However, after returning to China, Yan Xinyu did not enter the first team of Shenhua as he wished. He worked in the reserve team for a long time and became a senior reserve player. Although he represented Shenhua in the U23 League and Reserve Team League several times in 2018 and 2019, he never broke through the threshold of entering the first team.
In 2020, Yan Xinyu left Shenhua and moved to Nantong Zhiyun, which was still in the Central League at the time. This was supposed to be his chance to prove himself, but unfortunately, he didn't play his way out of society at Nantong Zhiyun. Since then, Yan Xinyu has played for Inner Mongolia Flying on Grass, Shaoxing Shangyu Yilong and other teams in the Central League and Central League B, but failed to gain a firm foothold in the team.
Nevertheless, Yan Xinyu's luck is still quite good. He caught up with the golden period of the Chinese Super League's "golden dollar soccer" and the new U23 policy. Even if he works in the reserve team, his annual salary can reach about 1 million. This is definitely a lot of money in today's Chinese Super League.
Last season, Yan Xinyu also played for Central B team Hubei Young Stars and scored in the AFC Cup. However, at the end of last season, Yan Xinyu did not get the club to renew his contract. The 29-year-old Yan Xinyu had no choice but to retire.
Due to his soccer training since he was a child and did not study seriously for several years, Yan Xinyu was not well educated and had no other skills. In the economic downturn, he couldn't find a suitable job, so he had to choose to sell fried rice at a street stall to earn a living.
Many fans were surprised by this change from professional players to street vendors. At the same time, it also caused people to reflect on the development model of Chinese soccer. In a way, Yan Xinyu's situation is by no means an isolated case, but epitomizes the systematic problems of Chinese soccer.
Of course, we admire Yan Xinyu's courage and ability to survive in the face of adversity. Not everyone who earns a million dollars a year can make such a choice. As a 95-year-old, Yan Xinyu chose to be self-reliant instead of waiting for opportunities. This attitude deserves to be recognized by everyone.
At the same time, Yan Xinyu's experience serves as a warning to other young players. While pursuing his soccer dreams, he should also plan ahead and prepare for his future career. After all, professional soccer career is short, life has a long way to go.
