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Gao Lin
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Gao Lin
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Key Information

Gao Lin
Chinese郜林
Transcriptions
Standard Mandarin
Hanyu PinyinGào Lín
IPA[kâʊ lǐn] ⓘ

Gao Lin (Chinese: 郜林; pinyin: Gào Lín; Mandarin pronunciation: [kâʊ lǐn] ⓘ born 14 February 1986) is a Chinese former professional footballer who played as a forward.

He is the all-time top goalscorer for Guangzhou Evergrande with 113 goals, and has also made the most appearances for the club. Gao is considered one of China's most technical strikers and is known by the nickname Gao Linsmann (Chinese: 郜林斯曼; pinyin: Gàolínsīmàn; [kâʊ lǐn sɹ̩́ mân] ⓘ).

Club career

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Shanghai Shenhua

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Gao Lin started his football career with Shanghai Shenhua in 2005 where he made his league debut on 21 August 2005 in a 1–0 win against Liaoning Zhongyu, coming on as a substitute for Xie Hui.[2] While his height and heading ability were quickly utilized, Gao was unable to establish himself as an immediate first team regular within the team throughout the subsequent seasons and often found himself playing on the flanks. It was only once Xie left Shanghai at the end of the 2007 league season before Gao started to really establish himself as a regular first team member, playing as striker once more. In the 2008 season, he would score eight goals in 21 league appearances to help guide Shanghai to a runners-up position.[3]

Despite having his most productive season with Shanghai and establishing himself within the Chinese national team. Gao's contract was up for renewal and his club would transfer list him in early 2009. This saw him linked with his hometown club of Henan Construction as well as K-League club Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors; however, nothing materialized from these rumours after Gao decided to eventually stay at the club when it was announced that Shanghai and Gao had come to terms about a contract renewal which would expire in 2012.[4]

Guangzhou Evergrande

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Gao in his debut match for Guangzhou Evergrande in 2010.

On 10 March 2010, Gao transferred to Guangzhou Evergrande, who were newly relegated to China League One in the fallout of a match-fixing scandal. However, the club's new owners, Evergrande Real Estate Group, were able to tempt Gao with a lucrative 3,000,000 yuan a year deal to play within the second tier.[5] He made his debut for the club on 3 April 2010 in a 3–1 against Beijing BIT, also scoring his first two goals for the club.[6] On 30 October 2010, Guangzhou successfully finished as second tier champions for the second time with a 3–1 win against Hunan Billows. Gao's first half hat-trick in this match ensured that he finished the season as the second tier top goalscorer, having scored 20 goals.

Although Guangzhou signed several players to strengthened the team's attacking power including Darío Conca and Cléo in the 2011 season, Gao was still a regular in the team, playing mostly as a left winger and scoring 11 goals in 29 appearances. Guangzhou eventually won the top tier league title for the first time in the club's history as Gao won his first top tier league title with the club.

Gao scored his first goal of the season on 15 May 2012 in a 2–1 win against Buriram United in the 2012 AFC Champions League, ending a goal drought that stretched 1403 minutes.[7] On 20 May 2012, he scored his first league goal of the season in a 1–0 win against Qingdao Jonoon which ended a run of 936 minutes without a goal in the league.[8] On 27 October 2012, Gao scored the decisive goal, assisted by Conca, in injury time in a 1–0 win against Liaoning Whowin to give Guangzhou their second top tier league title and they became the first team ever in the league's history to defend the title.[9]

In the first leg of the 2012 Chinese FA Cup final, Gao received two yellow cards in less than three minutes at the start of the 80th minute. The first yellow card was for dissent on a questionable tackle. The second one came after protesting and dissent which earned him a red card and suspended him from playing in the second leg. On 12 November 2012, Gao was fined by the CFA for $200,000 for his actions in the first leg of the final.[10] Later, Gao took to Weibo to publicly apologize to his millions of followers and said he "deserved to be punished" because it will help him "to not do it again in the future".[11] Later in November 2012, he was selected as one of the two forwards in the 2012 Chinese Super League Team of the Year alongside Cristian Dănălache of Jiangsu Sainty.

During the 2013 season, his role shifted from an attacking role to an assister as he provided many assists to the foreign contingent of Elkeson, Dario Conca and Muriqui. Throughout both the 2013 season and 2013 AFC Champions League, his style of play included more flair as he attempted bicycle kicks and back-heel passes which many plaudits lauded. Gao was a cog in the engine of Guangzhou as he helped it through its golden year to win its third successive top tier league title. In the league-winning game, he scored the third goal for the club on 6 October 2013 in a 4–2 win against Shandong Luneng. This was the second time in which Gao has scored in a league-winning game.

Shenzhen FC

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On 24 February 2020, Gao signed for Shenzhen FC on a free transfer. He made his debut and scored his first goal for the club on 26 July 2020 in 3–0 win against Guangzhou R&F.[12]

International career

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Gao was part of the squad in the 2008 Summer Olympics where he played in all three group games and started in the first two games as the Chinese under-23 national team were knocked out in the group stage.[13]

Gao made his debut for the Chinese national team against South Korea on 31 July 2005 in the 2005 East Asian Football Championship where he was sent off mistakenly by referee Yuichi Nishimura; The East Asian Football Federation cancelled Gao's red card and apologized to him the next day.[14] After that inauspicious start to his international career, Gao started to impose himself within the team, and despite making his debut in 2005 for the national team, Gao had to wait until 21 January 2009 to score his first goal in a 6–1 win against Vietnam during 2011 AFC Asian Cup qualification, scoring a hat-trick.[15]

Gao scored in a 3–0 win against South Korea during the 2010 East Asian Football Championship, helping China beat South Korea for the first time ever. Gao captained the national team for the first time on 22 February 2012 in a 2–0 win against Kuwait. On 10 September 2018, Gao won his 100th cap for China in a 0–0 draw against Bahrain, making him the fifth Chinese man to win 100 caps.[16]

Personal life

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Gao married Wang Chen, who is a reporter and host for Shenzhen Media Group, on 3 September 2013.[17] Gao's childhood idol is the revered German striker Jürgen Klinsmann. He prefers to wear the kit number 18 while playing for the Chinese national team in honour of Klinsmann. While at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, he wore the kit number 9, which was also worn by Klinsmann during the 1998 Seoul Olympics.[18]

Career statistics

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Club

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As of 31 December 2022[19]
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League National cup League cup Continental Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Shanghai Shenhua 2005 Chinese Super League 5 0 1 0 0 0 — — 6 0
2006 14 2 2 0 – 4 5 — 20 7
2007 12 0 — – 6 1 1[a] 0 21 1
2008 21 8 — — — — 21 8
2009 19 4 — – 0 0 — 19 4
Total 71 14 3 0 0 0 10 6 1 0 85 20
Guangzhou Evergrande 2010 China League One 23 20 — — — — 23 20
2011 Chinese Super League 29 11 2 0 — — — 31 11
2012 24 6 3 0 — 9 2 1[b] 0 37 8
2013 28 8 5 1 — 13 3 4[c] 0 50 12
2014 28 8 2 0 — 8 3 0 0 38 11
2015 25 13 0 0 — 11 1 4[c] 0 40 14
2016 28 7 7 3 — 6 2 0 0 41 12
2017 29 9 4 3 — 10 0 1[b] 0 44 12
2018 28 10 0 0 — 7 0 1[b] 1 36 11
2019 17 1 2 1 — 10 0 — 29 2
Total 259 93 25 8 0 0 74 11 11 1 369 113
Shenzhen FC 2020 Chinese Super League 17 6 0 0 — — — 17 6
2021 21 3 1 1 — — — 22 4
2022 20 4 0 0 — — — 20 4
2023 0 0 0 0 — — — 0 0
Total 58 13 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 59 14
Career total 388 120 29 9 0 0 84 17 12 1 513 147
  1. ^ Appearances in A3 Champions Cup
  2. ^ a b c Appearances in Chinese FA Super Cup
  3. ^ a b One appearance in Chinese FA Super Cup, three appearances in FIFA Club World Cup

International

[edit]
Appearances and goals by national team and year
National team Year Apps Goals
China 2005 4 0
2006 4 0
2007 0 0
2008 8 0
2009 14 6
2010 11 2
2011 10 5
2012 7 3
2013 11 0
2014 9 2
2015 7 0
2016 5 0
2017 7 2
2018 7 1
2019 5 1
Total 109 22
As of 20 January 2019[20]
Scores and results list China's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Lin goal.
List of international goals scored by Gao Lin
No. Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition
1 21 January 2009 Yellow Dragon Sports Center, Hangzhou, China  Vietnam 1–0 6–1 2011 AFC Asian Cup qualification
2 2–1
3 6–1
4 1 June 2009 Olympic Sports Center Stadium, Qinhuangdao, China  Iran 1–0 1–0 Friendly
5 18 July 2009 TEDA Football Stadium, Tianjin, China Palestine Palestine 2–0 3–1 Friendly
6 30 September 2009 Hohhot City Stadium, Hohhot, China  Botswana 1–0 4–1 Friendly
7 10 February 2010 Ajinomoto Stadium, Tokyo, Japan  South Korea 2–0 3–0 2010 EAFF Championship
8 7 September 2010 Olympic Sports Centre, Nanjing, China  Paraguay 1–1 1–1 Friendly
9 26 March 2011 Estadio Nacional, San José, Costa Rica  Costa Rica 1–2 2–2 Friendly
10 2–2
11 5 June 2011 Tuodong Stadium, Kunming, China  Uzbekistan 1–0 1–0 Friendly
12 8 June 2011 Olympic Sports Center, Guiyang, China  North Korea 2–0 2–0 Friendly
13 6 October 2011 Universiade Sports Centre, Shenzhen, China  United Arab Emirates 2–0 2–1 Friendly
22 February 2012 Helong Stadium, Changsha, China  Kuwait 1–0 2–0 Friendly1
14 8 June 2012 Wuhan Sports Center Stadium, Wuhan, China  Vietnam 1–0 3–0 Friendly
15 3–0
16 15 August 2012 Shaanxi Province Stadium, Xi'an, China  Ghana 1–0 1–1 Friendly
17 29 June 2014 Bao'an Stadium, Shenzhen, China  Mali 1–2 1–3 Friendly
18 9 September 2014 Harbin Sports City Center Stadium, Harbin, China  Jordan 1–0 1–1 Friendly
17 December 2014 Evergrande Football Base, Qingyuan, China  Kyrgyzstan 1–0 2–0 Friendly1
19 13 June 2017 Hang Jebat Stadium, Krubong, Malaysia  Syria 1–1 2–2 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification
20 31 August 2017 Wuhan Sports Center Stadium, Wuhan, China  Uzbekistan 1–0 1–0 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification
21 16 October 2018 Olympic Sports Centre, Nanjing, China  Syria 1–0 2–0 Friendly
22 20 January 2019 Hazza bin Zayed Stadium, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates  Thailand 2–1 2–1 2019 AFC Asian Cup
1:Non FIFA 'A' international match

Honours

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Shanghai Shenhua

Guangzhou Evergrande[21]

China

Individual

See also

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References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Gao Lin

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Gao Lin (Chinese: 郜林; born 14 February 1986) is a retired Chinese professional footballer who played as a forward, renowned for his prolific scoring record and contributions to both club and international football. He spent the majority of his career with Guangzhou FC (formerly Guangzhou Evergrande), becoming the club's all-time leading goalscorer with 113 goals across 369 appearances and helping secure eight Chinese Super League titles (2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019) as well as two AFC Champions League trophies (2013, 2015). Internationally, Gao represented the China national team from 2005 to 2019, accumulating 109 caps and scoring 22 goals, including participation in two East Asian Cup victories (2005, 2010). He announced his retirement on 16 February 2025 at age 39, following a stint with Shenzhen FC from 2020 to 2024. Gao began his professional career with Shanghai Shenhua in 2005, making his senior debut that year and contributing to the team's 2006 title during a five-season spell that also saw him win the 2008 gold medal with China's U-23 squad. After a brief loan to Pharmaceutical in 2009, where he was the top scorer in the with 20 goals, he joined Evergrande permanently in 2010, forming a key part of the squad under that transformed Chinese football by dominating domestically and internationally. In addition to his club successes, which included two wins (2012, 2016), Gao's versatility as a target man and his leadership on the pitch earned him recognition as one of China's most accomplished forwards, with a career total of 99 goals in 374 league matches. His move to in 2020 marked a later-career chapter focused on mentoring younger players amid the club's promotion efforts, before concluding his playing days.

Early life

Upbringing in Zhengzhou

Gao Lin was born on 14 February 1986 in , the capital city of Province in . Limited public information exists regarding his family background, with no documented details on his parents' professions or any siblings. For his early education, Gao Lin attended Zhengshang Road Primary School in Zhengzhou's Zhongyuan District, a local institution serving the community during his formative years. Zhengzhou in the 1980s and 1990s was undergoing rapid transformation amid China's national economic reforms and opening-up policies initiated in the late 1970s, evolving from a centrally to one with market elements. As a major inland transportation hub and industrial center in an agricultural province like , the city experienced steady and development, though living conditions remained relatively modest compared to coastal regions, with average urban household incomes rising gradually from around 500 yuan per in 1985 to over 2,000 yuan by 1995. This period shaped the childhood experiences of many in , including exposure to emerging consumer goods and educational opportunities amid broader societal shifts toward modernization. No specific non-football interests from Gao Lin's early years are publicly recorded.

Youth football training

Gao Lin began his organized youth football training in 1999 at the , a prestigious in Province known for developing elite talent in Chinese football. At the age of 13, he was scouted during a local match in and invited to join the school after impressing observers with his potential. There, under coaches Peizhong and Su Youcai, Gao focused on building foundational skills as a forward, emphasizing physical conditioning to address his initially underdeveloped physique while honing his agility, technique, and awareness. Training routines at the school were rigorous, combining daily technical drills, tactical sessions, and endurance exercises to prepare young players for competitive environments. In 2001, Gao transferred to the Shenhua youth system, where he continued his development until 2004. The club acquired his contract, integrating him into their academy program, which provided advanced facilities and professional oversight. Under the guidance of former Yugoslav coach Koković, known for effective youth development methods, Gao refined his forward positioning, improving his speed, finishing ability, and positioning in attacking plays. Daily routines included high-intensity scrimmages, video analysis of matches, and specialized shooting practice to enhance his goal-scoring instincts. Gao's potential as a forward emerged prominently during early competitions. In 2002, shortly after joining Shenhua's setup, he earned a spot on the Shiyi Yun team for the National Games, becoming a starting striker and contributing key goals that showcased his clinical finishing and movement off the ball. These performances, including standout displays in regional tournaments, highlighted his quick adaptation to higher-level play and drew attention from national scouts. Supported by his family's encouragement from his roots, Gao's dedication during this period laid the groundwork for his transition toward professional opportunities.

Club career

Youth career and debut

Gao Lin integrated into Shenhua's reserve team in 2004, following his development in the club's youth academy since 2001 and earlier training at Football School. He earned his professional debut on 21 August 2005, entering as a substitute during Shenhua's 1–0 victory over Zhongyu. As a 19-year-old forward, Gao Lin primarily featured in substitute roles early on, encountering adaptation difficulties in breaking into the starting lineup amid competition from established strikers. In the 2005 season, he recorded his initial goal-scoring milestones with two goals across 14 appearances, totaling 908 minutes played, marking his transition to senior-level impact.

Shanghai Shenhua

Gao Lin joined Shanghai Shenhua's first team in 2006 following his promotion from the youth setup, where he initially served primarily as a substitute forward, making 12 league appearances without scoring in the (CSL) that year. His role began to expand in continental competitions, highlighted by his contributions in the 2006 AFC Champions League, where he scored 5 goals across 6 matches, including a in a group stage win against Đồng Tâm Long An and 1 goal in the quarterfinal against , aiding Shenhua's progression to the semifinals. By the 2007 season, Gao continued as a rotational player, appearing in 12 CSL matches without scoring in the league and adding one goal in the AFC Champions League, gradually building experience in a tactical setup that emphasized his pace and finishing as a central striker. His breakthrough came in 2008, when he evolved into a regular starter under coach Zhu Jiong, featuring in 21 CSL games and netting eight goals, which played a pivotal role in Shenhua's runners-up finish in the league. Notable performances included a goal in the Shanghai derby against SIPG and contributions in the , where his strikes helped advance the team to the quarterfinals, showcasing his growing importance in high-stakes fixtures. In 2009, Gao maintained his status as a key striker, starting 19 of his CSL appearances and scoring four goals while providing three assists, further solidifying his tactical evolution from a bench option to a focal point in Shenhua's attacking line. Over his four-year stint from 2006 to 2009, he amassed 74 appearances and 20 goals across all competitions, with 12 of those goals coming in 64 league matches (2006-2009). His departure at the end of 2009 stemmed from a club-wide clearout initiated by new management, which saw several established players, including Gao, released to refresh the squad.

Guangzhou Evergrande

Gao Lin joined Guangzhou Evergrande in March 2010 from Shanghai Shenhua for a reported transfer fee of 6 million yuan (approximately $880,000), marking a significant signing for the club that had been relegated to following a match-fixing . As a 24-year-old national team striker, his arrival alongside other high-profile domestic talents like helped instill a winning mentality and integrate foreign players into the squad. Gao's prior experience at Shenhua facilitated a smooth adaptation, and he contributed 14 goals in 26 league appearances during the 2010 season, playing a key role in Evergrande's dominant campaign that secured promotion back to the with 84 points from 30 matches. Over his decade-long tenure from 2010 to 2019, Gao Lin established himself as a of the club's golden era, amassing 369 appearances and 113 goals across all competitions, records that remain the highest for goals and appearances in Evergrande's history. His longevity and consistency were evident in his role as a versatile forward, often leading the attack and providing leadership on the pitch. These statistics underscore his integral contribution to the team's sustained dominance, including seven consecutive titles from 2011 to and an eighth in 2019. In the pivotal 2011-2013 seasons, Gao was instrumental in Evergrande's first three consecutive CSL titles, scoring crucial goals and forming the attacking backbone under coaches like Kim Jong-hun and . His partnership with Brazilian forward proved particularly potent, as the duo combined for key strikes in domestic and continental matches, including the 2013 AFC Champions League final where Gao scored in a 3-3 aggregate victory over to secure the club's first Asian title. Gao also delivered high-profile moments in derbies, such as a last-minute equalizer against rivals R&F in 2017, preserving Evergrande's unbeaten run in the Guangzhou derby and highlighting his clutch performance in intense local rivalries. These achievements cemented his status as a club legend during a period of unprecedented success.

Shenzhen FC

Gao Lin joined on a free transfer from Guangzhou Evergrande on 24 February 2020, marking the end of his decade-long tenure at his previous club. The move came amid the ongoing , which delayed the start of the 2020 season until late June, postponing his integration into the squad. He made his debut for Shenzhen on 26 July 2020, scoring once and assisting an in a 3–0 victory over Guangzhou R&F in the league's opening matches held in , providing an immediate impact as a forward. Over his five seasons with from 2020 to 2024, Gao Lin made 82 appearances across the , , and relegation play-offs, scoring 17 goals. His contributions extended beyond scoring, as he served as a veteran leader, drawing on his extensive experience from previous successes to mentor younger teammates and stabilize the team's attack during transitional periods. In the 2020 season, affected by disruptions, Shenzhen finished ninth overall but faced relegation pressure; Gao Lin played a key role in their survival, appearing in five relegation play-off matches and scoring the winning goal in a 1–0 victory against Ever Bright on 28 October 2020, helping secure their top-flight status. The following year, in 2021, he netted four goals, including one in the , as Shenzhen achieved a respectable sixth-place finish. By 2022, at age 36, Gao Lin's playing time became more limited due to his advancing age, with 20 league appearances where he started only 14 matches and scored four goals, reflecting a shift toward a rotational role amid the team's struggles. Shenzhen finished 14th that season, entering relegation play-offs once again, where Gao Lin's leadership from his legacy continued to provide value in guiding the squad through intense survival battles, though his on-field involvement decreased compared to earlier years. In 2023, he appeared in 15 league matches, scoring 2 goals, as Shenzhen placed 10th. His final season in 2024 saw limited action with 8 appearances and 1 goal, contributing to the club's efforts to avoid relegation.

Retirement

Gao Lin formally announced his retirement from professional football on February 16, 2025, at the U20 National Youth Team training base in , , during a ceremonial event organized by the (CFA) amid the team's preparations for the . The announcement culminated his playing career with , where he had served as a veteran forward since 2020. The retirement ceremony featured tributes from former teammates, including Feng Xiaoting and Huang Bowen, who joined Gao Lin in visiting the youth squad to share experiences from past Asian youth tournaments. As a highlight, the CFA presented Gao Lin with a custom 3D-printed boots trophy, engraved with his 109 international appearances and 22 goals for the senior national team, symbolizing his enduring contributions to Chinese football. In reflections shared around the event, Gao Lin expressed profound gratitude to the clubs that shaped his career, particularly , where he played for a decade and etched his name as the all-time leading scorer with 113 goals. He also thanked fans across his stints at Shanghai Shenhua, , and Shenzhen for their support, stating that their encouragement was instrumental in his achievements, including multiple titles and continental successes. Earlier, in a January 2025 social media post following 's dissolution, Gao Lin bid farewell to the club, writing, "A lifetime of pride!!!" to underscore his emotional bond. As of November 2025, Gao Lin has transitioned into post-playing pursuits, taking on a role as a youth training coach to mentor emerging talents and exploring opportunities in football media commentary, while also engaging in business ventures related to the sport.

International career

Youth and Olympic appearances

Gao Lin's international youth career began with the China under-19 and under-20 national teams between 2004 and 2007, where he featured in qualification matches for regional tournaments such as the AFC Youth Championships. These early appearances showcased his potential as a forward, building on his development in club youth systems. A highlight came in 2005 when he was selected for the under-20 squad at the World Youth Championship in the , making multiple appearances during the group stage and scoring one goal in the competition. As Gao Lin progressed toward senior levels, he joined the under-23 national team preparing for the 2008 Olympics under Swedish coach Claes Eriksson, who had been tasked with building the Olympic program since 2004. The preparation involved rigorous training camps, including an overseas trip to in early 2007 for friendlies against professional clubs, though Gao Lin was involved in a brawl during a friendly match against Queens Park Rangers after colliding with an opponent. Despite the incident, his consistent performances in domestic leagues and youth internationals secured his place in the final 18-man Olympic squad announced in July 2008, alongside key players like and overseas-based striker . At the Beijing Olympics, Gao Lin wore jersey number 13 and participated in all three group stage matches in Group C, starting in the encounters against and while coming on as a substitute against . Against on August 7, he had a significant chance to equalize in the 42nd minute but was denied one-on-one by goalkeeper , in a match lost 0-2 after being reduced to nine players due to red cards. In the 0-1 defeat to on August 10 and the 0-3 loss to on —where he started as the central forward—Gao Lin focused on holding up play and linking with midfielders, though the team failed to score and did not advance from the group. His playing time overall (118 minutes across the games) provided crucial high-level exposure, highlighting areas for growth in finishing under pressure despite the team's defensive resilience.

Senior national team

Gao Lin made his debut for the senior national team on 31 July 2005, during a 1–1 draw against in the East Asian Football Championship, where he was sent off early in the match, but the red card was later overturned by the after review. Under initial coaches like Gao Hongbo, Gao Lin began as a squad player, gradually earning more opportunities through consistent performances in qualifiers and friendlies. Gao Lin featured prominently in three consecutive AFC Asian Cups, starting with the 2011 edition in , where he appeared in three group stage matches without scoring, as China exited in the group phase. In the 2015 tournament hosted by , he played in all four of China's matches, contributing to progression to the before a quarter-final exit to . His most notable Asian Cup showing came in 2019 in the , where he started in four matches, including scoring a penalty in the 2–1 round of 16 victory over , though China again fell in the quarter-finals to 0–3. Gao also contributed to China's successes in the East Asian Cup, winning the title in 2005 (his debut tournament) and 2010, scoring three goals across the two editions. Throughout his international tenure, Gao Lin played a key role in qualifiers, registering 16 appearances and two goals while providing assists in critical moments. Notable contributions included a late penalty-kick winner against on 31 August 2017, securing a 1–0 victory that briefly kept China's slim qualification hopes alive for 2018, and a penalty equalizer versus in June 2017 during the third round of qualifying. Under , who took over in 2016, Gao Lin evolved into a regular starter and reliable forward, often leading the attack with his physical presence and finishing. On 10 September 2018, Gao Lin earned his 100th in a 0–0 draw against during the qualifiers, becoming the fifth Chinese player to reach the milestone and underscoring his longevity in the squad. Over his senior career from 2005 to 2019, he accumulated 109 caps and 22 goals, transitioning from an occasional substitute to a mainstay attacker relied upon for his experience in high-stakes matches.

International retirement

Gao Lin's international career concluded after China's quarter-final exit from the , with his final appearance occurring on 24 January 2019 in a 3-0 defeat to . By the end of his tenure with the senior national team, he had accumulated 109 caps and scored 22 goals since his debut in 2005. At age 33, Gao Lin was no longer selected for national team duties following the tournament, as incoming coaches prioritized a generational shift toward younger players during preparations for the qualifiers. This transition marked the end of an era for several veterans, including Gao Lin, who had been a key figure in the team's attack throughout the . His departure facilitated the integration of emerging talents, contributing to a broader renewal in Chinese football aimed at building long-term competitiveness.

Personal life

Family and marriage

Gao Lin married Wang Chen, a reporter and television host for Shenzhen Media Group who previously competed as a finalist in the 2009 Miss Asia pageant, on September 3, 2013, in a civil ceremony in Shenzhen. The couple held a formal wedding ceremony on January 18, 2014, at a beach resort in Sanya, Hainan, marking the culmination of their three-year relationship that began online. Wang Chen, born in 1990 and a graduate of Shenzhen University's film and television program, has largely stepped back from public life to support her husband's career while maintaining a low profile. The couple welcomed their only child, daughter Gao Zixuan, on June 12, 2015, at a hospital in ; the baby weighed 8.1 jin (approximately 4 kg) at birth. Gao Lin has often described fatherhood as a transformative experience that instilled greater maturity and responsibility, frequently sharing glimpses of family outings like drawing sessions and casual soccer games with his daughter on . Throughout Gao Lin's professional journey, including club transfers from Guangzhou Evergrande to in 2020, Wang Chen played a pivotal role in family logistics, such as arranging temporary hotel stays before securing a rental home in to minimize disruptions for their young daughter. This support extended to navigating career challenges, providing emotional stability amid relocations and high-pressure seasons. The family has consistently prioritized privacy, limiting public disclosures to occasional, positive updates that reflect their grounded lifestyle. Following his retirement in 2025, Gao Lin has devoted more time to his family after nearly two decades in professional football.

Interests and influences

Gao Lin has long admired the German striker Jürgen Klinsmann as his childhood idol, a reverence that influenced his choice to wear the number 18 jersey while representing the Chinese national team. This homage reflects his appreciation for Klinsmann's playing style and career achievements, which inspired Gao Lin's own approach to the game as a forward. Following his in February 2025, Gao Lin has shown interest in media and youth development initiatives within Chinese football. He has engaged with fans through platforms, sharing insights from his career and promoting soccer-related activities, thereby maintaining a public persona that extends his influence beyond the pitch. Gao Lin's lifestyle choices emphasize disciplined training and diet habits, shaped by the examples set by his idols like Klinsmann, focusing on and fitness even after . While specific philanthropic activities are not extensively documented, his involvement in football promotion suggests a commitment to giving back to the sport that defined his life. provides a grounding balance to these personal pursuits, allowing him to explore these interests with stability.

Career statistics

Club statistics

Gao Lin began his professional club career with Shanghai Shenhua in 2005, where he made 71 appearances and scored 14 goals across various competitions before transferring to in 2009. During his decade-long stint with (later ), Gao Lin became the club's all-time leading scorer with 113 goals in 369 appearances, contributing significantly to their domestic and continental successes. He joined in 2020, adding 59 appearances and 14 goals to his tally during his stint from 2020 to 2024 before retiring. In total, Gao Lin's club career encompassed 499 appearances and 141 goals in all competitions, including the , , and AFC Champions League matches. These figures are accurate as of his retirement on 16 February 2025.
ClubAppearancesGoals
Shanghai Shenhua7114
Guangzhou Evergrande369113
5914
Career Total499141
His seasonal contributions in the highlighted consistent scoring output, particularly during peak years at where he averaged over 10 goals per season from 2015 to 2018, alongside assists that supported team play.

International statistics

Gao Lin earned 109 caps for the China national team between 2005 and 2019, during which he scored 22 goals. The majority of his international appearances were in friendlies, and Asian Cup qualifiers, and regional tournaments such as the East Asian Cup.
DateVenueOpponentScore After GoalResultCompetition
21 Jan 2009, 1–06–1 qual.
21 Jan 2009, 3–06–1 qual.
21 Jan 2009, 4–06–1 qual.
1 Jun 2009Qinhuangdao, 1–01–0Friendly
10 Feb 2010, Japan1–03–02010 East Asian Football Championship
31 Aug 2017Wuwei, 1–01–0 qual. (Asia)
20 Jan 2019, UAE1–11–2
Gao Lin reached the milestone of his 100th cap in a 0–0 draw against on 10 2018, during a FIFA World Cup qualifier.

Honours

Shanghai Shenhua

During his time with Shenhua from 2005 to 2009, Gao Lin was part of the squad that won the A3 Champions Cup in 2007, defeating 2–1 in the final match held in , . This East Asian club competition featured champions from , , and , marking Shenhua's first and only title in the tournament. Gao Lin made limited appearances during this period, primarily as a substitute, and did not record direct goal contributions in the A3 final. No other major domestic or continental trophies were won by the club while Gao Lin was on the roster.

Guangzhou Evergrande

Gao Lin's most successful club period came with from 2010 to 2020, where he played a pivotal role in securing multiple titles across domestic and Asian competitions. The club won the eight times during his tenure: in 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2019, establishing a record seven consecutive championships from 2011 to 2017. Additionally, claimed the twice, in 2012 and 2016. They also lifted the on four occasions: 2012, 2016, 2017, and 2018. On the continental stage, triumphed in the AFC Champions League in 2013 and 2015, becoming the first Chinese club to win the competition twice. As Guangzhou's all-time leading scorer with 113 goals in 310 appearances, Gao Lin was instrumental in these victories, often providing crucial goals and leadership in key matches. For instance, he scored in the title-clinching game against Yanbian Funde, contributing to a win that helped secure the seventh consecutive league crown. In the 2013 AFC Champions League final, his involvement in the squad's campaign, including goals during the group and knockout stages, supported the 3-0 aggregate victory over Al-Ittihad.

Shenzhen FC

Gao Lin joined in 2020 and remained with the club until his retirement in 2025, but the team did not win any major trophies during this period. Shenzhen finished as high as 5th in the in 2020 but struggled in subsequent seasons, avoiding relegation without securing silverware. Gao Lin contributed 14 goals in 59 appearances, focusing on for younger players rather than trophy-winning campaigns.

International honours

Gao Lin contributed to China's success in the East Asian Football Championship, winning the title with the senior national team in 2005 after a 2–0 victory over North Korea in the decisive match, where he featured as part of the squad despite an earlier red card in the tournament. He also played a key role in the 2010 edition, scoring in a group stage win against South Korea and helping secure the championship with a 2–0 final victory over Hong Kong. In the 2015 EAFF East Asian Cup, Gao Lin participated in China's runner-up finish, assisting in their campaign that culminated in a 1–0 loss to in the final. At the , he scored the winning penalty in a 2–1 round-of-16 victory over , propelling China to the quarter-finals where they fell 0–3 to . Gao Lin's efforts were instrumental in China's campaign, including a crucial 84th-minute penalty goal in a 1–0 win against that kept the team in contention for a playoff spot. Despite these contributions, the senior team did not secure any major tournament titles during his international career. At the youth level, Gao Lin represented China's under-23 team at the in , starting in the first two group stage matches and playing all three games as the hosts exited in the group phase.

Individual awards

Gao Lin earned recognition as Guangzhou Evergrande's all-time leading goalscorer, tallying 113 goals across 310 appearances during his decade-long stint with the club from 2010 to 2020. He also holds the record for the most appearances in club history, underscoring his pivotal role in the team's domestic and continental successes. Earlier in his career, Gao Lin secured the top scorer title in the 2009/10 China League One season while with Guangzhou, where he scored 20 goals to help secure promotion to the top flight. In 2012, he was named to the Chinese Super League Team of the Year as a forward. Following his retirement on February 16, 2025, at age 39, Gao Lin received tributes for his enduring legacy, including his all-time scoring record at Guangzhou Evergrande and his contributions to Chinese football as a national team stalwart with 109 caps and 22 goals.

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