China’s dreams of football glory may be achieved through gaming
Zhao Yitang had always dreamed of playing football for China and this summer he finally did – not in boots on a pitch, but on a smartphone
Zhao Yitang had always dreamed of playing football for China and this summer he finally did – not in boots on a pitch, but on a smartphone.
As the global popularity of football eSports grows, China is vying for success on the virtual pitch, following decades of struggles in the real-life sport.
The Chinese Football Association (CFA) has announced plans to form its own national eSports football team, kindling hopes for players like Zhao.
“If I could join the national team I would go all-out in my efforts for the side,” the gamer told AFP.
Recent graduate Zhao, 21, reached the final of this year’s “eFootball” championship in Tokyo, finishing in second place.
It was China’s best international result in the game formerly known as Pro Evolution Soccer, which dominates the football eSports genre along with “EA Sports FC Online”.