The Struggles of Chinese Men’s Soccer: A Presidential Proposal and Systemic Challenges
In a surprising twist during a recent visit to Zhiyuan Robotics, President Xi Jinping suggested an ambitious remedy for the struggling Chinese men’s soccer team: the inclusion of robots. “Can we have robots join the team?” he casually proposed, undoubtedly a tongue-in-cheek moment, considering the gravity of the situation. China’s performance on the global football stage is abysmal, with a critical match against Indonesia looming that could seal the team’s fate in World Cup qualifying.
An Underwhelming Sporting Legacy
China boasts a staggering population of 1.4 billion and has emerged as the world’s second-largest economy. This was underscored by China’s 40 Olympic gold medals at the last Paris Games, a feat that tied with the United States. Given these resources, one might wonder why the nation struggles to field a competitive men’s soccer team. The answer is multifaceted, rooted in social, political, and educational challenges.
The Weight of Governance
The overarching influence of the Chinese government permeates every facet of life, including soccer. Historically, this top-down control has proven effective in advancing China’s manufacturing and economic sectors. However, the same rigid governance structure has stifled the growth of football. Journalist Zhang Feng highlights a key issue: “It’s not a free society. It doesn’t have the team-level trust that allows players to pass the ball to each other without worrying.”
This absence of freedom translates into a soccer culture that lacks fundamental teamwork and trust. The political system not only pressures players but creates an environment ripe for corruption—making it difficult to foster a genuine love for the game.
The Influence of Political Pressure
Adding to the complications is Xi Jinping’s personal interest in soccer, which he views as a means of national pride. Such enthusiasm can paradoxically generate anxiety within society, as officials and bureaucrats scramble to deliver results. Zhang notes, “The more emphasis the leader places on soccer, the more nervous the society gets, the more power the bureaucrats get, and the more corrupt they become.”
The psychological weight on players and coaches is substantial, leading to a culture of fear rather than inspiration. This has stalled soccer’s potential growth and transformed what could be an enjoyable experience into a high-stakes endeavor.
A Lack of Grassroots Development
The prevalent challenges are encapsulated in the lack of quality players at the grassroots level. Experts argue that the educational system’s focus on rote learning and standardized testing is a significant barrier. As Rowan Simons, a veteran commentator on Chinese soccer, points out, “At the age of 12 or 13, when kids go to middle school, it’s known as the cliff.” Consequently, parents redirect their children’s focus to academics, depriving them of the chance to develop athletic skills.
Simons elaborates that the growth of a soccer culture requires community initiatives, volunteer organizations, and supportive environments—conditions rarely allowed to flourish in China given the constraints imposed by the Communist Party.
Political Failures and International Standing
Compounding these issues is the stark reality of China’s historical performance on the international soccer stage. Despite qualifying for only one World Cup—in 2002, during which they failed to score a single goal—they currently languish at a dismal No. 94 in the FIFA rankings. This ranking places China behind war-torn countries like Syria and only slightly ahead of Benin.
This ongoing failure is characterized by notable defeats, such as a humiliating 7-0 loss to Japan, a defeat that shocked many but left others only resigned to the status quo. Cameron Wilson, a Scottish journalist familiar with China’s soccer landscape, remarks that such outcomes highlight deep-rooted problems.
Women’s Soccer: A Different Story
It’s important to note that while the men’s team grapples with systemic issues, the women’s national team has enjoyed more success, notably finishing as runners-up in the 1999 Women’s World Cup. Yet, even the women’s team has struggled against the rising prowess of European competition—most recently illustrated by their early exit in the 2023 Women’s World Cup after a crushing 6-1 defeat to England.
Corruption and Mismanagement
The corruption embedded within the soccer hierarchy compounds these challenges. Li Tie, a former national coach, was sentenced to 20 years in prison for bribery and match-fixing, reflecting a broader trend of misconduct. The local Super League has also faced scrutiny for straying far from its initial purpose, with billions spent on foreign talents, often as part of a political strategy to curry favor with authorities.
Meanwhile, the once-vibrant Guangzhou Evergrande football club serves as a cautionary tale. Once a powerhouse, it has disbanded due to overwhelming debts—indicative of a much larger crisis within China’s footballing landscape.
The Road Ahead Remains Uncertain
Despite efforts to integrate soccer into schools and various reforms, the challenges are daunting. The environmental pressures, societal values focused on academic achievement, and systemic corruption create a perfect storm that discourages youth from pursuing the sport.
Simons poignantly notes the sentiments of many parents who, disillusioned by the state of affairs, are hesitant to allow their children to engage with soccer. “It’s sad and frustrating,” he remarks, capturing the essence of a community hoping for change yet grappling with an entrenched status quo.
While the introduction of robots into soccer might have been a light-hearted notion from the president, the journey to revitalize men’s football in China requires far more than an imaginative proposal. It demands a fundamental reconsideration of the system in which it operates, the values it instills, and the culture it fosters.
