Once upon a time, we sat in front of our televisions, fervently wishing for Chinese football to break out of Asia and onto the world stage. Those moments of fiery passion and those times of regretful tears are deeply etched in the hearts of every Chinese football fan.
Now, a report from South Korean media has reignited the flames in our hearts: With the addition of Hou Yongyong, Serginho, Little Oscar, and Wu Shaocong, these four rising stars, the Chinese team is expected to secure second place in Group C and advance to the World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico! This is not just a piece of sports news; it's a symbol of national sentiment. We yearn so much to see the Five-starred Red Flag flying high on the international pitch and hear the stirring melody of "The March of the Volunteers."
These four names seem like rays of dawn, illuminating the future path of Chinese football. However, behind the light lies shadow. Our league is still trapped in various issues. We must not remain stagnant or open up indiscriminately, allowing neutral names, submitting salaries to the China Professional Football League for management throughout the year, and disbursing bonuses at will... These seemingly complex items all point to a central question: How can our football league become vibrant? Consider the European giants; their success is no accident. It's underpinned by scientific management, a reasonable salary system, and a passionate fan culture. What about us? Players born after 2000 are already in their mid-twenties but are still called "young players." Is this really a form of care?
Perhaps it's just an escape, a psychological comfort that avoids facing reality. In the fiercely competitive international football arena, players in their mid-twenties are already expected to carry the team. Can we continue to treat them as children? The data is harsh but also the most convincing. Statistics show that over the past three decades, Chinese football's status in Asia has gradually declined, and the gap with world-class teams has widened even further.
Meanwhile, our neighbors Japan and South Korea have repeatedly achieved remarkable results on the international stage. Is their success merely due to luck? No, their success follows a clear trajectory. From establishing a youth training system to standardizing league management and cultivating a fan culture, each step is taken solidly and powerfully. Yet we seem to be treading water, or even regressing in some aspects. The reasons are complex and varied. But one thing is certain: We must change, innovate, and muster the courage and determination to face everything.
Young players like Hou Yongyong, Serginho, Little Oscar, and Wu Shaocong need not only a stage to showcase their talents but also a scientific, healthy, and orderly environment for growth. As General Douglas MacArthur once said, "Reform is a war without gunpowder, but we must win it." The same applies to the reform of Chinese football.
We can no longer wait, hesitate, or slack off. Because opportunities always favor the prepared. Now is the time for us to prepare. So, as fans, what can we do? We can pay attention to the development of the league, support our teams, and cheer for our players.
We can participate in building a football culture, letting more people understand, love, and embrace football. We can also supervise league management, offer our opinions and suggestions, and work together to promote the progress and development of Chinese football. Naturally, there will be various difficulties and challenges along the way. "The road is long and winding, I will seek my way up and down." As long as we have dreams in our hearts and paths under our feet, nothing can stop us from moving forward. In this era filled with change and hope, let's work together for the future of Chinese football! Because we believe that with the brilliance of new stars like Hou Yongyong, Serginho, Little Oscar, and Wu Shaocong, and with the joint efforts of each and every one of us, the future of Chinese football will surely be even better!