After the celebrated Chinese forward Wu Lei left Spain’s prestigious LALIGA club Espanyol in 2022, the presence of Chinese soccer talents in major European leagues was notably absent. Yet, the aspirations of many emerging soccer stars from China have not dwindled. Instead, they’re harnessing their talent and ambition, aiming to etch their names in European football’s hall of fame.
In the wake of this transition, a slew of young Chinese players are stepping onto European fields with renewed vigor. For instance, Li Changyi, the former goalkeeper for the Chinese national U19 team, penned a two-year contract with SD Huesca, a Spanish second-division club. Further adding to this burgeoning list, He Xiaoke, a promising striker from China’s national youth team, recently made a significant impression following his entry into Andorra FC, another Spanish second-division ensemble.
Luca Sandron, a representative of the LALIGA China Office, exudes optimism regarding these young trailblazers. According to him, Li Changyi’s foray into the Spanish league is expected to catalyze increased interest from Chinese football enthusiasts. “We anticipate more Chinese players elevating the competition within Spanish soccer, fostering mutual growth for both Chinese professionals and the league,” expressed Sandron during a media session heralding the commencement of the 2023-24 Spanish soccer season.
Highlighting the potential for Asian players in European leagues, Sandron spotlighted South Korean midfielder Lee Kang-in’s journey with Valencia, emphasizing how he has carved a niche for himself as one of the foremost Asian talents in the sport.
To further fortify its ties with its vast Chinese fanbase, LALIGA showcased the “Club Legend Tour” this summer. This event, spanning major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Hong Kong, and Zhengzhou, witnessed football legends like Iker Casillas, Fernando Morientes, Luis Garcia, and even the Chinese icon Wu Lei, engaging fans in a spirited soccer carnival. LALIGA’s endeavor was a pioneering effort, being the inaugural European football league to introduce its legendary players to China post-pandemic, aiming to quench the anticipative thirst of Chinese fans through these direct engagements.
Li Changyi’s journey stands as a testament to the challenges and rewards of pursuing an overseas soccer career. From demonstrating commendable saving prowess in youth competitions to embarking on his European quest in 2019 with San Fernando CD and then transitioning to SD Huesca, Li’s trajectory has been remarkable. He attributes his move to Huesca to the club’s belief in him and outlines his aspirations vividly. “My vision is to solidify my place in the European league, participate in European competitions, and eventually represent the Chinese national team,” Li shared.
Li’s experience in Spain has been transformative. The Spanish league’s emphasis on technique and possession has significantly enhanced his ball control and mental resilience. He shed light on the role of goalkeepers in today’s game, emphasizing their pivotal role in strategic play build-ups and counteracting high pressing from opponents.
However, his challenges weren’t limited to the field. He faced significant hurdles in communication due to the language barrier, impacting his understanding of the coach’s tactics and interactions with teammates. But with perseverance, Li not only honed his linguistic skills but now advocates for its importance. “Mastering the language is pivotal, especially for a goalkeeper who must constantly engage with defenders and the coach,” he emphasized.
Li’s advice to fellow aspirants is clear: maintain a robust mentality, adapt to the European lifestyle for optimum performance, and grasp the linguistic nuances. He believes these experiences are invaluable, contributing profoundly to the evolution of Chinese soccer.
This sentiment resonates as two more Chinese national youth team goalkeepers, Liu Shaoziyang and Li Hao, mark their presence in Europe. The pressing need of the hour is clear: more Chinese talents venturing into overseas teams, paving a brighter future for Chinese soccer on the global stage.
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