5-0 win over the Maldives in the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification.

Tan Long is the first Chinese-born player to play for a Major League Soccer club by playing for Vancouver Whitecaps FC. Tan Long has played for teams; Shanghai United, Pudong Zobong, Atlanta Blackhawks, Orlando City, Harbin Yiteng, Arizona United SC, Tampa Bay Rowdies, and Changchun Yatai.

5. Han Jiaqi

Han Jiaqi was born on 3 July 1999. He is a Chinese professional footballer currently playing as a goalkeeper for the Chinese Super League club Guangzhou City. On 20 July 2022, Han made his international debut in a 3-0 defeat against South Korea in the 2022 EAFF E-1 Football Championship.

Han made three appearances for Guangzhou R&F in 2019. , Han displaced the experienced Cheng Yuelei as Guangzhou R&F’s first choice keeper for the 2020 season at 21 years old. He became the only CSL player to play every minute of the 2020 season

6. Zhu Chenjie

Zhu Chenjie was born on 23 August 2000. He is is a Chinese professional footballer. Zhu Chenjie plays for the Chinese Super League club Shanghai Shenhua and the China national football team.

Zhu made his debut for the Chinese national team on 7 June 2019 in a 2–0 win against the Philippines. On 24 March 2022, Zhu scored his first international goal in a 1–1 draw against Saudi Arabia in the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification, converting a second-half penalty.

Zhu Chenjie is the first Chinese player born in the 21st century to debut, providing an assist and scoring a goal for the national team. Zhu Chenjie started his football career when he transferred to Shanghai Shenhua’s youth academy in March 2018 after the club bought Genbao Football Base’s under-19 players.

7. Elkeson

Elkeson de Oliveira Cardoso was born 13 July 1989. He is known as Elkeson or Ai Kesen. He is a professional footballer who plays for Brazilian club Grêmio FBPA and formerly the China national team. He plays an attacking midfielder or forward position.

Starting at Vitória, he played mostly as an attacking midfielder and as a winger. He joined Botafogo and was given an attacking position and has played as a striker. Born in Brazil, Elkeson obtained Chinese citizenship in 2019 through naturalization and represents China internationally.

8. Zhang Yuning

Richard Mulder photo of Zhang Yuning –

Zhang Yuning was born on 5 January 1997. He is a Chinese professional footballer who plays as a forward for the Chinese Super League club Beijing Guoan. Zhang made his debut for the Chinese national team on 3 June 2016 in a 4–2 win against Trinidad and Tobago, scoring twice and assisting a goal.

Zhang Yuning has played for the teams; Vitesse, West Bromwich Albion, ADO Den Haag, and Beijing Guoan. Zhang Yuning has scored 54 goals and conceded 33 in his career.

9. Wang Dalei

A photo of Wang Dalei by Mr.Drax –

Wang Dalei means “Great Thunder” Wang Dalei was born on 10 January 1989. He is a Chinese professional footballer who currently plays for the Chinese Super League club Shandong Taishan. Wang Dalei plays the position of goalkeeper.

Wang Dalei started his football career with Shanghai United at only seventeen years old. Wang rose to prominence when he was part of the Chinese under-17 national team that won the 2004 AFC U-17 Championship.

Wang received his first call-up to the Chinese national team in May 2006 for the international friendly against Switzerland and France. He made his debut for the national team six years later on 6 September 2012 in a 1-0 loss against Sweden. He was named man of the match after an impressive performance against Sweden.

10. Wang Shenchao

Wang Shenchao was born on 8 February 1989. He is a Chinese footballer who currently plays for Shanghai SIPG in the Chinese Super League. Wang Shenchao started his football career when he joined the Genbao Football Academy in 2000.

6 years later Shenchao was promoted to Shanghai SIPG’s first team. When Shenchao plays in a defender position. Wang made his debut for the Chinese national team on 7 June 2017 in an 8-1 win against the Philippines.

As you have seen, China has great players who are naturally talented such as Wu Lei. However, those are not the only best players in China, there are players like; Wen Jia Bao, Guo Tianyu, Xu Xin, and many others, and we are not trying to bring bias to some players.

11. Sun Jihai

Very few can boast the groundbreaking achievements of Sun Jihai, a true icon among Chinese soccer players. Sun etched his name into history as the first East Asian to score in the Premier League with Manchester City and the inaugural Chinese player to find the net in the UEFA Cup.

He was a pivotal member of the national team that qualified for China’s only World Cup appearance in 2002. After a remarkable 22-year playing career, Sun transitioned seamlessly into entrepreneurship, founding Beijing Haiqiu Technology Company in 2016.

His company, HQ Sports, has since blossomed into a sports technology, media, and data entertainment powerhouse, employing over 100 staff and securing funding from industry giants like Tencent.

Sun’s trailblazing spirit has inspired a generation of Chinese athletes, solidifying his legacy as a true pioneer both on and off the pitch.

12. Li Tie

It’s impossible to discuss the greatest Chinese soccer players without mentioning Li Tie. This trailblazer left an indelible mark on the sport, representing his nation with pride and paving the way for future generations.

As a player, Li Tie’s journey took him from the Chinese Jia-A League with Liaoning FC to the hallowed grounds of the Premier League with Everton and the Championship with Sheffield United.

His unwavering spirit and talent saw him earn 92 caps for the Chinese national team, where he scored 6 goals. After hanging up his boots, Li Tie transitioned seamlessly into coaching, serving as an assistant at Guangzhou Evergrande before taking the reins at the national team and later Hebei China Fortune.

His impact on Chinese soccer is immeasurable, leaving a lasting legacy as a true ambassador of the game.

13. Wang Xiao

One of the most formidable defenders to grace the Chinese national team, Wang Xiao etched his name among the country’s soccer elite.

 This towering center-back made his mark domestically with Yunnan Hongta and Tianjin Teda, but it was on the international stage where he truly shone. Wang’s official senior debut came in a 4-0 World Cup qualifying victory over Myanmar in 2007, and he quickly became an integral member of Vladimir Petrović’s squad, serving as vice-captain during China’s 2010 World Cup qualification campaign.

Though the quest for a World Cup berth ultimately fell short, Wang’s unwavering presence at the heart of the defense solidified his status as a national team stalwart, earning him 50 caps and the admiration of fans across the nation.

14. Zhang Wenzhao

Talent like Zhang Wenzhao is a rare gem in the Chinese soccer world. This retired footballer left an indelible mark on the game, showcasing his prowess both domestically and on the international stage. 

Zhang’s breakthrough moment came on October 6, 2011, when he made his debut for the Chinese national team in a hard-fought 2-1 victory against the United Arab Emirates.

From that point on, his unwavering dedication and exceptional skill propelled him to new heights, solidifying his place among China’s elite players.

With every match, Zhang demonstrated the sort of talent that inspired awe and admiration from fans and peers alike, cementing his legacy as one of the finest products of Chinese soccer.

15. Feng Xiaoting

, CC BY-SA 3.0 GFDL, via Wikimedia Commons

It’s not complete to discuss the best Chinese soccer players without mentioning Feng Xiaoting. This tenacious center-back left an indelible mark on the game, representing his nation with pride and unwavering determination.

Feng’s journey began in 2004 when he made his international debut under Arie Haan’s guidance against Myanmar. Despite a brief hiatus from the senior team, he returned stronger, becoming a mainstay alongside Li Weifeng during China’s 2008 Olympic campaign.

Vladimir Petrović’s arrival saw Feng cement his place in the starting eleven during the 2010 World Cup qualifiers.

His consistent performances culminated in China’s triumph at the 2010 East Asian Football Championship.

Feng’s perseverance was rewarded in 2018 when he scored his first international goal against Palestine, etching his name in Chinese soccer folklore.

16. Jin Jingdao

Jin is a talented midfielder among the best Chinese soccer players. He represented China’s under-20 national team, becoming captain, and played in the 2010 AFC U-19 Championship.

Jin made his senior national team debut in 2011 against Costa Rica. Recently, in 2021, he scored his first international goal in a World Cup qualifying match against Guam.

17. Xie Pengfei

Only the best Chinese soccer players can match Xie Pengfei’s talent and skill. This midfielder from Shanghai Shenhua and the Chinese national team has been making waves since his youth days, representing China at the Toulon Tournament and AFC U-19 Championship.

Xie’s international debut was a 1-0 loss to Thailand in 2019, but he’s far from done.

Recently named to China’s 2023 Asian Cup squad, Xie came off the bench in their opener against Tajikistan in January 2024. With his drive and potential, this rising star promises more thrilling moments to come.

18. Liangming Lin

Soccer is more than just a game for Lin Liangming, it’s a stage to showcase his exceptional talents. 

This Beijing Guoan winger has been turning heads since his youth academy days among the best Chinese soccer players. Lin’s international journey began with the U-17 team in 2012, followed by a prolific U-20 stint scoring twice in three games.

But the real fireworks started in 2023 – his senior debut against New Zealand, and then his first international goal in a 4-0 thumping of Myanmar in his hometown Dalian.

Recently named to China’s Asian Cup squad, Lin subbed in their opener versus Tajikistan in January 2024. With flair and skill to burn, this rising star is just getting started, leaving fans hungry for his next electrifying performance.

19. Kesen Ai

, , via Wikimedia Commons

Ai, the one and only Elkeson, is redefining what it means to be among the best Chinese soccer players.

Born in Brazil as Elkeson, this naturalized striker has taken the football world by storm since obtaining Chinese citizenship in 2019. Originally an attacking midfielder, his lethal finishing touch up front has made him a nightmare for defenses.

After being called up by Brazil in 2011 but failing to make an appearance, Elkeson found a new home with the Chinese national team.

And he wasted no time making an impact, scoring a brace on his debut against Maldives in a 2022 World Cup qualifier. With his relentless work rate and clinical finishing, this Brazilian-turned-Chinese superstar has fans salivating for his next explosive performance. 

20. Shihao Wei

To master the art of wing play, look no further than Wei Shihao, one of the best Chinese soccer players gracing the pitch today.

This Chengdu Rongcheng speedster announced his arrival on the international stage in style, scoring on his national team debut against South Korea in 2017. Though he missed out on the 2019 Asian Cup, Wei’s time to shine was just delayed.

Fast forward to 2023, and he earned a well-deserved call-up for the latest edition in Qatar.

While China’s group stage exit was disappointing, Wei’s inclusion alone was a statement of his immense talent and potential. With blistering pace and trickery to leave defenders dizzy, this wing wizard is just getting started.