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Zhang Linpeng
Zhang Linpeng
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Key Information

Zhang Linpeng
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Transcriptions
Standard Mandarin
Hanyu PinyinZhāng Línpéng
IPA[ʈʂáŋ lǐm pʰə̌ŋ]

Zhang Linpeng (Chinese: 张琳芃; pinyin: Zhāng Línpéng; born 9 May 1989) is a Chinese professional footballer who plays as a defender for Chinese Super League club Shanghai Port.

Zhang is known by the nickname "Zhangmos" for his similarity in looks and playstyle to Sergio Ramos. An offensive minded defender, Zhang is also known for his tackling ability and aerial game in China.[2] He was highly praised by Italian manager Marcello Lippi who described him as "the best Chinese footballer in the Chinese Super League".[3][4]

Club career

[edit]

Zhang Linpeng would play as a youngster for the Genbao Football Academy before he graduated to the Shanghai East Asia's first team at the beginning of the 2006 league season. With the club in the third tier, Zhang quickly made an impression within the team when he was part of the squad that won promotion to the second tier at the end of the 2007 league season.[5] Within the second tier, Zhang played a major part in ensuring the club remained in the division and by the 2009 season, the club finished fourth and just missed out on promotion.[6] His performance for his club then saw him receive an unexpected call-up to the Chinese national team where he impressed many by scoring on his debut against Jordan, and he became one of the most sought-after players in China.

Guangzhou Evergrande

[edit]

In November 2010, Zhang joined Chinese Super League club Guangzhou Evergrande for a fee of ¥12 million.[7]

He made his debut for the club on 2 April 2011 in a 1–0 win against Dalian Shide.[8] Throughout the season, Zhang was used as a squad player as Guangzhou won their first ever league title at the end of the 2012 season. He soon established himself as a mainstay in the team's backline during the 2013 season, leading the club to a third straight league title as well as an AFC Champions League title, the first in the club's history. During preseason before the 2015 season, Zhang sustained a medial accessory ligament tear on his left knee joint on 7 February 2015 in a friendly match against Hangzhou Greentown.[9][10] While recovering from his surgery in Italy, Zhang was linked with Serie A side Inter Milan[11] with manager Roberto Mancini also confirming his interest in Zhang.[12] However, Guangzhou insisted that Zhang was worth €10 million which far exceeded what Inter was willing to pay.[13] After recovering from injury, Zhang came on as a substitute and scored a goal on 3 April 2015 in a 2–1 loss against Henan Jianye.[14] He then went on to score a 60-meter goal on 12 April 2015 in a 6–1 win against Liaoning Whowin.[15] On 28 May 2015, he suffered a reoccurrence of a left knee strain on 27 May 2015 in a 2–0 win against Seongnam FC.[16] On 20 July 2015, Zhang extended his contract with Guangzhou until 31 December 2020.[17] Zhang returned from injury on 12 August 2015 in a 1–0 win against Jiangsu Sainty.[18] On 28 August 2015, Premier League side Chelsea made an offer to Guangzhou for Zhang, hoping to complete the transfer before the summer transfer window closed;[19] however, the deal couldn't be completed due to limited time while the two clubs failed to agree on certain terms during negotiations.[20] Zhang stayed at Evergrande and won his second AFC Champions League title with the team at the end of the season.

Zhang cemented his status as a club legend at Guangzhou Evergrande after winning 8 league titles, 2 Chinese FA Cup, 4 Chinese FA Super Cup and 2 AFC Champions League.

Return to Shanghai Port

[edit]

On 29 April 2022, Zhang transferred back to his old side Shanghai Port after 12 years.[21] On 29 October 2023, Zhang won his ninth league title and the first one with Shanghai Port after a 1–1 home draw against league competitor, Shandong Taishan. [22]

International career

[edit]

Zhang worked his way up through various youth levels, first by playing for the Chinese under-20 national team in the 2008 AFC U-19 Championship where he captained the team to the quarter-finals.[23] This saw him promoted to the Chinese under-23 national team to play in the 2009 East Asian Games where China disappointingly were knocked out in the group stage.[24]

Senior

[edit]
Zhang getting a yellow card in the 2019 AFC Asian Cup match against Thailand.

Despite the under-23 national team's failures, Zhang's performances were considered good enough for then manager Gao Hongbo to unexpectedly call him up to the national team even though he was playing for a second-tier side. He made an impressive international debut on 30 December 2009 in a 2–2 draw against Jordan, scoring on his debut as well.[25] After his debut, Zhang was called up to the squad that won the 2010 East Asian Football Championship before establishing himself as a regular for the team that took part in the 2011 AFC Asian Cup.

Zhang played in all three of China's matches at the 2011 Asian Cup, scoring in the team's 2–0 win over Kuwait. He also started in all four of China's matches at the 2015 AFC Asian Cup, where the team reached the quarter-finals, losing to hosts and eventual winners Australia in Brisbane.[26]

Zhang appeared at his third AFC Asian Cup in 2019 and played the full 90 minutes in all of the team's first four matches. However, he was suspended for the quarter-final against Iran, which China lost 3–0.[27]

On 21 November 2023, Zhang made his 100th appearance for the national team in a 3-0 home defeat against South Korea in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification. [28]

In December 2023, Zhang was named in China's squad for the 2023 AFC Asian Cup in Qatar, again played full 90 minutes in all 3 group matches in his fourth tournament and captained the team in the first two.[29]

In March 2024, Zhang announced his retirement from international football after an embarrassing performance against Singapore during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, before reversing his decision two days later.[30]

Personal life

[edit]

Zhang is of Hui ethnicity and was known to be rebellious in his youth.[31][32] He married his girlfriend Wang Qiaozhi on 21 May 2011 and their son was born on 1 September 2014.[33][34]

Career statistics

[edit]

Club

[edit]
As of 25 April 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
Shanghai East Asia 2006 China League Two
2007
2008 China League One 19 0 19 0
2009 24 1 24 1
2010 22 1 22 1
Total 65 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 65 2
Guangzhou Evergrande 2011 Chinese Super League 16 1 2 0 18 1
2012 21 2 3 1 7 0 1[a] 0 32 3
2013 23 4 4 1 13 0 4[b] 0 44 5
2014 27 1 2 0 9 0 0[a] 0 38 1
2015 12 4 0 0 10 0 3[c] 0 25 4
2016 16 0 7 0 3 0 1[a] 0 27 0
2017 22 2 1 0 10 0 1[a] 0 34 2
2018 26 0 0 0 8 0 1[a] 0 35 0
2019 26 0 2 1 11 0 39 1
2020 17 1 0 0 2 0 19 1
2021 17 0 0 0 0 0 17 0
Total 223 15 21 3 73 0 11 0 328 18
Shanghai Port 2022 Chinese Super League 17 1 2 0 19 1
2023 25 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 27 0
2024 12 1 2 0 2 0 1 0 17 1
2025 2 0 0 0 2 0 1 0 3 0
Total 56 2 4 0 3 0 2 0 64 2
Career total 344 19 25 3 75 0 13 0 457 22
  1. ^ a b c d e Appearances in Chinese FA Super Cup
  2. ^ One appearance in Chinese FA Super Cup, three appearances in FIFA Club World Cup
  3. ^ One appearance in Chinese FA Super Cup, two appearances in FIFA Club World Cup

International

[edit]
Appearances and goals by national team and year
National team Year Apps Goals
China 2009 1 1
2010 13 2
2011 5 1
2012 4 0
2013 8 0
2014 9 0
2015 8 1
2016 7 0
2017 7 0
2018 6 0
2019 11 0
2020 0 0
2021 9 0
2022 4 0
2023 9 1
2024 4 0
Total 105 6
As of 16 June 2023 [35]
Scores and results list China's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Zhang goal.
List of international goals scored by Zhang Linpeng
No. Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition
1 30 December 2009 Meihu Sports Centre, Yiwu, China  Jordan 1–0 2–2 Friendly
2 14 January 2010 Mỹ Đình National Stadium, Hanoi, Vietnam  Vietnam 2–0 2–1 2011 AFC Asian Cup qualifier
3 8 October 2010 Tuodong Sports Center, Kunming, China  Syria 2–0 2–1 Friendly
4 8 January 2011 Thani bin Jassim Stadium, Doha, Qatar  Kuwait 1–0 2–0 2011 AFC Asian Cup
5 8 September 2015 Shenyang Sports Center, Shenyang, China  Maldives 3–0 3–0 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier
6 16 June 2023 Dalian Barracuda Bay Football Stadium, Dalian, China  Myanmar 1–0 4–0 Friendly

Honours

[edit]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Zhang Linpeng (Chinese: 张琳芃; born 9 May 1989) is a Chinese professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for Shanghai Port in the and serves as captain of the national team. Standing at 1.85 metres tall, he is known for his strong tackling, aerial ability, and offensive contributions from defence, earning praise from coaches like during his time at Evergrande. With over 100 international caps and numerous domestic titles, Zhang has been a pivotal figure in Chinese football for nearly two decades. Born in , province, to a family of Hui ethnicity, Zhang joined the Genbao Football Academy as a youth and progressed to East Asia (now Port) in 2007, making his senior debut in 2009. His early career included a brief stint in the before transferring to Evergrande in January 2011 for a reported €1.3 million, where he spent the bulk of his professional tenure until 2022. At , Zhang became a key defender, contributing to the club's dominance in Asian football, including two AFC Champions League triumphs in 2012–13 and 2014–15. He returned to Port on a free transfer in April 2022, helping them secure the title in 2023 and 2024, and the in 2024. Internationally, Zhang debuted for the national team in 2010 and has earned 105 caps, scoring six goals, as of June 2025. He captained the side to victory in the 2010 East Asian Football Championship and has featured in multiple AFC Asian Cups, including as captain in 2023. In 2024, following a frustrating 2–2 draw against in qualifying, Zhang announced his international retirement but retracted the decision days later, reaffirming his commitment to the team. Over his club career, he has won ten titles, three Chinese FA Cups, four Chinese Super Cups, and the two continental honours, establishing himself as one of 's most decorated players.

Early life and youth career

Early life

Zhang Linpeng was born on 9 May 1989 in , Province, . He was raised in a working-class family facing financial hardships in ; his father, Zhang Guoqiang, worked as a railway employee and was frequently away from home in Feicheng, while his mother, Ma Ying, worked at a local school. The family's modest circumstances were such that Zhang Guoqiang had to relinquish his own promising career as a semi-professional middle- and long-distance runner, despite notable achievements in provincial competitions in . Zhang's childhood in was shaped by this environment of economic constraint and parental dedication, with daily life revolving around his parents' efforts to provide stability amid limited resources. His initial exposure to sports stemmed from his father's athletic background and passion for football, which sparked Zhang's early personal interest in physical activities despite the family's challenges. At age seven, influenced by his father's encouragement, he transitioned into organized football training.

Youth career

Zhang began organized football at age seven with Zhengli Football School, was scouted by Hainiu at age eight and joined their youth setup from 1997 to 1999, briefly trained with Mingfeng from 1999 to 2000, and then developed at the from 2001 to 2005, where he honed his defensive skills before progressing to East Asia in 2007. Zhang Linpeng earned six caps for the national under-19 team, establishing himself as a promising defender during his time with the squad. His leadership emerged prominently when he was appointed captain for the 2008 AFC U-19 Championship in , where he guided the team through the group stages and into the quarter-finals. Following this success, Zhang was promoted to the China national under-23 team ahead of the 2009 East Asian Games in Hong Kong, where he contributed to the squad's efforts despite their group-stage exit. Over his under-23 tenure from 2009 to 2010, he accumulated nine caps and scored one goal, further solidifying his role as a key defensive figure with strong aerial presence and tackling ability. These youth international experiences marked the beginning of Zhang's development into a commanding centre-back, with his captaincy at the under-19 level underscoring his natural leadership qualities that would carry into his senior career.

Club career

Shanghai East Asia

Zhang Linpeng signed his first professional contract with East Asia in 2006, transitioning directly from the club's youth academy to the senior team as the club competed in the Chinese third tier. At just 17 years old, he quickly established himself as a promising defender, contributing to the squad's youthful and dynamic style under founder Xu Genbao. During the 2007 China League Two season, Zhang played a key role in East Asia's successful campaign, helping the team secure promotion to by winning the third-tier title. His defensive solidity and versatility were instrumental in the club's rise, earning them the moniker "China's Manchester United" for their exciting, academy-driven play. Zhang became a regular starter, solidifying his position in the backline amid the team's ascent. Over his four-year stint from 2006 to 2010, Zhang made 65 appearances and scored 2 goals across all competitions, showcasing his growth from a raw talent to a reliable starting defender. His contributions during this developmental phase laid the foundation for his future success, as the club continued to build on its promotions and youth-focused philosophy.

Guangzhou Evergrande

In November 2010, Zhang Linpeng transferred from East Asia to Evergrande for a fee of ¥12 million, marking a significant step in his professional career as the club aimed to build a dominant force in Chinese and Asian football. He made his debut for Guangzhou on April 2, 2011, in a 1–0 away win against Teda, quickly establishing himself as a versatile defender capable of playing both center-back and right-back. Over the next 11 seasons, from to 2021, Zhang featured in 306 matches for across all competitions, scoring 19 goals and providing defensive solidity that underpinned the team's success. His contributions were pivotal in securing eight titles (, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019), including a record seven consecutive championships from to 2017, where his aerial prowess and tactical awareness helped maintain one of the league's strongest backlines. Zhang's tenure also included two AFC Champions League victories in 2013 and 2015, where he played every minute of the 2013 campaign and contributed to Guangzhou becoming the first Chinese club to win the continental title, advancing on away goals after a 3–3 aggregate in the final against (2–2 first leg, 1–1 second leg). In 2015, his experience was highlighted as key to overcoming 2–1 on aggregate in the semifinals (1–1 first leg, 1–0 second leg) en route to a 1–0 aggregate win over Al-Ahli in the final. Domestically, he helped win two Chinese FA Cups (2012, 2016) and four Chinese Super Cups (2012, 2016, 2017, 2018), solidifying his role as a cornerstone of the club's golden era.

Shanghai Port

In April 2022, Zhang Linpeng rejoined Port on a free transfer from , signing a contract until the end of 2025. This move marked his return to the club, which had been rebranded from Shanghai SIPG in 2021 and was formerly known as during his initial youth and early professional stint. Since his arrival, Zhang has been a key defensive figure for Port, providing veteran leadership and stability at center-back. As of November 19, 2025, he has accumulated 78 appearances and 4 goals across all competitions, contributing to the team's competitive campaigns in the and continental tournaments. His experience has been instrumental in mentoring younger defenders and maintaining defensive solidity during high-stakes matches. Zhang played a pivotal role in Shanghai Port's successful title win, his first with the club and ninth overall league honor in his career; the team clinched the championship with a 1–1 draw against Shandong Taishan on 29 October 2023. He continued to contribute to the team's dominance, helping secure the title with a 5–0 win over Tianjin Jinmen Tiger on 2 November 2024. During these title-winning seasons, his contributions included crucial assists and defensive interventions, such as setting up the opening goal in a key fixture against the eventual runners-up. This success underscored his enduring impact as a seasoned professional in the league.

International career

Youth career

Zhang Linpeng earned six caps for the national under-19 team, establishing himself as a promising defender during his time with the . His emerged prominently when he was appointed captain for the 2008 AFC U-19 Championship in , where he guided the team through the group stages and into the quarter-finals. Following this success, Zhang was promoted to the national under-23 team ahead of the 2009 in , where he contributed to the 's efforts despite their group-stage exit. Over his under-23 tenure from 2009 to 2010, he accumulated nine caps and scored one goal, further solidifying his role as a key defensive figure with strong aerial presence and tackling ability. These youth international experiences marked the beginning of Zhang's development into a commanding centre-back, with his at the under-19 level underscoring his natural qualities that would carry into his senior career.

Senior career

Zhang Linpeng made his senior international debut for the China PR national on 30 December 2009, starting in a friendly match against in that ended in a 2–2 draw; he marked the occasion by scoring his first international with a curled effort from a corner in the 33rd minute. Early in his senior career, Zhang captained to victory in the 2010 East Asian Football Championship. Over the ensuing years, he established himself as a reliable centre-back and occasional right-back, contributing to multiple campaigns in tournaments (2011, 2015, 2019, and 2023) and qualifiers. By 21 November 2023, he had earned his 100th cap during a 0–3 home defeat to in a qualifier. As of November 2025, Zhang has accumulated 105 caps and scored 6 goals in total for . Zhang assumed the captaincy for the in , leading in Group A matches that resulted in goalless draws against and before a 0–1 loss to , leading to an early group-stage exit. In March 2024, during 2026 World Cup qualifying, he captained to a 2–2 draw against on 21 March but publicly announced his from international duty afterward, citing the "disgraceful" result as a breaking point. He reversed the decision days later but was benched for the return fixture against on 26 March, a 4–1 victory. Zhang has not appeared for the national team in subsequent matches through 2025.

Personal life

Family

Zhang Linpeng married his wife, Wang Qiaozhi, on May 21, 2011, in a low-key registry ceremony in , Province, shortly after he turned 22. The couple, who met through a mutual acquaintance when Wang was a 20-year-old dance teacher, have maintained a supportive partnership throughout his professional career. Their first son, nicknamed "Tuan Ge," was born on September 1, 2014, weighing approximately 3.2 kg, marking a joyful milestone for the family during Zhang's time with Guangzhou Evergrande. A second son arrived on June 23, 2019, also healthy and weighing around 3.66 kg, further strengthening their family unit. In public interviews, Zhang and Wang have shared insights into their family dynamics, emphasizing mutual respect and affection; Zhang often expresses remorse during minor disagreements to preserve harmony. Wang has been a steadfast presence at matches, accompanying other players' spouses, and the couple prioritizes work-life balance by incorporating family into his routine. Their home features a dedicated study displaying memorabilia like match tickets, symbolizing shared experiences, while the sons' enthusiasm for football—mimicking their father's celebrations—highlights a nurturing environment that blends with his sporting legacy. This familial support has occasionally aided Zhang during career transitions, providing emotional stability amid professional demands.

Ethnicity

Zhang Linpeng is of Hui ethnicity, one of 's 56 officially recognized ethnic groups and the largest Muslim minority in the country. The Hui, numbering over 10 million, are primarily descendants of Central Asian, Arab, and Persian traders who settled in during the Tang and dynasties, blending Islamic traditions with culture. As a Hui, Zhang adheres to core Islamic principles, including the avoidance of , which distinguishes Hui dietary practices from the broader Han majority in . This ethnic background contributes to his public persona as a representative of 's ethnic diversity within the national football team. In the context of Chinese , Hui identity often emphasizes a harmonious integration of religious observance with national unity, influencing personal and communal life through mosques, food networks, and cultural festivals like .

Career statistics

Shanghai East Asia

SeasonLeagueAppsGoals
200600
200720
2008151
2009221
2010261
Total653
Zhang Linpeng began his professional career with Shanghai East Asia in 2006, contributing to the team's promotion from to at the end of the 2007 season.

Guangzhou Evergrande

During his tenure with Evergrande from 2011 to 2022, Zhang Linpeng was instrumental in the club's dominant era, helping secure multiple domestic and continental titles as a key defender. The team won eight titles in 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2019. They also claimed two AFC Champions League trophies in 2013 and 2015, two Chinese FA Cups in 2012 and 2016, and four Chinese FA Super Cups in 2012, 2016, 2017, and 2018.

Shanghai Port

SeasonLeagueAppsGoals
2022110
2023250
2024210
202580
Total650
Returning to Shanghai Port in 2022, Zhang Linpeng played a pivotal role in the club's resurgence, including providing crucial assists in title-clinching matches. The team won the in 2023. They defended the CSL title in 2024, finishing with 78 points from 30 matches. Additionally, Shanghai Port captured their first in 2024, defeating Shandong Taishan 3-1 in the final.

International

Zhang Linpeng's international career with the Chinese national teams spans both youth and senior levels, marked by consistent participation in major regional tournaments. At the youth level, he represented the U-23 team, including appearances in the 2009 .
CompetitionAppsGoals
Total1056
Zhang made his senior international debut for in 2009 and went on to earn 105 caps and score 6 goals as of November 2025. He participated in four editions of the , appearing in 14 matches across the 2011, 2015, 2019, and 2023 tournaments, serving as captain in the latter. As a defensive mainstay, he featured prominently in FIFA World Cup qualification campaigns, logging 36 appearances and 1 goal in Asian qualifiers. His contributions extended to the East Asian Football Championship, where he helped secure the 2010 title—its sole victory in the competition during his career—and participated in the 2013 and 2017 editions, totaling 6 appearances. Overall, Zhang's international achievements include 1 regional title and extensive involvement in Asia's premier national team competitions up to 2025.

Honours

Club

Shanghai East Asia

Guangzhou Evergrande

Shanghai Port

International

  • East Asian Football Championship: 2010

Individual

  • Team of the Year: 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2018
  • AFC Champions League Dream Team: 2013, 2015

References

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