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Tan Long
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Key Information

Tan Long
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Transcriptions
Standard Mandarin
Hanyu PinyinTán Lóng
IPA[tʰǎn lʊ̌ŋ]
Tan Xin
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Transcriptions
Standard Mandarin
Hanyu PinyinTán Xīn
IPA[tʰǎn ɕín]

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]
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
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
  1. ^ a b c d e Appearances in Playoffs

International

[edit]
Appearances and goals by national team and year
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.
List of international goals scored by Tan Long
No. Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition
1 11 June 2021 Sharjah Stadium, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates  Maldives 5–0 5–0 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification
2 27 July 2022 Toyota Stadium, Toyota, Japan  Hong Kong 1–0 1–0 2022 EAFF E-1 Football Championship
3 1 January 2024 United Arab Emirates  Hong Kong 1–0 1–2 Friendly

Honours

[edit]

Orlando City

  • USL Pro Championship: 2013

Changchun Yatai

Individual

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Tan Long (Chinese: 谭龙; : Tán Lóng), born April 1, 1988, in , , , is a professional footballer who plays as a forward for Yatai in the and represents the national team. Standing at 185 cm (6 ft 1 in) and weighing 77 kg (170 lbs), he is right-footed and wears jersey number 29 for his club. Long began his youth career with the Zhongshan School team in Dalian from 1994 to 2007, later joining the United FC under-18 squad before turning professional with Shanghai Seven Stars in . In 2008, he moved to Pudong Zobon FC in , where he scored six goals in 16 appearances. Seeking opportunities abroad, Tan relocated to the in 2009, playing for the Blackhawks in the Premier Development League (scoring seven goals in 12 games) and then FC Tampa Bay in the in 2010, where he contributed multiple goals. In 2011, Tan signed with the , becoming the first Chinese-born player to appear in ; he made his debut on March 26 against the and scored his historic first MLS goal on October 12 against . Following his MLS stint (which included two assists in 2011), he continued in American lower divisions, playing for in 2012, Orlando City in 2013, Harbin Yiteng in early 2014, Arizona United SC later that year, in 2015, and in 2016. Returning to on January 22, 2017, Tan joined Yatai on a free transfer from Phoenix Rising, where he has since become a mainstay, amassing 214 appearances and 66 goals in the as of 2025. His current market value is estimated at €50,000, with his contract running until December 31, 2026. Internationally, Tan earned his first cap for on March 26, 2018, in a 4–1 loss to the during the third-place match; as of 2025, he has made 20 appearances and scored three goals for the national team. Notable achievements include being a top goal scorer in lower-tier competitions early in his career. Tan holds U.S. and has a blended family background, with a Chinese mother and American stepfather.

Early life and youth career

Childhood and introduction to football

Tan Long, originally named Tan Xin, was born on April 1, 1988, in , Liaoning Province, . has long been recognized as a significant hub for football talent development in , fostering a strong local culture around the sport through community programs and youth initiatives that emphasize discipline and skill-building from an early age. His family, including his mother Qin Wang, initially opposed his interest in football, viewing it as a distraction from more stable pursuits. Despite this, Tan began playing the at age six around , drawn to its physical demands and amid Dalian's enthusiastic football environment, where street games and matches were common. From around , Tan attended schools in , including Qingni , balancing rigorous academics with structured football training as a member of local 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 football.

Youth development in Dalian and Shanghai

Tan Long's youth football journey began in his hometown of , 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. He progressed to in , a specialized 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 foundation from while preparing him for advanced opportunities beyond local leagues. In 2004, at age 16, Tan Long relocated to 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. 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.

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 , where he appeared in 16 matches and scored 6 goals during his inaugural season with the club. This stint marked his transition from youth football in , providing a foundation for his early in a competitive domestic environment. Seeking greater opportunities abroad, Tan moved to the in 2009, signing with the 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 in one match, which highlighted his potential as a clinical finisher. 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 (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. 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. 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. 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 in the final. This triumph underscored his breakthrough in American soccer before his eventual return to .

Transitional period and return to lower leagues (2014–2016)

Following a brief period of uncertainty after his time in , Tan Long returned to in February 2014, signing with newcomers Harbin Yiteng on a short-term deal. 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. In July 2014, Tan rejoined the American lower leagues by signing with Arizona United SC in the , where he became a key attacking figure over the next three seasons. 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. 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 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. 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.

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 . Adapting swiftly to the (CSL), he scored his debut goal for the club in a 1–0 home victory over 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. In 2018, Tan remained a key attacking presence with 29 appearances and 6 goals, though Yatai suffered relegation to 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 award. His haul included a 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 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 (10 in 32 matches) and 2023 (10 in 26 matches), including a vital winner in a 1–0 victory over on September 30, , during a tight relegation scrap. 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. In the 2025 CSL season, Tan contributed 9 goals in 27 matches. Changchun Yatai were relegated from the on November 3, 2025, after a 0–4 home defeat to Beijing Guoan, finishing 16th in the league. 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.

International career

Senior national team debut and appearances

Tan Long earned his first call-up to the senior national team in March 2018, following strong performances with Yatai in the , which highlighted his goal-scoring prowess and physical presence as a forward. He made his senior debut on March 26, 2018, during the third-place match of the against the , 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 's standing in Asian football. Tan Long's role expanded in subsequent years, accumulating 20 caps for by May 2025, with three goals to his name. His debut international goal came on June 11, 2021, in a 5–0 victory over the during the second round of , where he scored with a header in the 80th minute, contributing to China's dominant performance in the match. Although primarily a squad player, his selections were influenced by his consistent scoring in the , providing depth to the forward line under various coaches. Tan Long featured in key tournaments, including the 2023, where he was named to the 26-man squad announced in December 2023 and made three appearances during the group stage in . He also participated in three World Cup qualifying matches as part of the broader campaign efforts. Born in , , 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.

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 in , a key tournament serving as preparation for the 2024 Olympic qualifiers. His inclusion, alongside defender Liu Yang, was aimed at injecting experience into the youthful squad, with head coach emphasizing their leadership qualities and technical ability to guide the under-23 players. During the , Tan Long featured in five matches for the U-23 side, logging 319 minutes and contributing two goals. Both goals came in a dominant 4-0 group stage victory over 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 rounds. As a 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. topped Group A after a 5-1 win over , a goalless draw with , and the Myanmar triumph, before exiting in the quarter-finals with a 0-2 loss to .

Playing style

Strengths and tactical role

Tan Long, standing at 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) tall, leverages his 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. His finishing ability stands out as a core strength, underscored by his prolific goal-scoring record, including 19 goals in the 2019 season where he earned the domestic top scorer award and league MVP honors, as well as the overall golden boot in the 2020 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 instincts near . His work rate contributes to team pressing efforts, aligning with tactical demands for high-intensity involvement in both offensive and defensive phases. 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.

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 in , Tan demonstrated an enthusiastic approach characterized by unpredictable runs and clinical finishing, while adapting to the physically demanding nature of North American soccer. This phase honed his speed and opportunism but exposed areas for technical growth amid the league's open, transitional play. Upon returning to in 2014 and eventually establishing himself in the with 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. 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. 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. 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 in opportunistic finishing within Asian leagues, while his link-up ability and heading prowess parallel international figures such as in target-man roles.

Career statistics

Club appearances and goals

Tan Long's professional club career encompasses stints in top-tier and lower-division leagues across and the , with a total of 465 appearances and 142 goals recorded as of November 14, 2025. These figures include matches from the (CSL; top tier in ), (second tier in ), (MLS; top tier in the ), North American Soccer League (NASL; second tier in the ), and (USL; second tier in the ). His contributions also feature 47 assists in these appearances. 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. 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.
ClubPeriodPrimary Leagues/LevelsAppearancesGoalsAssists
Shanghai Seven Stars2007 (third tier, )1040
Pudong Zobon2008 (second tier, )1661
Atlanta Blackhawks2009PDL (fourth tier, )1272
FC Tampa Bay2010USSF D2 (second tier, )2552
Vancouver Whitecaps2011–2012MLS (top tier, )1711
D.C. United2012MLS (top tier, )610
Orlando City2013USL (second tier, )2322
Arizona United (Phoenix Rising FC)2014–2016USL (second tier, )71286
Tampa Bay Rowdies2013–2015USL/NASL (second tier, )3043
Zhejiang Greentown (Harbin Yiteng loan)2014CSL/ (top/second tier, )27132
Changchun Yatai2017–2025CSL/ (top/second tier, )2479036
Data derived from verified match logs across seasons; minor variations may exist due to inclusion of domestic cups like the or US Open Cup. For Yatai, where Tan Long has spent the bulk of his recent career, the following table details seasonal performances in league and cup competitions, highlighting his role in promotion from in 2019 and consistent CSL output thereafter.
SeasonCompetitionAppearancesGoalsAssists
2017CSL2987
2018CSL2966
201930190
2020CSL15112
2020210
2021CSL2232
2021220
2022CSL32105
2023CSL26104
2024CSL2881
2024201
2025CSL2791
2025310
Total2479029
These Yatai figures underscore his scoring prowess in the second tier (19 goals in ) and steady contributions in the top flight, with totals encompassing regular season and cup play.

International caps and goals

Tan Long has represented the PR senior national team 20 times, scoring 3 goals, as of November 14, 2025. His debut came on 26 March 2018 in a 1–4 friendly defeat to the during the . Appearances span various competitions, including World Cup qualifiers, the , the , and friendlies, often as a centre-forward or right winger. For the China PR U-23 team, Tan Long featured as one of three overage players at the 2023 Asian Games in , making 5 appearances and scoring 2 goals across the group stage and knockout rounds. advanced to the quarterfinals, where they lost 0–1 to , but Tan Long's contributions helped secure progression from Group A with wins over (5–1), Myanmar (4–0), and (3–0). The following table summarizes Tan Long's senior international appearances by competition:
CompetitionCapsGoalsKey Matches and Outcomes
Qualifiers (AFC)3111 Jun 2021: 5–0 (goal scored); 16 Nov 2023: 1–2 ; 21 Nov 2023: 0–3
3013 Jan 2024: 0–0 ; 17 Jan 2024: 0–0 ; 22 Jan 2024: 1–0
6110–18 Dec 2019: Three matches (1–2 vs , 1–0 vs , 0–2 vs ); 20–27 Jul 2022: Three matches (0–3 vs , 0–0 vs , 1–0 vs , goal scored)
International Friendlies8126 Mar 2018: 1–4 ; 21–25 Mar 2019: Two losses to (0–1) and (0–1); 23 Mar 2023: 0–0 vs ; 10–16 Oct 2023: 2–0 vs , 1–2 vs ; 29 Dec 2023: 0–2 vs ; 1 Jan 2024: 1–2 vs (goal scored)
Tan Long's three senior goals each came in decisive moments. His first, on 11 June 2021, was a header in the 80th minute during a 5–0 qualifying win over , assisted by Yin Hongbo, sealing a dominant group stage performance. The second arrived on 27 July 2022, a tap-in capitalizing on a defensive error to open the scoring in a 1–0 EAFF E-1 Championship victory against , securing third place for . His third and most recent senior goal, scored on 1 January 2024 in a 1–2 friendly loss to , was a ninth-minute tap-in that briefly gave the lead in a preparatory ahead of the . At U-23 level, Tan Long's two goals were both headers in the 15th and 19th minutes of the 21 September 2023 Asian Games group stage match against Myanmar, contributing to a 4–0 win that clinched advancement to the round of 16; further goals in the match came from Wang Zhenao and Wei Qidi.

Honours

Team achievements

During his time with Orlando City SC in the USL Pro league, Tan Long contributed to the team's successful 2013 season, which culminated in winning the USL Pro Championship after defeating the Charlotte Eagles 7–4 in the final on September 7, 2013. Stepping up as a key forward amid injuries to other players, Tan Long scored three goals in the playoffs, helping Orlando secure their second consecutive league title and reinforcing their reputation as a dominant force in the third-tier competition. In 2020, during his time with Changchun Yatai, Tan Long played a pivotal role in the club's promotion back to the by winning the title. Yatai clinched the championship with a 5–0 victory over Chang'an Athletic on November 28, 2020, finishing the shortened season with an unbeaten record of 13 wins and 2 draws. Tan Long's contributions were instrumental, as he led the league in scoring with 11 goals in just 15 appearances, providing crucial firepower in Yatai's attack during their dominant campaign.

Individual awards

Tan Long has earned several individual accolades during his professional career, primarily recognizing his goal-scoring prowess in Chinese football's second tier. In the 2019 season, he shared the top scorer award with 19 goals in 28 matches for Changchun Yatai, tying with Aaron Samuel of Sichuan Longfor, and also won the award. The following year, in the 2020 season, Tan Long won the Golden Boot outright as the league's leading scorer with 11 goals in 15 appearances, contributing significantly to Yatai's title win and promotion to the . Earlier in his career, while playing for Arizona United SC in the USL in 2015, Tan Long was named Player of the Week for Week 10 after scoring two goals in a 3-2 victory over .

References

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