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Zhang Linpeng
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Key Information
| Zhang Linpeng | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Simplified Chinese | 张琳芃 | ||||||||
| Traditional Chinese | 張琳芃 | ||||||||
| |||||||||
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]
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]
| 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 | ||
- ^ a b c d e Appearances in Chinese FA Super Cup
- ^ One appearance in Chinese FA Super Cup, three appearances in FIFA Club World Cup
- ^ One appearance in Chinese FA Super Cup, two appearances in FIFA Club World Cup
International
[edit]| 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.
| No. | Date | Venue | Opponent | Score | Result | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 30 December 2009 | Meihu Sports Centre, Yiwu, China | 1–0 | 2–2 | Friendly | |
| 2 | 14 January 2010 | Mỹ Đình National Stadium, Hanoi, Vietnam | 2–0 | 2–1 | 2011 AFC Asian Cup qualifier | |
| 3 | 8 October 2010 | Tuodong Sports Center, Kunming, China | 2–0 | 2–1 | Friendly | |
| 4 | 8 January 2011 | Thani bin Jassim Stadium, Doha, Qatar | 1–0 | 2–0 | 2011 AFC Asian Cup | |
| 5 | 8 September 2015 | Shenyang Sports Center, Shenyang, China | 3–0 | 3–0 | 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier | |
| 6 | 16 June 2023 | Dalian Barracuda Bay Football Stadium, Dalian, China | 1–0 | 4–0 | Friendly |
Honours
[edit]Shanghai Port
Guangzhou Evergrande
- Chinese Super League: 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019
- AFC Champions League: 2013, 2015
- Chinese FA Cup: 2012,[36] 2016[37]
- Chinese FA Super Cup: 2012, 2016, 2017, 2018
China
Individual
- Chinese Super League Team of the Year: 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2018
- AFC Champions League Dream Team: 2013, 2015
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "FIFA Club World Cup Morocco 2013: List of Players" (PDF). FIFA. 11 December 2013. p. 6. Archived from the original (PDF) on 11 December 2013.
- ^ Atkins, Chris. "Zhang giving Chinese game needed boost". espnfc.com. Retrieved 4 October 2013.
- ^ "里皮确认巴里奥斯广州德比首秀 评国安是最强对手". sina.com. 9 July 2012. Retrieved 6 May 2013.
- ^ "Cucina italiana e lavoro europeo: qui sto davvero benissimo". La Gazzetta dello Sport. 8 July 2012. Retrieved 6 May 2013.
- ^ "China 2007". RSSSF. 18 April 2008. Archived from the original on 17 October 2012. Retrieved 25 September 2012.
- ^ "China 2009". RSSSF. 23 April 2010. Archived from the original on 15 October 2012. Retrieved 25 September 2012.
- ^ "恒大巧避足协限价令 1200万天价签约国足红人". sports.163.com. 26 November 2010. Archived from the original on 5 March 2012. Retrieved 25 September 2012.
- ^ "最贵外援一剑封喉 恒大1-0实德开门红". sports.sohu.com. 2 April 2011. Retrieved 25 September 2012.
- ^ "张琳芃赴意大利检查伤情 若手术至少休战三个月". sports.sohu.com. 12 February 2015. Retrieved 21 September 2015.
- ^ "张琳芃自曝赴意大利手术成功 期待尽快重返球场". sports.163.com. 14 February 2015. Retrieved 21 September 2015.
- ^ "Ausilio blocca il turco Ozyakup Offerto Zhang". La Gazzetta dello Sport. 15 February 2015. Retrieved 21 September 2015.
- ^ "Mancini, tutti nel mirino "Se prendiamo la porta la Lazio si può battere..."". La Gazzetta dello Sport. 4 May 2015. Retrieved 21 September 2015.
- ^ "国米欲买张琳芃恒大标价1000万欧元". sports.163.com. 14 March 2015. Archived from the original on 5 March 2016. Retrieved 21 September 2015.
- ^ "中超-埃神失点球张琳芃建功难救主 恒大1-2建业". sports.163.com. 3 April 2015. Retrieved 21 September 2015.
- ^ "中超-张琳芃60米吊射埃神两球 恒大6-1胜辽足". sports.sina.com. 12 April 2015. Retrieved 21 September 2015.
- ^ "张琳芃因膝伤缺阵一个月 悲催!2015年已两度重伤". sports.163.com. 28 May 2015. Retrieved 21 September 2015.
- ^ "恒大官方宣布续约张琳芃 签五年效力至2020". sports.sina.com. 20 July 2015. Retrieved 21 September 2015.
- ^ "舜天vs恒大首发:埃神张琳芃领衔5大伤员复出". sports.sina.com. 12 August 2015. Retrieved 21 September 2015.
- ^ "Chelsea transfer news: Mourinho confident of securing defender Zhang Linpeng's signature". The Daily Telegraph. 28 August 2015. Retrieved 21 September 2015.
- ^ "Zhang's 'dream' transfer to Chelsea off". China Internet Information Center. 1 September 2015. Retrieved 21 September 2015.
- ^ "官方:现役国脚张琳芃、徐新加盟上海海港" (in Chinese). Dongqiudi. 29 April 2022. Retrieved 29 April 2022.
- ^ "海港1-1山东夺队史第二个中超冠军,双方各罚下两人" (in Chinese). Dongqiudi. 29 October 2023. Retrieved 2 February 2024.
- ^ "MATCH SUMMARY - Afc" (PDF). the-afc.com. 8 November 2008. Archived from the original (PDF) on 19 September 2012. Retrieved 25 September 2012.
- ^ "Hong Kong vs DPR Korea - HKFA". hkfa.com. 10 December 2009. Retrieved 25 September 2012.
- ^ "China PR 2-2 Jordan". teamchina.freehostia.com. 30 December 2009. Retrieved 25 September 2012.
- ^ "Sensational Cahill sends Socceroos into semi-finals". Socceroos. 22 January 2015. Retrieved 15 January 2024.
- ^ "国足0:3伊朗!朱广沪爆内情,称赞一人表现,张琳芃感言意味深长". Toutiao (in Chinese). Retrieved 15 January 2024.
- ^ "迎来国脚生涯百场里程碑,张琳芃获赠纪念球衣" (in Chinese). Dongqiudi. 22 November 2023. Retrieved 19 February 2024.
- ^ "Group A: China PR 0-0 Tajikistan". Asian Football Confederation. 13 January 2024. Retrieved 15 January 2024.
- ^ "China captain Zhang announces retirement U-turn". BBC Sport. 25 March 2024.
- ^ "张琳芃:右臂纹身献给妻子 有机会一定回山东效力". sports.163.com. 23 August 2013. Retrieved 21 September 2015.
- ^ "同样都是回民,为什么武磊没有纹身,而张琳芃把自己画成了地图?". www.sohu.com. Retrieved 26 July 2023.[permanent dead link]
- ^ "张琳芃周末登记结婚". Guangzhou Daily. 19 May 2011. Retrieved 21 September 2015.
- ^ "张琳芃喜当爹晒爱子萌照 网友:再生10个组个国足". sports.163.com. 2 September 2014. Retrieved 21 September 2015.
- ^ a b Zhang Linpeng at Soccerway
- ^ "足协杯-张琳芃传射8024两球 恒大总分5-3贵州夺冠". Sports.sina.com.cn. 18 November 2012. Retrieved 20 August 2019.
- ^ 足协杯-黄博文世界波救主 恒大总分3-3苏宁夺冠 (in Chinese). Sports.sina.com.cn. 27 November 2016. Retrieved 20 August 2019.
External links
[edit]- Zhang Linpeng at National-Football-Teams.com
- Zhang Linpeng at WorldFootball.net
- Biography at hudong.com
Zhang Linpeng
View on GrokipediaEarly life and youth career
Early life
Zhang Linpeng was born on 9 May 1989 in Jinan, Shandong Province, China.[8] He was raised in a working-class family facing financial hardships in Jinan; 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.[9][10] 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 Shandong.[8] Zhang's childhood in Jinan 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.[8] 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.[8] At age seven, influenced by his father's encouragement, he transitioned into organized football training.[8]Youth career
Zhang began organized football at age seven with Jinan Zhengli Football School, was scouted by Qingdao Hainiu at age eight and joined their youth setup from 1997 to 1999, briefly trained with Guangdong Mingfeng from 1999 to 2000, and then developed at the Genbao Football Academy from 2001 to 2005, where he honed his defensive skills before progressing to Shanghai East Asia in 2007.[8] Zhang Linpeng earned six caps for the China 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 Saudi Arabia, where he guided the team through the group stages and into the quarter-finals.[11][12] 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.[13][14] 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.[1]Club career
Shanghai East Asia
Zhang Linpeng signed his first professional contract with Shanghai 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.[15] During the 2007 China League Two season, Zhang played a key role in Shanghai East Asia's successful campaign, helping the team secure promotion to China League One 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.[15] 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.[1]Guangzhou Evergrande
In November 2010, Zhang Linpeng transferred from Shanghai East Asia to Guangzhou 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.[16] He made his debut for Guangzhou on April 2, 2011, in a 1–0 away win against Tianjin Teda, quickly establishing himself as a versatile defender capable of playing both center-back and right-back.[17] Over the next 11 seasons, from 2011 to 2021, Zhang featured in 306 matches for Guangzhou across all competitions, scoring 19 goals and providing defensive solidity that underpinned the team's success.[17] His contributions were pivotal in securing eight Chinese Super League titles (2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019), including a record seven consecutive championships from 2011 to 2017, where his aerial prowess and tactical awareness helped maintain one of the league's strongest backlines.[18][19] 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 FC Seoul (2–2 first leg, 1–1 second leg).[5] In 2015, his experience was highlighted as key to overcoming Gamba Osaka 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.[20] 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.[5]Shanghai Port
In April 2022, Zhang Linpeng rejoined Shanghai Port on a free transfer from Guangzhou FC, signing a contract until the end of 2025.[1] This move marked his return to the club, which had been rebranded from Shanghai SIPG in 2021 and was formerly known as Shanghai East Asia during his initial youth and early professional stint. Since his arrival, Zhang has been a key defensive figure for Shanghai 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 Chinese Super League and continental tournaments.[17][21] 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 2023 Chinese Super League 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.[22] He continued to contribute to the team's dominance, helping secure the 2024 Chinese Super League title with a 5–0 win over Tianjin Jinmen Tiger on 2 November 2024.[23] 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.[22] This success underscored his enduring impact as a seasoned professional in the league.International career
Youth career
Zhang Linpeng earned six caps for the China 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 Saudi Arabia, where he guided the team through the group stages and into the quarter-finals.[11][12] 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.[13][14] 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.[1]Senior career
Zhang Linpeng made his senior international debut for the China PR national football team on 30 December 2009, starting in a friendly match against Jordan in Yiwu that ended in a 2–2 draw; he marked the occasion by scoring his first international goal with a curled effort from a corner in the 33rd minute.[24][25] Early in his senior career, Zhang captained China 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 AFC Asian Cup tournaments (2011, 2015, 2019, and 2023) and FIFA World Cup qualifiers.[5] By 21 November 2023, he had earned his 100th cap during a 0–3 home defeat to South Korea in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier.[26] As of November 2025, Zhang has accumulated 105 caps and scored 6 goals in total for China.[26] Zhang assumed the captaincy for the 2023 AFC Asian Cup in Qatar, leading China in Group A matches that resulted in goalless draws against Tajikistan and Lebanon before a 0–1 loss to Qatar, leading to an early group-stage exit.[27] In March 2024, during 2026 World Cup qualifying, he captained China to a 2–2 draw against Singapore on 21 March but publicly announced his retirement from international duty afterward, citing the "disgraceful" result as a breaking point.[6][28] He reversed the decision days later but was benched for the return fixture against Singapore on 26 March, a 4–1 victory.[7][29] Zhang has not appeared for the national team in subsequent matches through 2025.[30][26]Personal life
Family
Zhang Linpeng married his wife, Wang Qiaozhi, on May 21, 2011, in a low-key registry ceremony in Jinan, Shandong Province, shortly after he turned 22.[31] The couple, who met through a mutual acquaintance when Wang was a 20-year-old kindergarten dance teacher, have maintained a supportive partnership throughout his professional career.[32] 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.[32] A second son arrived on June 23, 2019, also healthy and weighing around 3.66 kg, further strengthening their family unit.[33] 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.[32] 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.[32] 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 personal life with his sporting legacy.[32] This familial support has occasionally aided Zhang during career transitions, providing emotional stability amid professional demands.[32]Ethnicity
Zhang Linpeng is of Hui ethnicity, one of China's 56 officially recognized ethnic groups and the largest Muslim minority in the country.[34][35] The Hui, numbering over 10 million, are primarily descendants of Central Asian, Arab, and Persian traders who settled in China during the Tang and Song dynasties, blending Islamic traditions with Han Chinese culture.[36] As a Hui, Zhang adheres to core Islamic principles, including the avoidance of pork, which distinguishes Hui dietary practices from the broader Han majority in China.[36] This ethnic background contributes to his public persona as a representative of China's ethnic diversity within the national football team.[37] In the context of Chinese society, Hui identity often emphasizes a harmonious integration of religious observance with national unity, influencing personal and communal life through mosques, halal food networks, and cultural festivals like Eid al-Fitr.[36]Career statistics
Shanghai East Asia
| Season | League | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | China League Two | 0 | 0 |
| 2007 | China League Two | 2 | 0 |
| 2008 | China League One | 15 | 1 |
| 2009 | China League One | 22 | 1 |
| 2010 | China League One | 26 | 1 |
| Total | 65 | 3 |
Guangzhou Evergrande
| Season | League | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Chinese Super League | 20 | 2 |
| 2012 | Chinese Super League | 24 | 3 |
| 2013 | Chinese Super League | 22 | 3 |
| 2014 | Chinese Super League | 25 | 2 |
| 2015 | Chinese Super League | 26 | 1 |
| 2016 | Chinese Super League | 25 | 2 |
| 2017 | Chinese Super League | 19 | 1 |
| 2018 | Chinese Super League | 15 | 0 |
| 2019 | Chinese Super League | 14 | 0 |
| 2020 | Chinese Super League | 11 | 0 |
| 2021 | Chinese Super League | 22 | 0 |
| Total | 223 | 14 |
Shanghai Port
| Season | League | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Chinese Super League | 11 | 0 |
| 2023 | Chinese Super League | 25 | 0 |
| 2024 | Chinese Super League | 21 | 0 |
| 2025 | Chinese Super League | 8 | 0 |
| Total | 65 | 0 |
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 China U-23 team, including appearances in the 2009 East Asian Games.[1]| Competition | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| Total | 105 | 6 |
Honours
Club
Shanghai East Asia
- Promotion to China League One: 2007[1]
Guangzhou Evergrande
- Chinese Super League: 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019[38]
- AFC Champions League: 2013, 2015[38]
- Chinese FA Cup: 2012, 2016[38]
- Chinese FA Super Cup: 2011, 2012, 2016, 2017[38]
Shanghai Port
- Chinese Super League: 2023, 2024[1][39]
- Chinese FA Cup: 2024[40]
- Chinese FA Super Cup: 2024[44]
International
- East Asian Football Championship: 2010[5]
Individual
- Chinese Super League Team of the Year: 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2018
- AFC Champions League Dream Team: 2013, 2015
