These parallel developments have given Chinese soccer a rare sense of momentum at the start of a new year. Expectations for a return to the World Cup and Olympics have quietly risen, while enthusiasm for the sport has also surged at the grassroots level.

Following the breakout success of the "Suchao" — the 2025 Jiangsu Football City League — multiple provinces including Guangdong, Zhejiang, and Shandong have begun rolling out city football leagues for 2026, signaling the arrival of a nationwide, mass-participation soccer movement.

Rising star

At the heart of China's U23 Asian Cup run was 22-year-old goalkeeper Li Hao, who emerged as one of the tournament's standout performers. Appearing in every match, he conceded only four goals — all in the final against Japan — after keeping clean sheets in his first five games.

According to statistics from the AFC's official website, Li made 33 saves across six matches, ranking among the highest totals in the competition. His consistent excellence between the posts formed the backbone of China's defensive stability and was instrumental in the team's historic progression to the final.

Li's defining moment came in the quarterfinal clash against Uzbekistan. Over 120 minutes of regulation and extra time, he produced a series of spectacular saves, denying one-on-one chances, long-range strikes, and shots from tight angles near the byline. In the penalty shootout, he blocked a decisive attempt with one hand, sealing China's progression and earning Man of the Match honors without dispute.

As the final whistle blew, Li's teammates lifted him into the air. The sunset over Jeddah bathed the young goalkeeper in golden light, freezing a famous moment that will long linger in Chinese soccer fans' memories.

"I've actually dreamed of moments like this many times — wearing the national team jersey and being thrown into the air by my teammates," Li told Xinhua News Agency afterward. "I always believed this day would come. Thinking back on all the hardship and effort, I feel it was all worth it."

Behind the heroics lay meticulous preparation. Before every crucial save, Li would discreetly glance at a small note taped to his water bottle. He explained that the note offers guidance in decisive moments and is usually brought out only when needed.

Despite his growing fame, Li consistently credited the collective team effort over individual brilliance.

"The most important people are the 10 teammates standing in front of me, including those who came on as substitutes. They run tirelessly on the pitch and work even harder than I do," he said. Even as his highlight reels flooded social media, the modest goalkeeper insisted: "I feel a bit embarrassed. I was just doing my job."

Li's rise has been closely tied to the guidance of Shao.

The goalkeeper, who previously trained in Atletico Madrid's youth academy, secured the starting role at Qingdao West Coast Football Club in the Chinese Super League last season, largely due to Shao's recommendation during his time with the club.