FIFA WWC China: Player Profiles

Get to know all the players in the China squad that will participate at the Women's World Cup this summer.

Goalkeepers

Zhu Yu

Date of birth: 07/23/1997 
Club: Shanghai Shengli

Zhu rose to prominence as a result of two saves in China’s surprise penalty shootout win over Japan in the Asian Cup semi-final last year. After further crucial saves helped fire China’s epic comeback win over South Korea in the final, Zhu was named as the goalkeeper of the tournament. 

When she started playing football, though, it was as a defender. “I like fun and I thought goalkeeping was boring,” she recalled of the time when her coach suggested a switch of position. Her mother asked her to comply with the coach. And it turned out to be the right decision.

Xu Huan

Date of Birth: 03/06/1999 
Club: Jiangsu

Xu was in China’s squad four years ago at the World Cup in France but sat on the bench for the tournament. This time around, she will again be the No 2 goalkeeper though she has long been troubled by a wrist injury. “Bone fragments inside my wrist move here and there,” she said. 

“So sometimes it hurts here, sometimes it hurts there.” As it could not be cured by surgery, Xu plays with a plate supporting her wrist. “I have been getting used to it,” she said. During an illness recovery, she participated in auto shows, where she posed beside cars. “That was embarrassing. But I just wanted to have a try.”

Pan Hongyan

Date of Birth: 12/30/2004 
Club: Beijing

"Big Pan" gained her nickname during her time in academy football where she began training at the age of 12. By that time, she had already reached a height of 1.72m. Now she is 1.84m  tall. Last year, at the young age of 17, after breaking into the first team in Beijing, she said: "I am not currently pursuing satisfaction from any particular game but rather striving to become a better version of myself. 

A better version of myself may one day lead to being called up to the national team." Her dream soon became a reality. Just four months after her debut in the senior team, she was named in China women's squad for the EAFF E-1 Championship.

Gao Jingyao

Date of Birth: 01/12/2003 
Club: Changchun Dazhong Zhuoyue

Another towering young goalkeeper – the 20-year-old is 1.87m tall. Like Pan Hongyan, Gao made her debut in the CWSL (Chinese Women’s Super League) during the 2022 season. 

At the end of the year, she was called up to the senior national team for the first time for a winter training camp. “She has performed very well in the league. We are grooming her as a future main goalkeeper,” said Shui Qingxia. Has the potential to be a huge star.

Defenders

Wang Shanshan

Date of Birth: 01/27/1990 
Club: Wuhan Jianghan University

At the Asian Cup last year, the captain of the Steel Roses raised the trophy and was named player of the tournament. As a national heroine, when she returned Luoyang, her hometown, she was awarded an apartment unit and a large sum of money by the local government. 

In the past two World Cups, Wang played as a striker, registering two goals in 2015, but in the Asian Cup she played in the centre of defence. “Before 2015, I played as a defender for most of the time in the national team. After 2015 I have been playing more as a striker. I have been getting used to both positions. It’s not talent, it’s just practise and playing more games,” she said.

Wu Haiyan

Date of Birth: 02/26/1990 
Club: Wuhan Jianghan University

The reason for Wang Shanshan’s move from attack to defence during the Asian Cup was the absence of Wu, who had captained the team since her early 20s, including the last two World Cups. 

Recalling the time when she was entrusted with the captaincy leading up to the 2015 tournament, Wu said: “I was shocked. I was afraid that I could not make it. The role represents trust, trust from the coach and teammates. But I adapted to the role. No one is perfect but I tried my best.” At the Tokyo Olympic Games, without the injured captain, the Steel Roses’ defence was a disaster, conceding 17 goals in the three group matches.

Yao Wei

Date of Birth: 09/01/1997 
Club: Wuhan Jianghan University

Though there are many versatile players in the squad, Yao is arguably the one who could adapt to the most positions – a Swiss army knife player. In the last World Cup, Yao played as a midfielder. But with the side lacking a high-caliber natural left-back, Shui Qingxia used her as the starting left-back in last year’s Asian Cup. 

In recent friendlies she has switched to centre-back position. Growing up she was a training partner of her twin brother, Yao Daogang, who captained China Under-19s and currently plays for the CSL side Meizhou Hakka. “My brother played football. Then I started playing,” she said.

Lou Jiahui

Date of Birth: 05/26/1991 
Club: Wuhan Jianghan University

Prior to the Tokyo Games, Lou, who has been part of the national team since 2008 and switched from striker to right-back in the qualification playoffs against South Korea, was surprisingly dropped from the Olympic squad. 

“I thought my career was about to finish,” the veteran recalled after winning the Asian Cup. “But when I heard Coach Shui was appointed as the head coach, I regained confidence.” In the live interview with China Central Television, the national broadcaster, she choked up, “When I was at the lowest point, Coach Shui called me back to the national team, and we won the Asian Cup. I am grateful to Coach Shui, truly grateful.”

Li Mengwen

Date of Birth: 03/28/1995 
Club: PSG

After playing in the EAFF E-1 Football Championship last summer, Li received an offer from a club in Europe. And not just any old club. Jocelyn Precheur, her ex-coach in Jiangsu, recommended her to Paris St-Germain. “Coach, are you kidding me? Play for PSG?” Then she booked the ticket to Paris. “I did not have high expectations. 

Those players at PSG who play in the same position are big names.” Outperforming her expectations, she played regularly during the past year. Gérard Prêcheur, head coach of PSG and Jocelyn Precheur’s father, also used to coach Li in Jiangsu. Apart from her familiarity with Prêcheur’s tactics, her fluent English – a rarity among Chinese football players – has helped her adapt.

Li Jiayue

Date of Birth: 06/08/1990 
Club: Galatasaray Women's

According to some Li, a versatile player, bears a striking similarity to Gao Yuanyuan, an actor and huge star in China. But she does not like the comparison. “What's the use of being good-looking on a football pitch? I did not play in the World Cup. 

If you don’t get the playing opportunity, you are just a decoration.” The veteran defender is striving for her first appearance in a World Cup – she was part of the squad for the last two tournaments but has not played a single minute. In January, she moved to Galatasaray for her third overseas stint. “Brother Jia”, as she calls herself on social media, recently shared her experiences during the Turkish earthquake on her platforms.

Wang Linlin

Date of Birth: 08/04/2000 
Club: Shanghai Shengli

Wang came into the spotlight in the EAFF E-1 tournament last summer, during which the young centre-back scored her first goal in the senior team and was subsequently named the best defender of the tournament. 

She missed the Asian Cup partially due to injury. “It’s even tougher that you were dropped at the last minute after participating in the pre-tournament training camp. However, it could be a motivation for me,” she said. Wang Siqian, her younger sister, is now the captain of China women's U-20 team, playing in the same position.

Chen Qiaozhu

Date of Birth: 09/08/1999 
Club: Guangdong Women’s

During her childhood Chen helped her parents with farm work and herded water buffaloes. Four years ago, she suffered a torn cruciate ligament prior to the World Cup. Two years ago, despite carrying an injury, she was part of the squad at the Tokyo Olympics but remained on the bench for all three matches. 

Reflecting on these experiences, she said: "I was disappointed by my injury before the World Cup, but because I was very young, I didn't feel too devastated. It was a different story when I got injured before the Olympics. It was a tremendous regret because even though I made it to the event, I couldn't play."

Dou Jiaxin

Date of Birth: 02/29/2000 
Club: Jiangsu Women’s

Dou did not begin playing football until the age of 12. Six years later, she earned a spot as a starter at the Under-20 Women's World Cup. Unfortunately, in the last game of the group stage, her own goal in the last minute led to China’s elimination. Despite this setback, the resilient centre-back persevered and recently received a call-up to the senior team. 

After starting in a 3-0 defeat to Spain in April, just days after her debut in the senior team in a goalless draw against Switzerland, Dou posted on social media: "A great experience. Face one's own shortcomings, be grateful for all the encounters, go through failures, reflect on them, and then grow stronger."

Shen Menglu

Date of Birth: 05/10/2002 
Club: Celtic

Shen, despite not yet making her debut for the senior national team, has garnered significant popularity among Chinese fans because of her extensive experiences in Europe. After a brief period in Portugal, she joined Celtic last summer and shone in the Scottish Women's Premier League. Following her nomination for the PFA Scottish Women's Young Player of the Year award, the young left wingback, who could potentially address a weak spot in the China side, posted in social media: 

"Thank you very much for the nomination, even though I didn't win in the end." Shen has no familial relationship with Shen Mengyu, her compatriot and teammate at Celtic, despite sharing the same surname and having similar given names. The duo refer to themselves as "nonconsanguineous sisters".

Midfielders 

Wang Shuang

Date of Birth: 01/23/1995 
Club: Racing Louisville

Wang, arguably the biggest star of the team, has experienced an eventful four years. In early 2020, when Wuhan went into lockdown to contain the Covid outbreak, Wang, as a Wuhan local, was stuck at home and had to train on the roof of her apartment building. 

“Although we had been staying at home for the two and a half months and could not go anywhere, spending time with my family every day and training through games were quite enjoyable,” she recalled. She shined at the Tokyo Olympics but her four goals in the match against Zambia failed to translate into a victory. At the Asian Cup, Wang made a limited contribution due to injury.

Shen Mengyu

Date of birth: 09/19/2001
Club: Celtic

A skilled central midfielder with exceptional vision, Shen Mengyu has made a name for herself at Celtic in the Scottish Women’s Premier League but was still a surprise call-up as she had not featured much for the national team recently. 

In 2019, when she was captain of China Under-20s, she was surprisingly suspended from domestic competition for six months, reportedly because of perceived tardiness as well as wearing lipstick. "This is an incident I prefer not to discuss," she has said. She returned stronger than ever and has showcased her full potential in Scotland. After two successful seasons in Scotland being included in the World Cup squad is another happy milestone for her.

Zhang Linyan

Date of Birth: 01/16/2001 
Club: Grasshopper Club Zürich

In 2012, at the age of 11, Zhang was interviewed by China Central Television as one of the first students of the Evergrande academy. In front of the camera, she told the journalist: “My dream? I want to be as good as Sun Wen.” 

Becoming as good as the joint Fifa Female Player of the 20th Century may seem like an unattainable goal but 10 years later, in the Asian Cup final, Zhang came off the bench, won a penalty and scored the equaliser to erase China’s two-goal deficit against South Korea. Has continued her progress in Zürich, but she holds lofty aspirations. “I hope I can stay in Europe. Joining a big team and playing in the Champions League is my long-term goal.”

Tang Jiali

Date of Birth: 03/16/1995 
Club: Wuhan Jianghan University

In 2015 at the age 20 Tang made her debut in the World Cup as a starter against the Netherlands. However, her career did not progress as expected in the following years. After missing the 2019 World Cup and two Olympic Games, she ventured to Europe, becoming the first Chinese player in the Women’s Super League in England. 

Although her time at Tottenham lasted only one year, she recalled: “The experience was precious. Many friends told me I am physically stronger. And that one year has made me more independent.” At the very least, she immersed herself in a different culture. “They don’t have the same idea of lunch [as in China]. If I had an early breakfast, I would be hungry during the training at noon.”

Wu Chengshu

Date of Birth: 08/26/1996 
Club: Canberra United

As the replacement for Wang Shuang, who suffered an injury before the game, Wu scored China’s first equaliser in the Asian Cup semi-final against Japan, marking a significant moment in her career. Last November, the versatile midfielder, who often operates on the left wing, moved to Canberra United, but soon fractured a cheekbone in a challenge. 

The injury required surgery. “That was the most nerve-wracking moment of my life,” she recalled. In the first game after her return, Wu scored her first A-League goal … with her face. A cross was deflected off the injured area and went into the bottom corner. She then posted in social media: “Wherever you fall, get up from there; if your face is injured, score with your face.”

Yang Lina

Date of Birth: 04/13/1994 
Club: Levante Las Planas

Before the 2019 World Cup, Yang, dubbed the “Andrea Pirlo” of the squad, was surprisingly dropped from the final squad. But with Shui Qingxia, her mentor at Shanghai, at the helm Yang has taken on more responsibilities. After beating Japan on penalties in the Asian Cup semi-final, she recalled being entrusted with the third penalty: 

“The only thing in my mind is I have to score and not let down the trust of coach Shui.” After a brief spell at Paris St-Germain, she has ventured into Spanish football and immersed herself in the local culture. “I like Gaudi’s buildings,” she said. On social media she posted a photo of herself in front of Sagrada Família with the cheeky line: “Maybe the next time I come it will still be unfinished.”

Zhang Rui

Date of Birth: 01/17/1989 
Club: Wuhan Jianghan University

On the journey to the Asian Cup title, Zhang came off the bench at half-time against both Japan in the semi-final and South Korea in the final. The veteran’s role is to provide composure. “When I take the ball, I will slow the motion. I feel more comfortable with precise tactics in a slower rhythm.” 

The most capped player in the championship-winning squad, Zhang finally secured her first title with the national team after making over 150 appearances. She remained calm after receiving her medal: “Stepping down from the award podium, everything starts anew. For me, the time to play football is joyful, and now every match played means one less match remaining.”

Yao Lingwei

Date of Birth: 12/05/1995 
Club: Wuhan Jianghan University

Yao’s tactical awareness overcomes any physical flaws – at the age of 19, after undergoing knee surgery, she was told by doctors that her career as a football player could last no more than two years. “It can feel like walking down a dark corridor without any lights, relying solely on feeling the walls to move forward,” she said of her recovery. 

“You don't know what lies ahead, nor can you see where the end might be.” At the end of the corridor, Yao outplayed the doctor’s prediction with determination. In the Asian Cup final, her handball in the penalty area gave South Korea a penalty and a 2-0 lead but she persevered until the final whistle to help the team to a comeback victory. Football is not her only talent: she also plays the ukulele.

Zhang Xin

Date of Birth: 05/23/1992 
Club: Shanghai Shengli

The high point of Zhang’s career so far came in the Tokyo Olympics qualifying play-offs, in which her crucial goal contributed to the away win over South Korea. In 2017, Zhang Xin, at the age of 25, decided to retire from football. 

Two years later, she returned to the pitch after giving birth to her son. But it was not easy: “After finishing a run once, I noticed that both my feet couldn't touch the ground properly. It felt like the entire sole of my foot couldn't make contact with the ground.” She overcame physical challenges to become a regular member of the national team, but it came at a cost in other aspects. Reflecting on her holiday after the Asian Cup win, she said: "I spent about 10 days with my son, which is the longest period of time in the past two years."

Fang Jie

Date of Birth: 11/11/1999 
Club: Shanghai Shengli

As a skillful holding midfielder, Fang’s favorite players are those whose playing styles are similar to her own: Bastian Schweinsteiger, Sergio Busquets and Rodri. Like Rodri, she is calm in a high-tempo game. This might be reflected in her hobbies: painting and calligraphy. “Painting makes me relax. When I learned painting, I consistently engaged in it from noon to seven in the evening.” She once said that “I know painting and calligraphy don’t match my role as a football player,” but maybe it is not true – in her holding role Fang is a combination of contemplation and dynamism.

Gao Chen

Date of Birth: 08/11/1992 
Club: Changchun Dazhong Zhuoyue

Gao was called back to the national team by the newly appointed Shui Qingxia before the Asian Cup last year. In the tournament, the starting right-back at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games was occasionally deployed as a defensive midfielder. In the final against South Korea, Gao was entrusted with the most challenging task. 

“I was told to pay more attention to Ji So-yun. If we can shut her down, the Korean team's attack may weaken, and it would make it easier for us.” As the unsung heroine behind the epic comeback, she fought 90 minutes in an attempt to stop the former Chelsea No 10. After the victory, she was awarded a much-sought-after Bing Dwen Dwen figurine, the mascot of the concurrent Beijing Winter Olympic Games, to add to her collection.

Ou Yiyao

Date of Birth: 03/13/2001 
Club: Jiangsu

Ou is an attacking midfielder whose playing style is similar to Zhang Linyan. While Ou may not be as talented as the biggest star of the young generation (who is two months older than her), she has her own weapons – seemingly endless energy and incredible fitness. 

Chan Yuen Ting, her coach at Jiangsu and a data expert educated at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, commented: “She indeed has remarkable qualities, with strong running ability and high-intensity sprinting. Her distance covered during high-speed runs and overall running distance throughout an entire match are the highest among our team. From the data perspective, she is the fitness queen of our team.” In her eyes, Ou “should be on the pitch for every minute of the season”.

Jin Kun

Date of Birth: 10/04/1999 
Club: Jiangsu

One year after her debut for the national team, Jin, at the age of only 20, hung up her boots for college study. But it was not long before she returned. She did not become rusty during the period of inactivity. 

Chan Yuen Ting, her coach at Jiangsu, commented: “I often say that she is like a foreign player in our team because her physical fitness is indeed not much different from that of foreign players.”

Liu Yanqiu

Date of Birth: 12/31/1995 
Club: Wuhan Jianghan University

Growing up in Dalian, the “football city” in China, Liu’s small size was initially a problem, with coaches telling her to come back when she was taller. Despite her stature, Liu has become known for her unwavering endurance and exuberant energy, earning her the nickname “Flying boom.” 

Her indefatigable running is a huge asset in a high-pressing game. Though initially training in her hometown in the north-east, Liu’s career has been mostly with Wuhan, the biggest city in central China, where she has played since the age of 14.

Gu Yasha

Date of Birth: 11/28/1990 
Club: Wuhan Jianghan University

At the age of only 17, Gu shone at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games and years later her winning goal against Japan secured an unexpected qualification for the 2016 Rio Games. Her motivation to play goes beyond pride or popularity. 

“More than anything, it's a sense of mission to make more girls enjoy this sport. It's not necessary for them to be exceptional players, but rather to participate and benefit from the physical exercise.” Despite not being included in recent major tournaments, the veteran winger, known for her skillful left foot, is hoping to play a role in her third World Cup.

Forwards

Xiao Yuyi

Date of Birth: 01/10/1996 
Club: Shanghai Shengli

Scored the injury-time winner in China women’s epic 3-2 comeback win over South Korea in the Asian Cup final. In Shantou, Xiao’s hometown in Guangdong Province known for its unique Chaoshan culture, a banner was hung at the gate of the Xiao Ancestral Temple in honor of her achievement – a rare accolade for women in traditional Chinese clans. 

Last November, she moved to Adelaide United, a spell that lasted three months. “I received offers from Europe, but I finally chose Australia for more playing opportunities.” China’s match against England will take place at Hindmarsh Stadium, Adelaide United’s home ground.

Wurigumula

Date of Birth: 08/26/1996 
Club: Changchun Dazhong Zhuoyue

Wurigumula grew up in Hohhot, the capital of Inner Mongolia, and is the first ethnic Mongolian to represent China. Her first call-up into the national team came for the Tokyo Olympic Games. “I won’t be nervous. My club always has high-calibre foreign strikers. I never back down in competition.” 

When Wurigumula was a child, she playfully said she would score in the Olympic Games one day. “Now the opportunity has come, and I will do my best to showcase my abilities”. She failed to achieve her childhood dream in a disappointing campaign but is a prolific scorer in the CWSL and provides an option in Shui Qingxia’s search for a target forward.

Written by William Bi for the Guardian.

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