China Greatest All-time 23 member team 中国足球史上最佳23人

World Cup 2002

Please also see my All-Time World Cup Team Index.

Before the World Cup qualifiers for 1982, the Peoples' Republic of China had limited opportunities to compete internationally.  The national team known as China was actually the Republic of China playing with players from Hong Kong.  In 1982, China entered the World Cup Qualifiers for the first time since 1958 with star players Rong Zhixing and Gu Guangming from Guangdong. They nearly made it to Spain, but New Zealand beat Saudi Arabia 5-0 at Riyadh on the last match of the Final round and made up the goal difference. New Zealand won the playoff match.  Two years later, China once again reached the Final of the Asian Cup.  Jia Xiuquan emerged as one of the best defenders in Asia.  In 1988, they qualified for the Seoul Olympics, a full national team tournament for AFC.  In 1989, China once again nearly qualified for the WC Finals.  They were leading Qatar 1-0 at the last game of the AFC Final Round, a result that would send China to the Italy 1990, but China gave up 2 goals on the 87th minute and surrendered the berth to UAE.  China did not do well in the following World Cup qualifiers, but managed to qualify for the 2002 World Cup Finals.  Since 2002, China, however, seemed to have regressed.

在1982年世界杯预选赛之前，中华人民共和国的国家队在国际比赛中的机会有限。所谓的中国国家队实际上是中华民国与香港球员组成的代表队。1982年，中国队自1958年以来首次参加世界杯预选赛，队内拥有来自广东的明星球员容志兴和顾光明。他们几乎成功晋级西班牙世界杯，但新西兰在最后一轮决赛中以5-0击败沙特阿拉伯，在进球差上超过了中国。新西兰赢得了附加赛。两年后，中国再次进入了亚洲杯决赛。贾秀全成为亚洲最佳后卫之一。1988年，他们成功晋级首尔奥运会，这是亚足联的全国家队锦标赛。1989年，中国队再次差一点晋级世界杯决赛。在亚洲足球联合会最后一轮比赛中，他们在最后一场比赛中以1-0领先卡塔尔，这个结果本可以将中国送往意大利1990世界杯，但中国在第87分钟失去了两个进球，并将晋级资格让给了阿联酋。在随后的世界杯预选赛中，中国表现不佳，但晋级了2002年世界杯决赛。然而，自2002年以来，中国似乎出现了退步。

World Cup Qualifiers in 1981

Team 
GK: Li Fusheng 李富胜

Li Fusheng was the highest cap goalkeeper for China with 116 caps between 1976 and 1984.  He went to the Asian Cup in 1976.  He was a part of the team who narrowly missed out in qualifying for the 1982 FIFA World Cup, losing to New Zealand in a play-off.  For his club career, he started with Chengdu.  He was a member of Bayi team (the army team.), where he played between 1975 and 1984.  

李富胜是中国队历史上出场次数最多的门将，于1976年至1984年间代表中国队出场116次。他参加了1976年的亚洲杯。他曾是一个几乎成功晋级1982年世界杯的团队的一员，但在附加赛中输给了新西兰。在俱乐部生涯中，他最初效力于成都队。他还是八一队（军队队伍）的一员，在1975年至1984年期间效力于该队。

GK: Fu Yubin 傅玉斌
Fu Yubin spent his entire career with Liaoning where he won several Chinese league titles and the 1990 Asian Club Championship. The team was the dominant club team in China of his generation. For the national team, he represented China in the 1992 Asian Cup where he aided them to a third-place finish.  For his club career, he was playing for Liaoning winning the Asian Club Championship in 1990.

傅玉斌的整个职业生涯都效力于辽宁队，他赢得了多个中国联赛冠军和1990年的亚洲俱乐部锦标赛。辽宁队是他这一代中国最强大的俱乐部队伍。在国家队方面，他代表中国参加了1992年的亚洲杯，并帮助他们获得第三名。在俱乐部生涯中，他一直效力于辽宁队，并在1990年赢得了亚洲俱乐部锦标赛。

GK:  Zhang Huikang (张惠康)

Zhang Huikang began his career in 1980 and quickly rose through the ranks. He played a vital role in China's qualification for the 1988 Olympics and was named Asia's best goalkeeper in the 1988 Asian Cup. Although he missed the 1990 World Cup, Zhang made 35 appearances for the national team before retiring in 1993.  For his club career, he played for Shanghai and South China in Hong Kong.

张惠康于1980年开始职业生涯，并迅速崭露头角。他在中国队为1988年奥运会资格赛中发挥了重要作用，并在1988年的亚洲杯上被评为亚洲最佳门将。尽管他错过了1990年的世界杯，但张惠康在1993年退役前为国家队出场了35次。在俱乐部生涯中，他曾效力于上海队和香港的南华队。

RB: Sun Jihai 孙继海

Sun Jihai joined Crystal Palace with teammate Fan Zhiyi in 1999 and became the first Chinese national to play in England.  In 2002, he made a big move to Manchester City where he spent 7 seasons and became a regular starter for his first three seasons.  However, he suffered an injury in his fourth season.  He spent the rest of his career in and out of the lineup.  He represented China at the World Cup Finals in 2002.  He played 80 times for China.

孙继海于1999年与队友范志毅一起加入水晶宫队，成为首位在英格兰踢球的中国国脚。2002年，他转会至曼城队，并在那里度过了7个赛季，成为前三个赛季的常规首发球员。然而，在第四个赛季他受伤了。他的职业生涯的后段时间他时常在首发阵容中替补和轮换。他代表中国参加了2002年世界杯决赛阶段，并为中国队出场80次。

Sun Jihai 孙继海

RB: Zhu Bo 朱波

Zhu Bo was capped 83 times for China between 1983 and 1993.  He is China's second most capped player. He was a key player as it took second place in the 1984 Asian Cup.  He played for Bayi in the Chinese league between 1978 and 1983, winning two league titles.  He later played a few more seasons with Shenzhen before retiring in 1997.  He was at one p oint the captain of the Chinese national team as well as Bayi.

朱波在1983年至1993年间代表中国队出场83次，是中国第二位出场次数最多的球员。他是中国队在1984年亚洲杯上获得亚军的关键球员。他在1978年至1983年期间效力于八一队，赢得了两个联赛冠军。之后他还在深圳队效力了几个赛季，于1997年退役。他曾是中国国家队和八一队的队长。

CB: Li Weifeng 李玮峰

Li Weifeng was capped 112 times for China between 1998 and 2011.  He played for various clubs in China.  His longest stint was with Shenzhen. He had a brief stint with Everton in England during the 2002-2003 season.  He also played for Suwon Bluewings in the K-League. He earned 112 caps and went to the World Cup Finals in 2002. He served as its captain at one point.  He is China's most capped player.

李玮峰在1998年至2011年间代表中国队出场112次。他曾效力于中国的多个俱乐部，其中最长的一段时间是在深圳队。在2002-2003赛季，他曾短暂效力于英格兰的埃弗顿队。他还曾效力于韩国K联赛的水原蓝翼队。他代表中国队出场112次，并参加了2002年的世界杯决赛阶段。他曾一度担任中国国家队的队长，是中国出场次数最多的球员。

CM/CB: Zheng Zhi 郑智
Zheng Zhi is best remembered for playing three seasons with Charlton Athletic in England.  He later played with Celtic for a short time. He is also known for captaining Guangzhou Evergrade that won the AFC Champions' League in 2013 and 2015.  For the national team, he earned 108 caps between 2002 and 2019.  He captained the under-23 national team that competed at the 2008 Summer Olympics held in Beijing.  He was named Asian Player of the Year in 2013.

郑智最为人所知的是在英格兰的查尔顿竞技队效力了三个赛季。之后他短暂效力于苏格兰的凯尔特人队。他还以广州恒大队的队长身份赢得了2013年和2015年的亚冠联赛冠军。在国家队方面，他在2002年至2019年期间代表中国出场108次。他还担任中国国家U23队的队长，并参加了2008年在北京举办的夏季奥运会。他曾获得2013年亚洲足球先生的称号。

Zheng Zhi 郑智

CB:  Fan Zhiyi 范志毅
Fan Zhiyi was the Asian Player of the Year in 2002.   He earned over a 100 caps for China.  He captained China as it reached the World Cup Finals for the first time in 2002.  He played three seasons for Crystal Palace and became a captain there as well. At home, he played mainly for clubs in his native Shanghai, notably with Shanghai Shenhua.  He had a stint playing for Rangers in Hong Kong.

范志毅是2002年的亚洲足球先生。他为中国队出场超过100次。他担任中国队队长，在2002年首次晋级世界杯决赛阶段时起到了重要作用。他在水晶宫队效力了三个赛季，并成为队内的队长。在国内，他主要为上海本土的俱乐部效力，尤其是上海申花队。他还曾在香港的流浪者队效力过一段时间。

CB:  Jia Xiuquan 贾秀全

Jia Xiuquan was the Chinese captain from 1987 to 1992.  In 1984, he won the MVP award at the Asian Cup, where China finished second.  He joined Yugoslavia's FK Partizan in 1987 becoming one of the first footballers from PRC to play in Europe.  He was also the first Chinese player to play in the UEFA Cup. In China, he played club football with Baiyi.  He later played club football in Malaysia and Japan. He played for Gamba Osaka during J-League's inaugural season in 1993.

贾秀全是1987年至1992年间的中国队队长。在1984年的亚洲杯上，他获得了最有价值球员奖，中国队在那届比赛中获得亚军。他于1987年加入了南斯拉夫的贝尔格莱德游击队，成为首批前往欧洲踢球的中国足球运动员之一。他也是第一位参加欧洲联盟杯的中国球员。在中国，他曾效力于八一队。后来他还在马来西亚和日本的俱乐部踢球。他曾在1993年J联赛的首个赛季为大阪钢巴效力。

Jia Xiuquan 贾秀全

LB: Wu Chengying 吴承瑛

Wu Chengying played for Shanghai Shenhua and won the Chinese Jia-A League title in 1995 and the Chinese FA Cup in 1998. In He also played on loan with Dalian Wanda. He joined Shanghai International in 2003, becoming the highest-ever Chinese transfer in football history at that time. He was a regular starter for the national team, participating in the 2000 AFC Asian Cup and the 2002 FIFA World Cup. 

吴承瑛曾效力于上海申花队，他在1995年赢得了中国甲A联赛冠军和1998年的中国足协杯。他还曾被租借到大连万达队效力。他于2003年加入上海国际队，当时成为中国足球史上转会费最高的球员。他是国家队的常规首发球员，参加了2000年亚洲杯和2002年世界杯。

LB: Sun Xiang 孙祥
Sun Xiang became the first Chinese player to appear in a Champions' League match when he played for PSV Eindhoven against Arsenal in 2007.  He started his career with Shanghai Shenhua.  He also played in Austria.  He was a member of the all-conquering Guangzhou Evergrade from 2010 to 2014. His twin brother Sun Ji was also capped by China.

孙祥成为首位出场欧洲冠军联赛比赛的中国球员，他在2007年为埃因霍温队出战对阵阿森纳的比赛中亮相。他的职业生涯始于上海申花队。他还曾在奥地利效力。他是广州恒大队的成员，参与了2010年至2014年的辉煌时期。他的孪生兄弟孙冀也曾代表中国队出场。

CB/DM/FW: Chi Shangbin 迟尚斌

Chi Shangbin spent his entire senior football career playing for Liaoning, a Chinese football club. He was called up to the China national football team starting from the 1970s. During his international career, he participated in notable tournaments such as the AFC Asian Cup in 1976 and 1980, as well as the Asian Games in 1974, 1978, and 1982. He had 58 caps for the Chinese national team between 1974 and 1982.

迟尚斌在中国足球俱乐部辽宁队度过了他的整个职业生涯。他从20世纪70年代开始入选中国国家足球队。在他的国际生涯中，他参加了一些重要的比赛，如1976年和1980年的亚洲杯，以及1974年、1978年和1982年的亚洲运动会。他在1974年至1982年间为中国国家队出场58次。

CM: Li Tie 李铁

Li Tie first made his name with Liaoning FC in China.  Later, he secured a move to Everton in 2003, where he spent a very successful first season. He was a starter for most of the season, but injuries had kept him from action for the next few seasons.  He had a stint with Sheffield United for two seasons.  He also played for Chengdu Blades after he returned home.  He earned 92 caps between 1995 and 2007. He played in the 2002 World Cup Finals. 

李铁最初在中国的辽宁队崭露头角。后来，他在2003年转会至埃弗顿队，在首个赛季取得了很大成功。他在大部分赛季中都是首发球员，但伤病使得他在接下来的几个赛季缺席比赛。他还在谢菲联队效力了两个赛季。他回国后还为成都谢菲联队效力。他在1995年至2007年间代表中国出场92次，并参加了2002年的世界杯决赛阶段。

Li Tie 李铁

CM: Shao Jiayi 邵佳一

Shao Jiayi played for Energie Cottbus,1860 Munich, and MSV Duisburg in Germany as well as for Beijing Guoan.  He had 40 caps for China. He went to the World Cup Finals in 2002. Shao was also a key player for the national team in the 2004 AFC Asian Cup where he scored three goals during the tournament which led China to finish as runners-up. He was the AFC Asian Cup Fans' All Time Best XI in 2018.

邵佳一曾效力于德国的埃能高比斯、慕尼黑1860和杜伊斯堡，以及北京国安。他为中国队出场40次。他参加了2002年的世界杯决赛阶段。邵佳一还是中国队在2004年亚洲杯上的关键球员，在比赛中打进了三个进球，帮助中国队获得亚军。他在2018年被选为亚洲杯历史最佳阵容。

RW: Gu Guangming 古广明

Gu Guangming was a star in the 1980's.  He played for Guangzhou FC alongside Rong Zhixing.  He went to Germany and played for SV Darmstadt 98 from 1987 to 1992, where he was a star player in the Bundesliga 2.  He was one of the first Chinese players from PRC to play in Europe. Gu played for China from 1979 to 1985.  He was a key player for China that narrowly missed the World Cup Finals in 1982.

古广明是20世纪80年代的明星球员。他曾与容志行 一起效力于广州足球俱乐部。他前往德国，并在1987年至1992年效力于SV达姆施塔特98队，成为德甲2联赛的明星球员。他是首批前往欧洲踢球的中国足球运动员之一。古广明在1979年至1985年为中国队效力。他是中国队在1982年世界杯决赛阶段险些晋级的关键球员之一。

LW: Wu Lei 武磊
From 2006 to 2018, Wu Lei played for Shanghai SIPG, where he started as 14 years old, the youngest ever professional footballer in China. He is the all-time leading scorer in the Chinese league.  He also finished the 2018 top scorer and became the Chinese Player of the Year. In 2019, he joined Espanyol in La Liga.  Since 2010, he is a member of the Chinese national team.  He is among the greatest goal scorer ever from China.

武磊从2006年到2018年效力于上海上港队，他在14岁时开始职业生涯，成为中国足球历史上最年轻的职业球员。他是中国联赛历史上进球最多的球员。他还在2018年获得了中超联赛的最佳射手，并当选为中国年度最佳球员。2019年，他加入了西甲的西班牙人队。自2010年以来，他一直是中国国家队的成员。他是中国历史上最伟大的射手之一。

Wu Lei 武磊

LW: Wu Qunli 吴群立

Wu Qunli was predominantly remembered for his time at Guangzhou FC.  He was the CFA Footballer of the Year in both 1990 and 1993.  He joined Hong Kong First Division League side South China in 1994, where he became a star player. He later played for Golden and Tai Po. For China, he was capped 39 times between 1985 and 1993. He went to the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul.

吴群立主要以效力于广州足球俱乐部而闻名。他分别在1990年和1993年获得中国足协年度最佳球员。他于1994年加入香港甲级联赛球队南华队，成为一名明星球员。后来他还效力于金峰队和大埔队。在国家队方面，他在1985年至1993年间代表中国出场39次。他曾参加1988年首尔夏季奥运会。

AM/FW: Rong Zhixing 容志行 
Rong Zhixing was known as the "Chinese Pele".  He made his national team, debut in 1972 and retired in 1983.   He played 34 times for China. He went to the Asian Cup in 1976.  He was a part of the team who narrowly missed out in qualifying for the 1982 FIFA World Cup, losing to New Zealand in a play-off match held in Singapore.  He was born on a ship heading to India from China.  He is from Taishan, Guangdong.  His family lived in India until 1953. 

容志行被誉为"中国的贝利"。他于1972年首次代表国家队出场，于1983年退役。他代表中国队出场34次。他参加了1976年的亚洲杯。他是那支险些晋级1982年世界杯的中国队的一员，在新加坡的附加赛中输给了新西兰。他出生时，他的家人正在从中国前往印度的船上。他来自广东台山。他的家人在印度生活到1953年

Rong Zhixing 容志行 

AM: Peng Weiguo (彭伟国)

Peng Weiguo's club career started with Guangzhou Apollo. In 1994,he personally achieved recognition by winning the prestigious Golden Ball award. Chongqing Longxin signed him in 1998. Unfortunately, Weiguo struggled to meet the high expectations placed upon him at Chongqing Longxin. He made a move back to the Guangdong province, joining Shenzhen Pingan in 2000. In the 1992 AFC Asian Cup, he helped China to clinch third place as well as finishing 2nd at the 1994 Asian Games. 

彭伟国的俱乐部生涯始于广州阿波罗队。在1994年，他荣获了备受认可的金球奖。1998年，他转会至重庆龙信队。不幸的是，伟国在重庆龙信队期间未能达到人们对他的高期望。他于2000年回到广东省，加入深圳平安队。在1992年的亚洲杯上，他帮助中国队获得第三名，并在1994年亚洲运动会上获得亚军。

FW:  Lee Wei Tong  李惠堂

Lee Wei Tong was born in Hong Kong, but elected to play for the Republic of China.  He went to play in 1936 Olympics, where he made a strong impression.  At home, he predominantly played for South China and helped establish the club in being the most successful team in Hong Kong history. Lee, nicknamed the "King of Asian football", was said to have scored at least 1,260 goals during his 25-year playing career.

李惠堂出生于香港，但选择代表中华民国出场。他参加了1936年的奥运会，给人留下了深刻的印象。在香港，他主要效力于南华队，并帮助该队成为香港历史上最成功的球队。被誉为"亚洲足球之王"的李惠堂据说在他的25年职业生涯中至少进球1260个。

ST: Liu Haiguang 柳海光
Liu Haiguang spent the majority of his career playing for the Shanghai Team, He also joined Yugoslav club FK Partizan along with his Chinese teammate Jia Xiuquan in 1987.  He returned o Shanghai soon afterward.  On the international stage he represented China at the 1984 and 1988 AFC Asian Cup and in the 1988 Summer Olympics. He scored 36 goals for China national football team making him their 2nd highest goalscorer. 

柳海光在职业生涯的大部分时间里为上海队效力，他还与中国队友贾秀全一起于1987年加入了南斯拉夫的帕尔蒂赞足球俱乐部。他不久后返回上海。在国际舞台上，他代表中国队参加了1984年和1988年的亚洲杯以及1988年的夏季奥运会。他为中国国家足球队打进36球，是中国队历史上进球第二多的球员

Liu Haiguang 柳海光

ST: Ma Lin 马林

Ma Lin played mainly Liaoning FC and won the 1988-1989 Asian Club Championship.  He played in a brief loan with NKK S.C. in Japan. Between 1984 and 1990, he was capped 45 times.  He played in the 1988 AFC Asian Cup, 1988 Summer Olympics and narrowly miss out of the qualification for the 1990 FIFA World Cup. Between 1984 and 1990, he was capped 45 times.

马林主要效力于辽宁足球俱乐部，并赢得了1988-1989年的亚洲俱乐部锦标赛。他还曾短暂租借到日本的NKK S.C.队效力。在1984年至1990年间，他代表中国队出场45次。他参加了1988年的亚洲杯、1988年夏季奥运会，并在险些晋级1990年世界杯的预选赛中失去资格。在1984年至1990年间，他代表中国队出场45次。

ST: Hao Haidong 郝海东
Hao Haidong is widely viewed as China's greatest striker.  He played 107 times for China.  Hao enjoyed a stellar international career by playing at the 2002 FIFA World Cup and is the record top goalscorer with 41 goals for the Chinese national team.  For club football, he was best remembered for his years with Dalian Shide between 1997 and 2005, where he won 5 league titles. He also played for Baiyi(the army team) and Sheffield United.

郝海东被广泛认为是中国最伟大的前锋。他为中国队出场107次。郝海东在国际比赛中取得了辉煌的成就，参加了2002年的世界杯，并成为中国国家队历史上进球最多的球员，共进球41个。在俱乐部足球方面，他最为人们所熟知的是他在1997年至2005年期间效力于大连实德队的岁月，他在那里赢得了5个联赛冠军。他还曾为百一足球队（军队队伍）和谢菲联队效力。

Hao Haidong 郝海东

Honorable Mention

Zeng Cheng (曾诚), Zhang Junxiu (张俊秀), Qu Chuiliang (区楚良), Wang Dalei (王大雷),  Jiang Jin (江津), Xu Hong (徐弘), Qi Wusheng (戚务生), Zhang Enhua (张恩华) , Li Weifeng (李玮峰), Feng Xiaoting (冯潇霆), Tyias Browning (蒋光太), Du Wei (杜威), Mai Chao (麦超), Lin Lefeng (林乐丰), Xu Yunlong (徐云龙), Zhang Yaokun (张耀坤), Jiang Jiexiang (姜傑祥), Zhang Linpeng (张琳芃), Xu Genbao (徐根宝)', Wang Houjun (王后军), Shen Xiangfu (沈祥福), Hao Junmin (蒿俊闵), Qi Hong (祁宏), Li Ming (李明), Zhao Junzhe 肇俊哲, Ma Mingyu (马明宇), Gao Lin(郜林), Li Jinyu (李金羽), Yang Xu(杨旭), Su Maozhen (宿茂臻), Zhao Dayu (赵达裕), Li Bing 黎兵.

Squad Explanation

-- In 2014, I only selected players from the Peoples' Republic of China.  I did a review of the team in May 2024.  And in 2024, I decided to include all players who played under the country China.  I did not separate players from the forms of governments for most of the other All-Time team for other national teams.  It seemed logical to do the same for China.  

-- My Germany All-Time team included all German players, but I excluded East German (DDR) players. Similarly, for this blog team, I would adopt the same approach.  I am including all players who played for the Republic of China before 1949.  After 1949, those players belonged to Chinese Taipei. However, Lee Wei Tong was the only player selected.

-- The IFFHS Men's All-Time China Dream Team includes Zhang Huikang, Sun Jihai, Jia Xiuquan, Fan Zhiyi, Mai Chao, Li Tie, Zheng Zhi, Gu Guangming, Hao Haidong, Lee Wai Tong, and Rong Zhixing.

-- Guangdong dominated football in the 1980's. Seven players on this team came from Guangdong. 

-- China qualified for the World Cup Finals in 2002.  I included eight members of the team: Hao Haidong, Fan Zhiyi, Sun Jihai, Wu Chengying, Shao Jiayi and Li Tie.

-- China retuned to international football in the 1970's.  They nearly qualified for the World Cup in Spain. In 1984, they reached the Final of the 1984 AFC Asian Cup. Jia Xiuquan won the MVP award, establishing himself as one of the best defenders in Asia at the time.

-- Rong Zhixing and Gu Guangming were probably two of China's biggest stars.  They were key players at the 1982 World Cup Qualifiers, but they were playing in an era when domestic league was not as well-known.  Gu Guangming later had the opportunity to play aboard in Germany.  Goalkeeper Li Fusheng also belonged to that generation.

-- Elkeson ( 艾克森), Fernandinho (费南多), Nico Yennaris (李可), Aloisio (洛国富) and Alan (阿兰) were naturalised players who had plenty of good club experiences, but they had not played enough for the national team.

Goalkeepers

-- Fu Yubin (傅玉斌) was voted 5th on the AFC Goalkeeper of the Century, but Li Fusheng (李富胜) was probably China's greatest goalkeeper. He was the highest cap goalkeeper for China with 116 caps.  He went to the Asian Cup in 1976.   The younger fans probably forgot about him.

Li Fusheng 李富胜

-- Zhang Huikang ( 张惠康)'s heroic performance in the qualifying matches for the 1988 Seoul Olympics paved the way for the Chinese national team's historic breakthrough in Asia.  He was voted 4th as AFC Goalkeeper of the Century.   Qu Chuiliang (区楚良) was known as the "Flying on the Grass of Lingnan (岭南草上飞)".  Jiang Jin (江津) was the reason why China qualified for the 2002 World Cup Finals.  Zeng Cheng (曾诚) has achieved numerous domestic championship titles with Guangzhou Evergrande and has also made significant contributions on the Asian Champions League stage. 

-- Zhang Junxiu (张俊秀) played in the 1950's.  He was sent to train in Hungary, where he developed a strong friendship with Gyula Grosics.  In the 1955 World Youth Festival, he showcased his goalkeeping prowess while representing the Chinese youth national team in a match against Poland. His impressive performance caught the attention of the Polish party newspaper, "Warsaw Worker," which subsequently bestowed upon him the nickname "Great Wall" of China.

-- I also looked into Wang Dalei (王大雷).

Defenders

-- Sun Jihai and Fan Zhiyi joined Crystal Palace at the same time, Sun Jihai quickly returned to China.  Fan Zhiyi stayed and eventually became the captain of the team.  Sun Jihai, however, returned to England in 2002.  He established himself at Manchester City, where he became a fan favorite.  He was the most successful Chinese player playing in Europe.  Jia Xiuquan (贾秀全) was China's greatest defender.  The three of them were undisputed for this team.

-- For central defenders, I already selected Fan Zhiyi and Jia Xiuquan.  One Chinese source listed Xu Hong (徐弘) as China's second greatest central defender after Jia Xiuquan, but I only put him on honorable mentions.  Instead, I selected Zheng Zhi (郑智) who played for Charlton Athletic and was named the Asian Footballer of the Year in 2013.  

范志毅 Fan Zhiyi 

-- The final spot was between Zhang Enhua (张恩华) and Li Weifeng (李玮峰).  Zhang Enhua was a key contributor to Dalian Wanda's achievement of winning seven league titles. Under the guidance of coach Bora Milutinović, he also represented China in the 2002 World Cup Finals.  However, Li Weifeng (李玮峰) was China's most capped footballer.  So I took him over Zhang Enhua.  Meanwhile, Chi Shangbin (迟尚斌) was also a central defender.

-- I also studied Feng Xiaoting (冯潇霆), Tyias Browning (蒋光太) and Du Wei (杜威 ).  Despite the Chinese Cultural Revolution cutting his career short, Qi Wusheng (戚务生) still managed to participate in the 1976 AFC Asian Cup. He was instrumental in China's third-place finish and served as their captain.

-- Sun Jihai was an undisputed selection for the rightback position largely becuase he was the most famous Chinese player playing in Europe.  Zhu Bo (朱波) easily took the second spot.  In his prime, he was considered the best rightback in Asia.  Zhang Linpeng (张琳芃) known as "China's Sergio Ramos" made honorable mention.

-- Sun Xiang became the first Chinese player to appear in a Champions' League match when he played for PSV Eindhoven against Arsenal in 2007.  However, most Chinese sources considered Wu Chengying (吴承瑛) as China's greatest leftback.  Mai Chao (麦超) might be a better leftback, but I rewarded Sun Xiang for breaking a milestone for Chinese football. Jiang Jiexiang (姜傑祥) was a prominent figure in the inaugural generation of the Chinese national football team following the establishment of the People's Republic of China. Renowned for his unwavering determination, he earned the nickname "拼命三郎" (The Tenacious Warrior). Xu Genbao (徐根宝) experienced a significantly curtailed career due to the impact of the Chinese Cultural Revolution. I don't know much about him.

-- Mai Chao (麦超)played his entire career with Guangzhou FC(which would become Guangzhou Evergrande).  He played 45 times for China between 1986 and 1992 and was at one point China's highest scoring defenders.  He was part of the squad that narrowly missed out of reaching the FIFA World Cup after losing the final group game to Qatar in the dying minutes during qualification.

-- The other notable fullbacks included Lin Lefeng (林乐丰) and Xu Yunlong (徐云龙).

Midfielders/Wingers

-- Li Tie had a successful first season with Everton, but quickly faded away due to injuries.  Chi Shangbin (迟尚斌) who captained China in the 1982 World Cup Qualifying rounds. He actually played in various positions including center-back, defensive midfielder, and forward.  Zheng Zhi could also play as a central midfielder.  He also did well enough while playing in England. He would later lead Guangzhou Evergrande to win the AFC Champions' league. This three locked down the defensive midfield position.

-- Rong Zhixing (容志行) was renowned as the "Chinese Pele" and regarded as one of the greatest players from the People's Republic of China (PRC). 

-- Xie Yuxin (谢育新) was the first Chinese from PRC who played in Western Europe when he joined FC Zwolle in 1987.  He stayed there for two years.  Ma Mingyu (马明宇) was the first Chinese player to join Italy's Serie A, but he did not play a single game. However, they were not held in as high regard as Peng Weiguo (彭伟国) or Shao Jiayi (邵佳一).

-- Peng Weiguo (彭伟国) sometimes referred to as the last representative of "southern-style" footballers in China, epitomizes the emphasis on technical ability, agility, and creativity associated with this style. Known for his quick and intricate passing, dribbling skills, and close ball control, he was recognized as the best technically skilled attacking midfielder in the past 30 years. Several sources listed him one of the top greatest Chinese players. Shao Jiayi (邵佳一) was one of the more successful Chinese players playing in Europe. 

-- Hao Junmin (蒿俊闵), Qi Hong (祁宏), Li Ming (李明) made honorable mentions.

-- Gu Guangming (古广明) was considered to be one of China's greatest players. Notably, he achieved remarkable success while playing in Germany during a time when it was uncommon to witness Asian players competing in European leagues. On the other hand, Wang Houjun (王后军)'s career was unfortunately marred by the tumultuous period of the Cultural Revolution. This era cast uncertainty upon his potential, leaving us to wonder what more he could have achieved under different circumstances. He was left on honorable mentions. Shen Xiangfu (沈祥福) also made honorable mention.

Gu Guangming 古广明

-- On the left, Wu Lei (武磊) established himself in the Chinese Super League at the time when it was the best league in Asia.  He finished as the league's top scorer in 2018.  Wu Qunli (吴群立) was China's greatest left winger before Wu Lei.  He was China's Player of the Year twice.

Forwards

-- Yang Chen (杨晨) had a notable season with Eintracht Frankfurt, but he struggled to maintain the same level of performance throughout his club career and for the national team. Despite scoring only 11 goals for the Chinese national team, he was often regarded as one of China's finest attackers. Unfortunately, I did not have a place for him on my team and instead opted for Ma Lin (马林) and Liu Haiguang (柳海光). Their contributions were instrumental in China's qualification for the 1988 Olympics in Seoul. Liu Haiguang, at one point, held the record for being China's all-time leading scorer, with Ma Lin trailing him by just two goals. Moreover, Ma Lin's dominance in domestic football was evident with his achievements, including winning the Asian Club Championship in the 1989-1990 season with Liaoning FC.

-- Lee Wai Tong (李惠堂), born in Hong Kong, is often considered the greatest Chinese player, although he represented the Republic of China in the 1930s and showcased his talent at the 1938 Olympics. Similar to other Hong Kong players of his generation, he represented the Republic of China national team.  At the age of 17 years and 212 days, Lee achieved the remarkable feat of becoming the youngest player to score a hat-trick for a national team. Astonishingly, his record remains unbroken to this day, with Pele being the only player to come close at 17 years and 241 days.

Lee Wai Tong 李惠堂

-- Hao Haidong (郝海东) is widely viewed as China's greatest striker.  He is China's All-Time leading scorer.

-- Nian Weisi (年维泗) and Zhang Honggen (張宏根) was famous players before the 1960's.  I only put them on honorable mention.

-- Gao Lin (郜林), Yang Xu (杨旭), Zhao Dayu (赵达裕), Li Jinyu (李金羽) and Su Maozhen (宿茂臻) were some of the best Chinese forwards.

-- Elkeson ( 艾克森), Aloisio (洛国富) and Alan (阿兰) played well in the Chinese Super League, but they only played a handful games for China at this moment.  They are not ready for this team.

Starting lineup

选人解释

-- 在2014年，我只选择了来自中华人民共和国的球员。我在2024年进行了一次阵容回顾。在2024年回顾中华，我决定接受在1949年之前代表中华民国的球员。我所有的历史最佳阵容都包括同一国家的所有球员. 对中国来说，采取同样的方法似乎是合乎逻辑的。1949年之后，这些球员属于中国台北队。然而，李惠堂是唯一入选的球员。

-- IFFHS男子历史中国梦之队包括张惠康、孙继海、贾秀全、范志毅、麦超、李铁、郑智、古广明、郝海东、李惠堂和容志行。

-- 中国在2002年成功晋级世界杯决赛。我选择了八名队员入选：郝海东、范志毅、孙继海、吴成英、邵佳一和李铁。

-- 中国在20世纪70年代重返国际足球赛场。他们几乎晋级了西班牙世界杯。古广明和容志行是1982年世界杯预选赛的关键球员，但他们在一个国内联赛不太被人熟知的时代踢球。顾广明后来有机会在德国踢球。门将李福生也属于那一代的球员。1984年，他们进入了1984年亚洲杯的决赛。贾秀全获得了最有价值球员奖，成为了当时亚洲最优秀的后卫之一。

门将

-- 傅玉斌在亚洲世纪最佳门将评选中名列第五，但李富胜很可能是中国最伟大的门将。他是中国队历史上出场次数最多的门将，共计116次国家队出场。他曾参加1976年的亚洲杯，展现出出色的扑救技术和指挥能力。然而，年轻的球迷们可能对他的事迹了解较少，但他在中国足球历史上占据着重要的地位。

Fu Yubin 傅玉斌

-- 张惠康在1988年首尔奥运会预选赛中的英勇表现为中国国家队在亚洲取得历史性突破铺平了道路。他在亚洲世纪最佳门将评选中名列第四。区楚良被誉为“岭南草上飞”，他的扑救技术令人瞩目。江津是中国队成功晋级2002年世界杯决赛的原因之一。曾诚在广州恒大取得了众多国内冠军，并在亚洲冠军联赛阶段做出了重要贡献。王大雷被列为荣誉提及。

-- 张俊秀是上世纪50年代的球员。他曾被派往匈牙利接受训练，并与Gyula Grosics建立了深厚的友谊。在1955年世界青年节上，他代表中国青年国家队与波兰进行比赛，展现了他的门将才能。他出色的表现引起了波兰党报《华沙工人报》的注意，后者给予他“中国的长城”这一绰号。

后卫

-- 孙继海和范志毅在同一时间加入水晶宫队，但孙继海很快返回中国，而范志毅留下并最终成为球队的队长。然而，孙继海在2002年再次回到英格兰，在曼城立下汗马功劳，成为球迷们的宠儿。他是最成功的中国球员之一，曾在欧洲踢球。

-- 对于后卫来说，贾秀全是中国最伟大的后卫之一。他出色的防守技术和领导才能使他在中国足球史上占据重要地位。在选择后卫阵容时，毫无疑问范志毅、贾秀全和孙继海是必选之人，他们对中国足球做出了巨大贡献。

-- 尽管有些资料将徐弘列为继贾秀全之后中国第二位最伟大的中央后卫，但我将他列为荣誉提及。相反，我选择了郑智，他曾效力于查尔顿竞技队并取得了显著成就。2013年，他荣膺亚洲足球先生的殊荣，进一步巩固了他在中国足球历史上的地位。 

-- 最后一个位置在张恩华和李玮峰之间进行选择。张恩华是大连万达队赢得七次联赛冠军的关键人物。在博拉·米卢托诺维奇教练的指导下，他还代表中国参加了2002年世界杯决赛阶段。然而，李玮峰是中国出场次数最多的足球运动员。因此，我选择了李玮峰而非张恩华。与此同时，迟尚斌也是一名中央后卫。

Li Weifeng 李玮峰

-- 我还研究过冯潇霆、蒋光太和杜威。尽管中国文化大革命使他的职业生涯提前结束，但戚务生仍然成功参加了1976年亚洲杯。他在中国获得第三名的成绩中发挥了重要作用，并担任队长。

-- 孙继海在右后卫位置上是毫无争议的选择，主要是因为他是在欧洲踢球的中国球员中最有名的一位。朱波轻松获得了第二个位置。在巅峰时期，他被认为是亚洲最好的右后卫。被称为“中国的塞尔吉奥·拉莫斯”的张琳芃被列为荣誉提及。

-- 孙祥成为首位出场欧洲冠军联赛比赛的中国球员，他在2007年为埃因霍温队对阵阿森纳的比赛中亮相。然而，大多数中国资料认为吴承瑛是中国最伟大的左后卫。麦超可能是一位更好的左后卫，但我认为孙祥因为突破了中国足球的里程碑而受到了表彰。姜傑祥是中华人民共和国建立后中国国家足球队的第一代杰出人物。以他坚定不移的决心而闻名，他被称为“拼命三郎”。徐根宝的职业生涯受到中国文化大革命的影响而大大缩短，关于他的情况我了解不多。其他值得一提的边后卫包括林乐丰和徐云龙。

中场球员/边锋

-- 李铁在埃弗顿度过了成功的首个赛季，但由于伤病问题迅速黯淡了。迟尚斌在1982年世界杯预选赛中担任中国队队长，他实际上在不同位置上踢过，包括中后卫、防守型中场和前锋。郑智也可以担任中场核心的角色，他在英格兰的表现也不错。后来，他带领广州恒大赢得了亚冠联赛冠军。这三人锁定了防守型中场的位置。

-- 容志行被誉为“中国贝利”，被认为是中华人民共和国最伟大的球员之一。

-- 谢育新是中华人民共和国第一个在西欧踢球的中国球员，他于1987年加入了FC Zwolle，并在那里待了两年。马明宇是第一位加入意大利甲级联赛的中国球员，但他没有出场比赛。然而，他们的声誉不如彭伟国或邵佳一那么高。

-- 彭伟国有时被称为中国“南方风格”球员的最后代表，他体现了该风格所强调的技术能力、敏捷性和创造力。以他快速而巧妙的传球、盘带技巧和近身控球而闻名，他被认为是过去30年中最具技术能力的进攻型中场之一。一些资料将他列为最伟大的中国球员之一。邵佳一是在欧洲比赛中更成功的中国球员之一。

Shao Jiayi 邵佳一

-- 蒿俊闵、祁宏、李明被列为荣誉提及。

-- 古广明被认为是中国最伟大的球员之一。值得注意的是，在亚洲球员参加欧洲联赛仍不常见的时期，他在德国取得了显著的成功。另一方面，王后军的职业生涯不幸地受到了文化大革命动荡时期的影响。这个时代为他的潜力带来了不确定性，让我们不禁想象他在不同环境下可以取得更多的成就。他被列为荣誉提及。沈祥福也被列为荣誉提及。

-- 在左边，武磊在中国超级联赛中站稳了脚跟，而那个时候它是亚洲最好的联赛。他在2018年获得了联赛的最佳射手。在武磊之前，吴群立是中国最伟大的左边锋。他曾两次获得中国年度最佳球员奖。

前锋

--- 杨晨在法兰克福恩特拉赫特队度过了一个引人注目的赛季，但他在俱乐部生涯和国家队中难以保持相同水平的表现。尽管他在中国国家队只打入了11球，但他经常被认为是中国最杰出的前锋之一。然而，在我组建的团队中，我没有给他一个位置，而是选择了马林和柳海光。他们对中国晋级1988年首尔奥运会的贡献是至关重要的。柳海光曾一度保持着中国历史上的最高进球纪录，而马林仅落后他两个进球。此外，马林在国内足球中是一位明星球员，他的成就中得到了体现，其中包括在1989-1990赛季与辽宁队一起赢得亚洲俱乐部冠军。

Ma Lin 马林 

-- 李惠堂，出生于香港，通常被认为是中国最伟大的球员之一，尽管他在1930年代代表中华民国参加比赛，并展示了他在1938年奥运会上的才华。和他那个时代的其他香港球员一样，他代表中华民国国家队出场。在17岁又212天的年纪，李惠堂创造了一个了不起的纪录，成为最年轻为国家队打入帽子戏法的球员。令人惊讶的是，他的纪录至今仍然未被打破，只有贝利以17岁又241天的纪录接近他。

-- 郝海东被广泛认为是中国最伟大的前锋。他是中国历史上的最高进球纪录保持者。

-- 年维泗和张宏根是20世纪60年代之前的著名球员。我只将他们列为荣誉提及。

-- 郜林、杨旭、赵达裕、李金羽和宿茂臻是中国最优秀的前锋之一。

-- 艾克森、洛国富和阿兰在中国超级联赛中表现出色，但他们目前只为中国国家队出场过几场比赛。他们还没有准备好加入这支队伍。

Formation