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Tan Long
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Key Information
| Tan Long | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Simplified Chinese | 谭龙 | ||||||||
| Traditional Chinese | 譚龍 | ||||||||
| |||||||||
| Tan Xin | |||||||||
| Simplified Chinese | 谭鑫 | ||||||||
| Traditional Chinese | 譚鑫 | ||||||||
| |||||||||
Tan Long (Chinese: 谭龙; pinyin: Tán Lóng; born April 1, 1988), former name Tan Xin (Chinese: 谭鑫; pinyin: Tán Xīn),[1] is a Chinese professional footballer who plays as a forward for Chinese Super League club Changchun Yatai and the China national team.
Club career
[edit]Tan started playing football when he was six. Between 1994 and 2004, he studied academics and played football at the Zhongshan School in his hometown Dalian before moving to Shanghai to further his career. He subsequently played for Shanghai United's youth team before joining second tier club Pudong Zobon in 2008 in the China League One division. He made his senior debut and scored his first professional goal on April 29, 2007, in a 2–1 home defeat to Beijing Institute of Technology.[2]
Tan relocated to the United States in late 2008, and played for the Atlanta Blackhawks in the USL Premier Development League in 2009, scoring 7 goals in 12 appearances.[3] He attended open tryouts for MLS’s Philadelphia Union, but did not get called back after the first round of workouts, and eventually signed with FC Tampa Bay of the new USSF Division 2 Professional League in January 2010.[4]
Tan's rights were traded to Vancouver Whitecaps FC as part of the deal taking Jonny Steele and Ricardo Sánchez to Tampa Bay on July 20, 2010. He went on trial with the club in November 2010 in view of signing with the club following their move up to Major League Soccer.[5] Tan signed a contract with the club on March 11, 2011.[6] He made his debut for the club on March 26, 2011, in a 1–0 loss to Philadelphia Union, and in doing so became the first Chinese-born player to play for a Major League Soccer club. On October 12, 2011, Tan become the first Chinese-born player to score a goal in the league, against D.C. United.[7]
Whitecaps FC traded Tan to D.C. United on June 28, 2012, in exchange for a third-round 2015 MLS SuperDraft pick.[8] He scored his first goal against the Chicago Fire in a 4–2 win for D.C. United.[9] Tan was later released after the end of the season.[10]
Tan then signed with USL Professional Division club Orlando City on February 6, 2013.[11] On April 6, 2013, Tan scored a goal and assisted on another during his debut for Orlando in a 3–1 victory over Phoenix FC.[12] In the fourth round of the 2013 U.S. Open Cup, he scored in the second minute in a 1–0 victory against defending champions Sporting Kansas City to bring his club to the next round.[13] His contract was not renewed at the end of the 2013 season and he was released.[14]
On February 21, 2014, Tan returned to China and joined Chinese Super League newcomer Harbin Yiteng.[15] He received a ban of four matches at the beginning of 2014 season when he was registered at the Chinese Football Association for age falsification which he changed his age from April 1, 1988, to February 2, 1989.[16] Tan played seven matches for Harbin before he was released by the club on July 5, 2014.[17]
Tan returned to the United States and signed with USL Pro club Arizona United SC on July 11, 2014.[18] In only 12 league appearances for Arizona, Tan scored five goals, tying with Jonathan Top as the team's leading scorer and led the team with 32 shots. After signing Tan, Arizona nearly doubled its goals-per-game average, going from 0.88 to 1.58. Tan was named to the All-League Second Team for his efforts.[19] On October 21, 2014, it was announced that Tan had signed a multi-year contract for the club before the 2015 USL season.[20] He again led United with 14 goals in 27 games and was tied for fourth in league play along with Luke Vercollone of Colorado Springs. He also was selected for the All-League First Team.[21] Tan was loaned to the Tampa Bay Rowdies after the end of the USL season on September 22, 2015. Tan played for Arizona United in 2016.[22][23]
Changchun Yatai
[edit]On January 22, 2017, Tan transferred to Chinese Super League side Changchun Yatai.[24] He made his debut for Changchun on March 4, 2017, in a 5–1 away defeat against Shanghai SIPG, coming on as a substitute for Zhou Dadi in the half time.[25] His first goal in the Chinese Super League came in a 1–0 home win against Henan Jianye on April 23 2017, when he scored the winning goal as Yatai secured their first win of the season.[26]
In a memorable game against 7-time defending champions Guangzhou Evergrande at home on 11 August 2018, he came on as a substitute and scored twice to help the team come from behind to win 3-2. At the end of the 2018 season, he would unfortunately be part of the squad that was relegated.[27]
On 9 March 2019, Tan scored his first hat trick for Yatai in a 4-1 away win against Shanghai Shenxin in the opening game of the 2019 China League One season. [28] Tan scored 19 league goals and won both the domestic golden boot and Most Valuable Player in the 2019 China League One season. [29] On 8 October 2020, Tan made his 100th appearance for Yatai in a 2-0 win against Taizhou Yuanda. Yatai went on to win the title and earned promotion back to the top tier at the end of the 2020 season.[30] Tan won the golden boot with 11 goals.
On 4 June 2022, Tan scored his first Chinese Super League hat-trick in a 4-1 win against Guangzhou City in the opening game of the 2022 Chinese Super League season.[31]
International career
[edit]Tan made his debut for Chinese national team on March 26, 2018, in a 4–1 loss against Czech Republic in the third place match of 2018 China Cup.[32] On 12 June 2021, Tan scored his first international goal in a 5–0 win over Maldives in the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification.[33]
Tan was named in China's squad for the 2023 AFC Asian Cup in Qatar and started the team's opening match against Tajikistan on 13 January 2024.[34]
Career statistics
[edit]Club
[edit]- As of 24 May 2025[35]
| Club | Season | League | National cup | Continental | Other | Total | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
| Pudong Zobon | 2007 | China League One | 12 | 1 | – | – | – | 12 | 1 | |||
| 2008 | 23 | 2 | – | – | – | 23 | 2 | |||||
| Total | 35 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 35 | 3 | ||
| Atlanta Blackhawks | 2009 | USL PDL | 12 | 7 | – | – | – | 12 | 7 | |||
| FC Tampa Bay | 2010 | USSF D2 Pro League | 25 | 3 | 2 | 0 | – | – | 27 | 3 | ||
| Vancouver Whitecaps FC | 2011 | Major League Soccer | 13 | 1 | 0 | 0 | – | – | 13 | 1 | ||
| 2012 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 0 | – | 0[a] | 0 | 5 | 0 | |||
| Total | 17 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 18 | 1 | ||
| Vancouver Whitecaps FC U-23 | 2011 | PDL | 6 | 5 | – | – | – | 6 | 5 | |||
| 2012 | 2 | 3 | – | – | – | 2 | 3 | |||||
| Total | 8 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 8 | ||
| D.C. United | 2012 | Major League Soccer | 6 | 1 | 0 | 0 | – | 0[a] | 0 | 6 | 1 | |
| Richmond Kickers | 2012 | USL | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | – | 0[a] | 0 | 1 | 0 | |
| Orlando City | 2013 | USL Pro | 23 | 2 | 3 | 1 | – | 2[a] | 3 | 28 | 6 | |
| Harbin Yiteng | 2014 | Chinese Super League | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | – | – | 7 | 0 | ||
| Arizona United | 2014 | USL Pro | 12 | 5 | 0 | 0 | – | 0[a] | 0 | 12 | 5 | |
| 2015 | USL | 27 | 14 | 1 | 0 | – | – | 28 | 14 | |||
| 2016 | 29 | 10 | 1 | 0 | – | – | 30 | 10 | ||||
| Total | 68 | 29 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 70 | 29 | ||
| Tampa Bay Rowdies (loan) | 2015 | NASL | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | – | – | 4 | 1 | ||
| Changchun Yatai | 2017 | Chinese Super League | 29 | 8 | 0 | 0 | – | – | 29 | 8 | ||
| 2018 | 29 | 6 | 0 | 0 | – | – | 29 | 6 | ||||
| 2019 | China League One | 30 | 19 | 0 | 0 | – | – | 30 | 19 | |||
| 2020 | 15 | 11 | 2 | 1 | – | – | 17 | 12 | ||||
| 2021 | Chinese Super League | 22 | 3 | 2 | 2 | – | – | 24 | 5 | |||
| 2022 | 32 | 10 | 0 | 0 | – | – | 32 | 10 | ||||
| 2023 | 26 | 10 | 0 | 0 | – | – | 26 | 10 | ||||
| 2024 | 28 | 8 | 2 | 0 | – | – | 30 | 8 | ||||
| 2025 | 24 | 9 | 1 | 1 | – | – | 25 | 10 | ||||
| Total | 235 | 84 | 7 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 242 | 88 | ||
| Career total | 441 | 139 | 15 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 458 | 147 | ||
International
[edit]| National team | Year | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| China | 2018 | 1 | 0 |
| 2019 | 5 | 0 | |
| 2020 | 0 | 0 | |
| 2021 | 1 | 1 | |
| 2022 | 3 | 1 | |
| 2023 | 6 | 0 | |
| 2024 | 4 | 1 | |
| Total | 20 | 3 | |
- Scores and results list China's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Tan goal.
| No. | Date | Venue | Opponent | Score | Result | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 11 June 2021 | Sharjah Stadium, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates | 5–0 | 5–0 | 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification | |
| 2 | 27 July 2022 | Toyota Stadium, Toyota, Japan | 1–0 | 1–0 | 2022 EAFF E-1 Football Championship | |
| 3 | 1 January 2024 | United Arab Emirates | 1–0 | 1–2 | Friendly |
Honours
[edit]Orlando City
- USL Pro Championship: 2013
Changchun Yatai
Individual
- USL All-League First Team: 2015
- USL All-League Second Team: 2014
- China League One Most Valuable Player: 2019
References
[edit]- ^ 揭秘中邦小将谭鑫:有1跨国家庭 女友叫小柳金 [Decrypt Zobon's young fellow Tan Xin: a multinational family with a girlfriend nicknamed little Liukin] (in Chinese). cn.yahoo.com. August 28, 2008. Archived from the original on January 5, 2013. Retrieved July 24, 2012.
- ^ 上海七斗星输球仍有亮点 谭鑫首次登场就进球 [There is still bright spot after Shanghai Stars' loss: Tan Xin scores his first goal in the debut] (in Chinese). Sports.qq.com. April 29, 2007. Retrieved December 28, 2011.
- ^ "Atlanta Blackhawks 2009 USL PDL Statistics". Uslsoccer.com. Archived from the original on October 4, 2012. Retrieved December 28, 2011.
- ^ Murray, Nicholas (January 31, 2010). "Long Tan latest signing by FC Tampa Bay". Thetampabaysoccerblog.blogspot.com. Retrieved December 28, 2011.
- ^ http://173.203.18.202/news/2010/11/long-tan-trial-and-cornelius-stewart-returns [dead link]
- ^ "Whitecaps FC sign defender/midfielder Blake Wagner and striker Long Tan | Vancouver Whitecaps FC". Whitecapsfc.com. March 11, 2011. Retrieved December 28, 2011.
- ^ Martin MacMahon (October 12, 2011). "Tan's first goal lifts 'Caps off bottom of league table | Vancouver Whitecaps FC". Whitecapsfc.com. Retrieved January 28, 2012.
- ^ Whitecaps FC trade Long Tan to D.C. United and waive Floyd Frank
- ^ "Long Tan acquired". D.C. United. June 28, 2012. Archived from the original on June 29, 2012. Retrieved July 22, 2012.
- ^ "D.C. United waives Long Tan". DC United. January 25, 2013. Archived from the original on February 2, 2014. Retrieved April 19, 2013.
- ^ "Orlando City Soccer Club: Team News". Orlandocitysoccer.com. Archived from the original on February 2, 2014. Retrieved February 26, 2013.
- ^ "Orlando Rallies Past Phoenix". USL Pro. Archived from the original on February 3, 2014. Retrieved April 8, 2013.
- ^ "Sporting Kansas City vs Orlando City FC 06-13-2013 - Recap MLS Soccer.com". MLSsoccer.com. June 12, 2013. Archived from the original on June 16, 2013. Retrieved June 13, 2013.
- ^ "With MLS Goal, City Re-Tools Roster". Orlandocitysoccer.com. September 13, 2013. Archived from the original on February 9, 2014. Retrieved January 29, 2014.
- ^ 毅腾正式签留洋锋煞 中国赴美大联盟第一人加盟 [Yiteng signed oversea forward officially, First Chinese player in the MLS joined] (in Chinese). Sports.sohu.com. February 21, 2014. Retrieved February 21, 2014.
- ^ 陈志钊及海归新星因改年龄已被执行停赛4场 (in Chinese). Sina. March 23, 2014. Retrieved January 23, 2017.
- ^ 哈尔滨毅腾宣布与谭龙解约 大连籍前锋获自由身 (in Chinese). Sohu. July 5, 2014. Retrieved January 23, 2017.
- ^ "United Soccer Leagues (USL)". Archived from the original on July 14, 2014. Retrieved July 11, 2014.
- ^ "USL PRO All-League Teams Announced". United Soccer Leagues (USL). September 23, 2014. Archived from the original on September 23, 2014. Retrieved September 23, 2014.
- ^ "Tan Re-Signs With Arizona". USL Pro. Archived from the original on November 12, 2014. Retrieved October 22, 2014.
- ^ "Long Tan Named to USL All-League First Team". Arizona United SC. October 26, 2015. Archived from the original on December 10, 2015. Retrieved October 26, 2015.
- ^ "Forward Long Tan Loaned Out to Tampa Bay Rowdies". Arizona United SC. September 22, 2015. Retrieved October 9, 2015.
- ^ "ROWDIES PREP FOR PLAYOFF PUSH WITH ADDITION OF LONG TAN". Tampa Bay Rowdies. September 22, 2015. Archived from the original on January 30, 2016. Retrieved October 9, 2015.
- ^ 亚泰官宣三新援:巴甲铜靴+海归悍将 (in Chinese). Sohu.com. January 22, 2017. Retrieved January 23, 2017.
- ^ 中超-埃神戴帽武磊+胡尔克传射 上港5-1逆转亚泰 (in Chinese). Sina.com. March 4, 2017. Retrieved April 23, 2017.
- ^ 流浪射手中超首球搅局贾秀全百场 曾征战大联盟 (in Chinese). Sina.com. April 23, 2017. Retrieved April 23, 2017.
- ^ "China 2018". rsssf.org. October 8, 2020. Retrieved April 24, 2023.
- ^ "中甲-谭龙帽子戏法杨超声添花 亚泰4-1大胜申鑫". Sina Sports. March 9, 2019. Retrieved October 27, 2024.
- ^ "中甲颁奖:谭龙摘MVP+本土最佳射手 王波最佳主帅". Sina Sports. November 20, 2019. Retrieved February 2, 2024.
- ^ a b "观察: 亚泰重返中超--金元逝去 秩序回归". sports.sina.com.cn. November 10, 2020. Retrieved January 18, 2021.
- ^ "谭龙上演个人中超帽子戏法 长春亚泰4比1胜广州城获开门红". Dongqiudi. June 4, 2022. Retrieved February 2, 2024.
- ^ 再造惨案!国足4分钟连丢3球1-4遭逆转 中国杯垫底. Sina (in Chinese). March 26, 2018. Retrieved March 27, 2018.
- ^ "世预赛-多点开花!五将均建功 国足5-0马代迎3连胜". Sina Sports. June 12, 2021. Retrieved September 9, 2021.
- ^ "Group A: China PR 0-0 Tajikistan". Asian Football Confederation. January 13, 2024. Retrieved January 15, 2024.
- ^ 谭龙 at sodasoccer.com. Retrieved August 11, 2018 (in Chinese) Archived 2018-08-11 at the Wayback Machine
External links
[edit]- Tan Long at National-Football-Teams.com
- Tan Long at Soccerway
- Tan Long at Major League Soccer
Tan Long
View on GrokipediaEarly life and youth career
Childhood and introduction to football
Tan Long, originally named Tan Xin, was born on April 1, 1988, in Dalian, Liaoning Province, China.[1] Dalian has long been recognized as a significant hub for football talent development in China, fostering a strong local culture around the sport through community programs and youth initiatives that emphasize discipline and skill-building from an early age.[11] His family, including his mother Qin Wang, initially opposed his interest in football, viewing it as a distraction from more stable pursuits.[4] Despite this, Tan began playing the sport at age six around 1994, drawn to its physical demands and team dynamics amid Dalian's enthusiastic football environment, where street games and school matches were common.[12] From around 1994, Tan attended schools in Dalian, including Qingni Primary School, balancing rigorous academics with structured football training as a member of local youth teams. This dual focus allowed him to develop foundational skills through regular practices and local competitions. By age 16, these experiences had prepared him for further advancement in organized youth football.[13]Youth development in Dalian and Shanghai
Tan Long's youth football journey began in his hometown of Dalian, where he attended Qingni Primary School, a prominent institution for young talents in the city's football culture, starting his training around the age of six. Known as the second-best football-focused primary school in Dalian after Northeast Road Primary, Qingni provided foundational skills and sparked his passion for the sport, with Tan commuting over an hour daily by bus for sessions alongside future professionals like Yang Boyu and Lü Peng.[13][14] He progressed to Zhongshan Sports School in Dalian, a specialized academy emphasizing football development, around 2000, where he balanced academic studies with intensive training until 2004. This period solidified his technical abilities and physical conditioning as a promising forward, building on the grassroots foundation from primary school while preparing him for advanced opportunities beyond local leagues.[13] In 2004, at age 16, Tan Long relocated to Shanghai to join the Shanghai United youth academy, competing at the U-18 level from 2004 to 2006 and marking a pivotal advancement in his career. The move exposed him to more competitive environments, including structured training camps, inter-youth matches, and skill-building drills that enhanced his speed, positioning, and goal-scoring instincts as a striker. His selection to the academy highlighted his emerging potential, as he stood out in trials and contributed to team efforts in regional youth competitions.[15][1] During his time with Shanghai United, following the team's acquisition and relocation, Tan's name was changed to Tan Xin for registration purposes (with his birth year adjusted to 1989), before he later adopted Tan Long, reflecting a personal evolution aligned with his rising profile in professional football pathways.[14]Club career
Early professional stints in China and the United States (2007–2013)
Tan Long made his professional debut in 2008 with Pudong Zobon in China's second-tier China League One, where he appeared in 16 matches and scored 6 goals during his inaugural season with the club.[4] This stint marked his transition from youth football in Shanghai, providing a foundation for his early professional development in a competitive domestic environment. Seeking greater opportunities abroad, Tan moved to the United States in 2009, signing with the Atlanta Blackhawks of the USL Premier Development League (PDL), the fourth tier of American soccer. In 12 appearances, he demonstrated strong scoring prowess, netting 7 goals, including a notable second-half hat-trick in one match, which highlighted his potential as a clinical finisher.[12] His performance in the PDL earned attention from higher-division clubs and facilitated his adaptation to the faster-paced North American style of play. In 2010, Tan joined FC Tampa Bay in the inaugural USSF Division-2 Professional League, a temporary second-tier competition bridging the gap between lower leagues and Major League Soccer (MLS). He featured in 25 matches, scoring 3 goals, while facing challenges such as language barriers and cultural adjustments as one of the few international players on the roster.[16] These experiences tested his resilience, contributing to his growth in a professional setting amid the league's transitional structure. Tan achieved a milestone in 2011 by signing with Vancouver Whitecaps FC, becoming the first Chinese-born player to join an MLS club. Over the 2011 and 2012 seasons with Vancouver, he made 17 appearances and scored 1 goal, with his MLS debut goal on October 12, 2011—a header in a 2–1 victory over D.C. United—marking him as the first Chinese-born player to score in the league.[17] Mid-season in 2012, Vancouver traded him to D.C. United for a first-round supplemental draft pick, where he added 6 appearances and 1 goal in limited minutes, scoring against the Chicago Fire in a 4–2 win.[18][19] Returning to the lower tiers in 2013, Tan signed with Orlando City in the USL Pro league on February 6. He played 25 matches, scoring 5 goals, and played a key role in the playoffs by netting 3 goals, helping the team secure the USL Pro Championship with a 7–4 aggregate victory over the Charlotte Eagles in the final.[20] This triumph underscored his breakthrough in American soccer before his eventual return to China.Transitional period and return to lower leagues (2014–2016)
Following a brief period of uncertainty after his time in Major League Soccer, Tan Long returned to China in February 2014, signing with Chinese Super League newcomers Harbin Yiteng on a short-term deal.[21] During his stint, which lasted until July, he made seven appearances across all competitions without scoring any goals, reflecting limited integration into the squad amid the team's struggles in the top flight.[22] In July 2014, Tan rejoined the American lower leagues by signing with Arizona United SC in the USL Pro (later restructured as USL Championship), where he became a key attacking figure over the next three seasons.[23] From 2014 to 2016, he accumulated 69 appearances and 29 goals for the club, contributing significantly to their competitive efforts in the second-tier league and demonstrating sustained productivity as a forward.[22] His performances built on prior MLS exposure, providing stability during a phase of career rebuilding in a familiar environment. In September 2015, Tan was loaned to Tampa Bay Rowdies in the rival North American Soccer League (NASL), where he featured in four matches and scored once before returning to Arizona United later that season.[22] This transitional period, marked by cross-continental moves and adaptation to varying league demands, underscored Tan's resilience amid team changes and the challenges of maintaining professional momentum outside elite divisions.[23]Changchun Yatai (2017–present)
Tan Long joined Changchun Yatai on January 22, 2017, marking his return to professional football in China following several years playing in the United States.[8] Adapting swiftly to the Chinese Super League (CSL), he scored his debut goal for the club in a 1–0 home victory over Henan Jianye on April 23, 2017, securing the winning strike in the 90th minute. During his inaugural season, Tan featured in 29 league matches, netting 8 goals and providing 6 assists, contributing to Yatai's mid-table finish.[24] In 2018, Tan remained a key attacking presence with 29 appearances and 6 goals, though Yatai suffered relegation to China League One after finishing 15th in the CSL. The following year, 2019, proved transformative as he exploded offensively in the second tier, scoring 19 goals across 29 matches to claim the China League One Golden Boot and earn the league's Most Valuable Player award. His haul included a hat-trick in a 4–1 win over Shanghai Shenxin on March 9, 2019, underscoring his clinical finishing and aerial prowess. Yatai's promotion campaign in 2020 was propelled by Tan's continued excellence, where he scored 11 goals in 13 league appearances to secure another Golden Boot and help the team clinch the China League One title. Upon returning to the CSL in 2021, Tan adapted to the top flight's intensity, making 22 appearances and scoring 3 goals amid Yatai's efforts to stabilize. His form elevated in subsequent seasons, with double-digit goals in 2022 (10 in 32 matches) and 2023 (10 in 26 matches), including a vital winner in a 1–0 victory over Shenzhen FC on September 30, 2022, during a tight relegation scrap.[25] Tan maintained his scoring touch in 2024 with 8 goals from 28 outings, aiding Yatai's survival in the CSL. As of the end of the 2025 season, Tan had amassed over 240 league appearances and more than 90 goals for Yatai across all divisions.[26] In the 2025 CSL season, Tan contributed 9 goals in 27 matches. Changchun Yatai were relegated from the Chinese Super League on November 3, 2025, after a 0–4 home defeat to Beijing Guoan, finishing 16th in the league.[27] Tan's performances continued to embody leadership in the forward line during perennial relegation battles and derbies, such as his equalizer in a 2023 clash against Beijing Guoan that kept survival hopes alive.[28]International career
Senior national team debut and appearances
Tan Long earned his first call-up to the China senior national team in March 2018, following strong performances with Changchun Yatai in the Chinese Super League, which highlighted his goal-scoring prowess and physical presence as a forward.[29] He made his senior debut on March 26, 2018, during the third-place match of the China Cup against the Czech Republic, starting the match but being substituted off in the 55th minute during a 4–1 defeat. This appearance marked the beginning of his international career, as selectors sought experienced domestic players to bolster the squad amid efforts to improve China's standing in Asian football.[30] Tan Long's role expanded in subsequent years, accumulating 20 caps for China by May 2025, with three goals to his name.[29] His debut international goal came on June 11, 2021, in a 5–0 victory over the Maldives during the second round of 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification, where he scored with a header in the 80th minute, contributing to China's dominant performance in the match.[31] Although primarily a squad player, his selections were influenced by his consistent scoring in the Chinese Super League, providing depth to the forward line under various coaches.[29] Tan Long featured in key tournaments, including the AFC Asian Cup 2023, where he was named to the 26-man squad announced in December 2023 and made three appearances during the group stage in Qatar.[32] He also participated in three World Cup qualifying matches as part of the broader campaign efforts. Born in Dalian, China, but having built much of his professional career in the United States from 2011 to 2016, Tan Long's eligibility for the national team was straightforward as a native citizen, though his overseas experience added a unique dimension to selection discussions focused on blending domestic and international-savvy talent.[1]Under-23 national team involvement
In 2023, Tan Long, then aged 35, was selected as one of three overage players for China's U-23 national football team ahead of the Asian Games in Hangzhou, a key tournament serving as preparation for the 2024 Olympic qualifiers.[33] His inclusion, alongside defender Liu Yang, was aimed at injecting experience into the youthful squad, with head coach Aleksandar Janković emphasizing their leadership qualities and technical ability to guide the under-23 players.[33] During the Asian Games, Tan Long featured in five matches for the U-23 side, logging 319 minutes and contributing two goals.[34] Both goals came in a dominant 4-0 group stage victory over Myanmar on September 21, where he scored with headers in the 15th and 19th minutes, capitalizing on crosses from teammates to help secure China's advancement to the knockout rounds.[35][33] As a veteran forward, Tan Long's role extended beyond scoring; he served as a mentor to the emerging talents, drawing on his senior international experience to provide tactical guidance and stability in the attacking setup, while posing a consistent goal threat against defenses.[33] China topped Group A after a 5-1 win over India, a goalless draw with Bangladesh, and the Myanmar triumph, before exiting in the quarter-finals with a 0-2 loss to South Korea.[36][37]Playing style
Strengths and tactical role
Tan Long, standing at 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) tall, leverages his height to exhibit a strong aerial presence, winning duels effectively in the air during matches. This physical attribute, combined with his robust build weighing approximately 80 kg, allows him to dominate headers and compete physically against defenders. Furthermore, despite his stature, Tan Long demonstrates notable pace, enabling him to exploit spaces behind defenses as a tall striker.[1][38][39] His finishing ability stands out as a core strength, underscored by his prolific goal-scoring record, including 19 goals in the 2019 China League One season where he earned the domestic top scorer award and league MVP honors, as well as the overall golden boot in the 2020 China League One with 11 goals. Tan Long also excels in hold-up play, frequently dropping deeper to receive the ball, link up with midfielders, and create space for teammates through intelligent positioning and poaching instincts near goal. His work rate contributes to team pressing efforts, aligning with tactical demands for high-intensity involvement in both offensive and defensive phases.[40][41][42] Tactically, Tan Long primarily operates as a central forward, serving as the team's arrowhead to lead the line and convert chances, but he is versatile enough to function as a second striker by withdrawing to support build-up play. This adaptability makes him particularly effective in counter-attacking systems, where his speed and goal-scoring acumen allow for rapid transitions and exploitation of turnovers. Additionally, his aerial prowess renders him a key asset in set-piece situations, often targeting crosses and dead-ball deliveries to score or assist.[43][42][38]Evolution and comparisons
Tan Long's playing style underwent notable evolution during his early professional years in the United States, where he relied heavily on raw athleticism and dynamic goal-scoring to excel in lower-tier leagues. From 2009 with the Atlanta Blackhawks in the USL Premier Development League, through spells at FC Tampa Bay and Vancouver Whitecaps FC in Major League Soccer, Tan demonstrated an enthusiastic approach characterized by unpredictable runs and clinical finishing, while adapting to the physically demanding nature of North American soccer.[12] This phase honed his speed and opportunism but exposed areas for technical growth amid the league's open, transitional play. Upon returning to China in 2014 and eventually establishing himself in the Chinese Super League with Changchun Yatai from 2017 onward, Tan Long refined his game toward greater technical precision and tactical awareness. He transitioned from a pure finisher to a more complete forward, emphasizing strong aerial duels—winning a significant portion of headers—and favoring short passes to link play, though he occasionally struggles with ball retention under pressure.[38] This adaptation suited the CSL's blend of physicality and structured defenses, allowing him to contribute consistently with goals and assists in a league known for its intensity. In the mid-to-late stages of his career, post-2017, Tan Long has further developed leadership qualities and positional versatility, often deploying as an attacking midfielder on the left or right flanks alongside his central striker role, enabling him to influence games across the front line.[38] His commitment to physical battles reflects a matured response to Chinese football's robust style, evidenced by frequent fouls drawn and committed, underscoring a shift from youthful exuberance to seasoned reliability.[38] Tan Long's evolution mirrors that of other tall, physical forwards who blend hold-up play with aerial threat; his goal-scoring instinct evokes domestic peers like Wu Lei in opportunistic finishing within Asian leagues, while his link-up ability and heading prowess parallel international figures such as Olivier Giroud in target-man roles.[44]Career statistics
Club appearances and goals
Tan Long's professional club career encompasses stints in top-tier and lower-division leagues across China and the United States, with a total of 465 appearances and 142 goals recorded as of November 14, 2025.[8] These figures include matches from the Chinese Super League (CSL; top tier in China), China League One (second tier in China), Major League Soccer (MLS; top tier in the US), North American Soccer League (NASL; second tier in the US), and United Soccer League (USL; second tier in the US).[45] His contributions also feature 47 assists in these appearances.[9] Disciplinary records show Tan Long accumulating 25 yellow cards and 2 red cards over his club career, with most infractions occurring in competitive league play.[9] The breakdown below summarizes his statistics by major club, focusing on key periods and competitions; cup matches and playoffs are included where they contribute significantly to totals.| Club | Period | Primary Leagues/Levels | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shanghai Seven Stars | 2007 | China League Two (third tier, China) | 10 | 4 | 0 |
| Pudong Zobon | 2008 | China League One (second tier, China) | 16 | 6 | 1 |
| Atlanta Blackhawks | 2009 | PDL (fourth tier, US) | 12 | 7 | 2 |
| FC Tampa Bay | 2010 | USSF D2 (second tier, US) | 25 | 5 | 2 |
| Vancouver Whitecaps | 2011–2012 | MLS (top tier, US) | 17 | 1 | 1 |
| D.C. United | 2012 | MLS (top tier, US) | 6 | 1 | 0 |
| Orlando City | 2013 | USL (second tier, US) | 23 | 2 | 2 |
| Arizona United (Phoenix Rising FC) | 2014–2016 | USL (second tier, US) | 71 | 28 | 6 |
| Tampa Bay Rowdies | 2013–2015 | USL/NASL (second tier, US) | 30 | 4 | 3 |
| Zhejiang Greentown (Harbin Yiteng loan) | 2014 | CSL/China League One (top/second tier, China) | 27 | 13 | 2 |
| Changchun Yatai | 2017–2025 | CSL/China League One (top/second tier, China) | 247 | 90 | 36 |
| Season | Competition | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | CSL | 29 | 8 | 7 |
| 2018 | CSL | 29 | 6 | 6 |
| 2019 | China League One | 30 | 19 | 0 |
| 2020 | CSL | 15 | 11 | 2 |
| 2020 | Chinese FA Cup | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| 2021 | CSL | 22 | 3 | 2 |
| 2021 | Chinese FA Cup | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| 2022 | CSL | 32 | 10 | 5 |
| 2023 | CSL | 26 | 10 | 4 |
| 2024 | CSL | 28 | 8 | 1 |
| 2024 | Chinese FA Cup | 2 | 0 | 1 |
| 2025 | CSL | 27 | 9 | 1 |
| 2025 | Chinese FA Cup | 3 | 1 | 0 |
| Total | 247 | 90 | 29 |
International caps and goals
Tan Long has represented the China PR senior national team 20 times, scoring 3 goals, as of November 14, 2025.[46] His debut came on 26 March 2018 in a 1–4 friendly defeat to the Czech Republic during the China Cup. Appearances span various competitions, including World Cup qualifiers, the AFC Asian Cup, the EAFF E-1 Football Championship, and friendlies, often as a centre-forward or right winger.[46] For the China PR U-23 team, Tan Long featured as one of three overage players at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou, making 5 appearances and scoring 2 goals across the group stage and knockout rounds. China advanced to the quarterfinals, where they lost 0–1 to Japan, but Tan Long's contributions helped secure progression from Group A with wins over India (5–1), Myanmar (4–0), and Bangladesh (3–0).[47] The following table summarizes Tan Long's senior international appearances by competition:| Competition | Caps | Goals | Key Matches and Outcomes |
|---|---|---|---|
| FIFA World Cup Qualifiers (AFC) | 3 | 1 | 11 Jun 2021: China 5–0 Maldives (goal scored); 16 Nov 2023: China 1–2 Thailand; 21 Nov 2023: China 0–3 South Korea |
| AFC Asian Cup | 3 | 0 | 13 Jan 2024: China 0–0 Tajikistan; 17 Jan 2024: China 0–0 Lebanon; 22 Jan 2024: China 1–0 Qatar |
| EAFF E-1 Football Championship | 6 | 1 | 10–18 Dec 2019: Three matches (1–2 vs Japan, 1–0 vs South Korea, 0–2 vs Hong Kong); 20–27 Jul 2022: Three matches (0–3 vs South Korea, 0–0 vs Japan, 1–0 vs Hong Kong, goal scored) |
| International Friendlies | 8 | 1 | 26 Mar 2018: China 1–4 Czech Republic; 21–25 Mar 2019: Two losses to Thailand (0–1) and Uzbekistan (0–1); 23 Mar 2023: 0–0 vs New Zealand; 10–16 Oct 2023: 2–0 vs Vietnam, 1–2 vs Uzbekistan; 29 Dec 2023: 0–2 vs Oman; 1 Jan 2024: 1–2 vs Hong Kong (goal scored) |
